Almost scammed

[angela920 0]

To all the Visajourney goers:

Thank you for all your replies to my questions.

Recently, I posted a topic "I have a job interview on Monday". Well I found out that it is a scam. When the receptionist called me, I didn't really hear the company name and didn't bother to ask because shes giving me a contact info as to where to go for my "interview" also she said she'll be sending me email to remind. So, i said to myself "ok i will know the name of the company when she sends the email"

I received an email Sunday night. The name of the company is VECTOR MARKETING (you can search it up in google and find many complains about them). They are associated with Cutco Cutlery company (i don't know if you have heard of it). They tell you there is no telemarketing, no cold calls and no experience required (they provide the training). So i went to their website and yes there is a training for 3 days.... but it is not paid!

They also make you buy a knives from them (you sell knives door to door) but they tell you it is a deposit. I think the knife is about $150 before you can start your job. They also have a mandatory meetings every weekend. All in all... they make you buy their knives and training is unpaid.

I think nowadays it is very hard to find a job but I am not giving up. I applied for different companies and have not received anything so far. Those who contacted me are either scam or very strong sales. I am wondering somehow if my experience in the Philippines is not helping at all?

I only worked for a year in Teletech as a technical support. You know how it works in a call center. You have a different supervisor every 2 weeks. I have encountered a lot of companies testing website who don't have an option for international location and numbers (can't proceed if you don't fill it up)

Now I feel like putting my experience in the Philippines will not help me at all. -sigh- I could use some advice. Thank you!

[Otto 83]

Lesson to learn:

Be wary of companies offering this/similar positions - no experience required, work at home, blah blah blah..

Am amazed these companies are allowed to list-on/solicit-from major job listing sites (HotJobs, Monster etc).

[LA80 3]

A few days ago, I got one of those job offer e-mails. You know how it goes...work at home for 3,000 to 4,000 a month, job takes 1 to 2 hours a day, you do not pay any type of taxes...blah blah blah. I cannot believe people still fall for that.

Considering advice, I'm kinda in the same boat, desperately looking for something. I had a temporary job for 5 weeks thanks to the staffing agency although that was not even close to what I used to do and what I told them I wanted to do.

[rheanick 42]

To all the Visajourney goers:

Thank you for all your replies to my questions.

Recently, I posted a topic "I have a job interview on Monday". Well I found out that it is a scam. When the receptionist called me, I didn't really hear the company name and didn't bother to ask because shes giving me a contact info as to where to go for my "interview" also she said she'll be sending me email to remind. So, i said to myself "ok i will know the name of the company when she sends the email"

I received an email Sunday night. The name of the company is VECTOR MARKETING (you can search it up in google and find many complains about them). They are associated with Cutco Cutlery company (i don't know if you have heard of it). They tell you there is no telemarketing, no cold calls and no experience required (they provide the training). So i went to their website and yes there is a training for 3 days.... but it is not paid!

They also make you buy a knives from them (you sell knives door to door) but they tell you it is a deposit. I think the knife is about $150 before you can start your job. They also have a mandatory meetings every weekend. All in all... they make you buy their knives and training is unpaid.

I think nowadays it is very hard to find a job but I am not giving up. I applied for different companies and have not received anything so far. Those who contacted me are either scam or very strong sales. I am wondering somehow if my experience in the Philippines is not helping at all?

I only worked for a year in Teletech as a technical support. You know how it works in a call center. You have a different supervisor every 2 weeks. I have encountered a lot of companies testing website who don't have an option for international location and numbers (can't proceed if you don't fill it up)

Now I feel like putting my experience in the Philippines will not help me at all. -sigh- I could use some advice. Thank you!

There are so many scams right now. If a company requires an applicant to give deposit or would apply other forms to get money from you, be warned about it.

So far the only advise i could give you is to do network. Network has higher percentage of job acceptance.

Remember that i posted on your other thread that my husband is also helping me network. My hubby informed me that manager he is talking with informed him that they are hiring people with the same qualifiacations as mine. I just saw in Yahoo news that the company is really hiring. When i looked on the list of vacancies, the position i'm aiming for has several openings. I would meet the manager this week just to introduce myself to him. BTW, i'm not applying for job yet. I'm just expanding my network.

Don't loss hope.

