I was contacted by Lex Inc. Approximately two weeks ago (mid September) about an alleged application I made with this company for employment. I have made so many online applications for a second job I can't keep track of them all. At first, this opportunity seemed legitimate. But, as things progressed I became very suspicious when this company began to pressure me for banking information in some of the worst English I have ever seen. I teach elementary school and was amazed at the spelling and grammatical errors on their web pages and in their communications with me through e-mail. These were my first "red flags".
I was told that I would have a two week trial period of employment to "see if this position was going to work out for me" and that I would be paid $1000.00 for the trial period. If the trial period was successful the company promised me a one year contract at $24,000.00 a year or $2000.00 monthly. They even sent me an employment agreement that looks very legitimate but no tax forms (W-4, I-9, & state withholding forms) or compensation forms for direct deposit.
My first task was to locate a Russian artist and to commission him for a re-creation of a painting that had been purchased by a client in Dallas, TX that had been damaged in shipping. The client in Dallas was supposedly gifting this piece of art to one of their vendors and needed the new copy of the painting as soon as possible.
I did my part and contacted the art gallery in Russia, supposedly, by e-mail. I got an immediate response from the artist saying they could redo the painting but would only accept cash. I forwarded this in formation on to Thomas Andrews, if that's a real name, and he congratulated me on accomplishing something no one else had been able to do.
I got a reply from the art gallery in Russia asking for payment to be sent Western Union because they had received the signed agreement and invoice for the painting which I had arranged for. I too forwarded this on to the famous Thomas Andrews.
In the meantime, I was sent my second task which was to prepare a report on rental cars and limos near the Kansas City area for traveling clients. This seemed legitimate too but I was becoming more and more suspicious and told them I was done performing services for them until I received legitimate paperwork for compensation and tax withholding. The following message is what I got in reply to being unwilling to continue and after I had supposedly satisfied all of the first task.
"You are hired as a part time personal assistant to our clients. Sometimes you will need to find something over the internet, sometime do something real. Or you were under the impression you will be paid $2,000 a month for sitting in front of your PC and looking for VIP taxi?
Now, in regards to this specific task its from our existing VIP Corporate client. They purchase tons of souvenirs and stuff like that with our help, and have been using our services for over a year.
They are used to pay for everything online with their corporate US account. Its a corporation. They do not waste their time of going to western union, communication with the artist, send to who, when, where, OK? They wont be doing something they can par for, you know these VIPs. Thats what they have assistants for.
What you actually did is suggested our client or me do your work, what you are paid for. Its your task, not mine. My task is to prove feedback based on your results. Yes, we do not send company cards to people on the trial period, only upon completion, once we sign up a longer term agreement with you.
If you can get account from the art gallery. If no set up a new savings or checking account, or provide with existing one. There is nothing complicated. It will take you 30 minutes to make it to any bank and set up an account. You can keep it for future salary deposits from us, or close upon completion. You may even get someone
elses account. It is clearly specified in the agreement and the employment confirmation - if there is something you have to buy during your trial period (before you are sent a company card), they money will be sent you prior making the purchase. This is the case. Its a normal procedure."
This is a scam folks! Any time you have to pay for anything or provide a bank account number for your employer to reimburse you it's a scam. I researched this company more to only find numerous reports nearly exactly the same as my situation.
Luckily I have not been ripped off but I was about to be. Don't fall for this!!
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