Edited April 27, 2009 by rheanick

[RonMay 1]

wow sorry to hear that but to be honest we've been scammed numerous of times or more already on craigslist.com and maybe it cost us heartaches and money plus TIME... major scam no#1. we're looking at houses for rent in florida and we found a good deal (maybe $500 less for what its really worth/month) we contact the person and he said he's on a mission right now and out of the country... so we thought ok no big deal we just deal with his rep to let us see the house. exchanged numerous of emails and then he said just wire the money $3000 thru western union and he will mail us the key to the house... he's name "per se" is jones smith and when he called his freakin accent is nigerian! what a piss of sh!t! douche!!! wow!!! we never send him money of course!!! lol

major scam no#2 i always wanted to go to disney in florida (been to fl 3 times already and never seen disney/mickey mouse heheh) so i told my hubby that since we're going to fl might as well go to disney this time. he said YES to it... we found a lady from another state tennessee i think and said she had 10 tix (tickets) for disney! sweet i thought. when we landed in fl. a friend of ours has been in contact w/ this lady and "he" thinks its legit. (note we've been burned w/ scammers before)... so my hubby talked to her on the phone and she said she's not a scammer and just wire the money using money gram at walmart and she'll fedex the tix overnight. hubby was skeptical but his friend said we should trust her. and so we did buy 4 tix from her using our debit card and once we send the money and gave her the no# to claim, she never calls us back anymore and when we called her she wont answer or kept hanging up her phone... we lost $375 from it ... and i wasnt able to see disney nor mickey!!! another lessoned learn!!! a very expensive one... i cant really blame my hubby coz of his friend but we should have known right??? it is what it is...lol... now as for jobs, yes lately craigslist has been bombarded w/ scammers... happened to me and to my hubby when you emailed them, they will give you a link w/ full of questions or shenanigans that is not even related to what you're applying!!!

melissa/martin i am really sorry to what have happen to you... i do wish that you will find a right job God bless

Edited April 27, 2009 by RonMay

[pnrmbr975 1]

I remember asking you what job you were applying for in your previous topic. I know for a fact that it is not that difficult to find a decent job in the bay area if you are not that choosy in most industries (even with a weaker job market now compared to last year's) but you must research the company thoroughly. Be wary of companies advertising jobs that don't specify requirements, job duties or no skills required. And when a company is interested in your application and call you for an interview, ask questions after they have interviewed you.

You may also look at temp. agencies. Again, research their reputation too.

[angela920 0]

wow sorry to hear that but to be honest we've been scammed numerous of times or more already on craigslist.com and maybe it cost us heartaches and money plus TIME... major scam no#1. we're looking at houses for rent in florida and we found a good deal (maybe $500 less for what its really worth/month) we contact the person and he said he's on a mission right now and out of the country... so we thought ok no big deal we just deal with his rep to let us see the house. exchanged numerous of emails and then he said just wire the money $3000 thru western union and he will mail us the key to the house... he's name "per se" is jones smith and when he called his freakin accent is nigerian! what a piss of sh!t! douche!!! wow!!! we never send him money of course!!! lol

major scam no#2 i always wanted to go to disney in florida (been to fl 3 times already and never seen disney/mickey mouse heheh) so i told my hubby that since we're going to fl might as well go to disney this time. he said YES to it... we found a lady from another state tennessee i think and said she had 10 tix (tickets) for disney! sweet i thought. when we landed in fl. a friend of ours has been in contact w/ this lady and "he" thinks its legit. (note we've been burned w/ scammers before)... so my hubby talked to her on the phone and she said she's not a scammer and just wire the money using money gram at walmart and she'll fedex the tix overnight. hubby was skeptical but his friend said we should trust her. and so we did buy 4 tix from her using our debit card and once we send the money and gave her the no# to claim, she never calls us back anymore and when we called her she wont answer or kept hanging up her phone... we lost $375 from it ... and i wasnt able to see disney nor mickey!!! another lessoned learn!!! a very expensive one... i cant really blame my hubby coz of his friend but we should have known right??? it is what it is...lol... now as for jobs, yes lately craigslist has been bombarded w/ scammers... happened to me and to my hubby when you emailed them, they will give you a link w/ full of questions or shenanigans that is not even related to what you're applying!!!

melissa/martin i am really sorry to what have happen to you... i do wish that you will find a right job God bless

Thank you so much for the reply. I am extremely saddened about what happened to me. Raising my hopes high, my expectations of an interview, meeting the manager and practicing my speech in front of the mirror lol. I feel really bad about myself right now. I feel like I am not capable of doing anything. -sigh- and Im also thinking that my experience from the Philippines is not or wont help me at all. I don't know what qualifications they look for as a cashier or even just store associate.

Edited April 27, 2009 by melissa/martin

[angela920 0]

I remember asking you what job you were applying for in your previous topic. I know for a fact that it is not that difficult to find a decent job in the bay area if you are not that choosy in most industries (even with a weaker job market now compared to last year's) but you must research the company thoroughly. Be wary of companies advertising jobs that don't specify requirements, job duties or no skills required. And when a company is interested in your application and call you for an interview, ask questions after they have interviewed you.

You may also look at temp. agencies. Again, research their reputation too.

Thank you. I applied for almost any position available that I am confident enough I can perform. I applied as store associate, cashier, customer service, teller, sales associate etc.. etc.. I can't really broaden my area of search for jobs because I don't have a driver's license yet. I only have a permit and going there means I have to either take a bus or taxi (which my husband don't mind) I also prefer working at night because at least he can take me to work and pick me up in the morning.

[RonMay 1]

wow sorry to hear that but to be honest we've been scammed numerous of times or more already on craigslist.com and maybe it cost us heartaches and money plus TIME... major scam no#1. we're looking at houses for rent in florida and we found a good deal (maybe $500 less for what its really worth/month) we contact the person and he said he's on a mission right now and out of the country... so we thought ok no big deal we just deal with his rep to let us see the house. exchanged numerous of emails and then he said just wire the money $3000 thru western union and he will mail us the key to the house... he's name "per se" is jones smith and when he called his freakin accent is nigerian! what a piss of sh!t! douche!!! wow!!! we never send him money of course!!! lol

major scam no#2 i always wanted to go to disney in florida (been to fl 3 times already and never seen disney/mickey mouse heheh) so i told my hubby that since we're going to fl might as well go to disney this time. he said YES to it... we found a lady from another state tennessee i think and said she had 10 tix (tickets) for disney! sweet i thought. when we landed in fl. a friend of ours has been in contact w/ this lady and "he" thinks its legit. (note we've been burned w/ scammers before)... so my hubby talked to her on the phone and she said she's not a scammer and just wire the money using money gram at walmart and she'll fedex the tix overnight. hubby was skeptical but his friend said we should trust her. and so we did buy 4 tix from her using our debit card and once we send the money and gave her the no# to claim, she never calls us back anymore and when we called her she wont answer or kept hanging up her phone... we lost $375 from it ... and i wasnt able to see disney nor mickey!!! another lessoned learn!!! a very expensive one... i cant really blame my hubby coz of his friend but we should have known right??? it is what it is...lol... now as for jobs, yes lately craigslist has been bombarded w/ scammers... happened to me and to my hubby when you emailed them, they will give you a link w/ full of questions or shenanigans that is not even related to what you're applying!!!

melissa/martin i am really sorry to what have happen to you... i do wish that you will find a right job God bless

Thank you so much for the reply. I am extremely saddened about what happened to me. Raising my hopes high, my expectations of an interview, meeting the manager and practicing my speech in front of the mirror lol. I feel really bad about myself right now. I feel like I am not capable of doing anything. -sigh- and Im also thinking that my experience from the Philippines is not or wont help me at all. I don't know what qualifications they look for as a cashier or even just store associate.

i cant imagine how difficult it is for you right now knowing what you've been thru... i felt like crying when i realized we're not going to disney! like you i had my hopes and spirit up ( i know it sound so silly but if you're wishing this since you're a kid you might understand heheh)... dont lose hope though. i used my experience in phil even though it was so limited and they dont actually seemed to mind. they hired me (ace hardware before) because they're in need asap for a cashier... and i proved it to them that im worth hiring for by giving them good outcome... so i know for sure, one you find another opportunity, i know it will come, have that same hopes and determination in you... sales assoc or cashier can be trained. we know how to count (im not good at math but good thing they have computers to do that job lol) and we know how to greet customers also... as long as the job you're applying is not corporate nor required degree, then most likely they will give you a chance even w/ out experience...

[AmyStan 0]

I agree. Please don't lose hope. It's hard finding a good job, but there is one out there just for you. In an interview, I would stress that you come from a service oriented country and background. When I visited the Philippines, that really stood out for me - that the service was so good and a customer never had to wait for someone to help them. Employers are having to fight for customers, just like folks are fighting for jobs. So if you can show you will provide a good customer experience, that'll be money in their pocket.

[pnrmbr975 1]

I remember asking you what job you were applying for in your previous topic. I know for a fact that it is not that difficult to find a decent job in the bay area if you are not that choosy in most industries (even with a weaker job market now compared to last year's) but you must research the company thoroughly. Be wary of companies advertising jobs that don't specify requirements, job duties or no skills required. And when a company is interested in your application and call you for an interview, ask questions after they have interviewed you.

You may also look at temp. agencies. Again, research their reputation too.

Thank you. I applied for almost any position available that I am confident enough I can perform. I applied as store associate, cashier, customer service, teller, sales associate etc.. etc.. I can't really broaden my area of search for jobs because I don't have a driver's license yet. I only have a permit and going there means I have to either take a bus or taxi (which my husband don't mind) I also prefer working at night because at least he can take me to work and pick me up in the morning.

What avenue do you use in searching and applying for jobs, i.e. submitting your resume, for these job positions store associate, cashier, customer service, teller, sales associate? Do you search jobs at the company's (that you're interested in) website or do random search in sites like Monster Job, Career Builder and craigslist?

[Rocky_nBullwinkle 6]

To all the Visajourney goers:

Thank you for all your replies to my questions.

Recently, I posted a topic "I have a job interview on Monday". Well I found out that it is a scam. When the receptionist called me, I didn't really hear the company name and didn't bother to ask because shes giving me a contact info as to where to go for my "interview" also she said she'll be sending me email to remind. So, i said to myself "ok i will know the name of the company when she sends the email"

I received an email Sunday night. The name of the company is VECTOR MARKETING (you can search it up in google and find many complains about them). They are associated with Cutco Cutlery company (i don't know if you have heard of it). They tell you there is no telemarketing, no cold calls and no experience required (they provide the training). So i went to their website and yes there is a training for 3 days.... but it is not paid!

They also make you buy a knives from them (you sell knives door to door) but they tell you it is a deposit. I think the knife is about $150 before you can start your job. They also have a mandatory meetings every weekend. All in all... they make you buy their knives and training is unpaid.

I think nowadays it is very hard to find a job but I am not giving up. I applied for different companies and have not received anything so far. Those who contacted me are either scam or very strong sales. I am wondering somehow if my experience in the Philippines is not helping at all?

I only worked for a year in Teletech as a technical support. You know how it works in a call center. You have a different supervisor every 2 weeks. I have encountered a lot of companies testing website who don't have an option for international location and numbers (can't proceed if you don't fill it up)

Now I feel like putting my experience in the Philippines will not help me at all. -sigh- I could use some advice. Thank you!

I was amused by the "knife" thing". I remember when I was fresh graduate from college and I was too excited to get a job. I found this ad in the Manila Bullettin offering office position, no training and you start right away. The hiring officer didn't even try to go over my resume. The guy asked me to buy an insurance policy from them if I have the money and then I can start working right away. Scammer. There are indeed scammers everywhere even as far as the Philippines.

It's back to the drawing board for you girl. Don't give up. Some companies are fictitious in Craigslist. You can apply directly to their websites. That's what I did. I did also walk around our neighborhood, even though we live in an unincorporated town, there are some businessess that need extra help. Who knows, maybe they are looking for one. I went applying for a job at all these shops and stores. If you live in the city, you will get more chances to find more employers that are hiring.

Edited April 27, 2009 by Rocky_nBullwinkle

[tallcoolone 102]

Pyramid Schemes aka Mulit Level Marketing is a big scam

They want you to sign up to sell something, and then when you sell what ever product or service to so many people then you get your money back plus some money of what the new people you signed up earn.

Another scam is Used Car Salesman, You sign up to work there and sell a used car to all your buddies and a few months later your canned.

[Donna A 4]

i didnt read the whole thing as it is getting late and im getting tired but i have a question. did u get that interview through a website like monster.com or something similar?

when my husband first got here he signed up with one of those sites asking for the medical field. someone contacted him so he went to the interview and it was like sales where u had to advertise and sell their stuff all urself. i told him no way was he getting involved in something like that.

they did call him a few weeks later to find out if he was going to do it and he told them im a doctor not a salesman.

[Ban Hammer 13,334]

for those using online services to list yourself, set up an email at yahoo or whatever so that way when you do get a job, you can throw away the email and not have to worry about being spammed by people from that site.

remember any job offers that sounds strange, probably are.