XPM Consult
Consumer Report

I had found this job offer on Craigslist. I replied with my resume and received this:

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest.

I received your resume in response to my recent job posting on Craigslist for the position of PERSONAL ASSISTANT. The posting has generated enormous response from interested candidates.

I reviewed your resume and I am impressed.

Your background and experience most closely fit the needs of this position. Statistics show that a resume and interview do not guarantee success, especially in the Information Technology field.

My consulting firm has been in existence for over 10yrs in Ontario, Canada and we are setting up a satellite office in the United States in two weeks from now. Due to my busy schedule, I am always in need of a permanent PERSONAL ASSISTANT to carry out the duties listed below:

- Maintain the general filing system and file all
- Assist in the planning and preparation of meetings, and conference telephone calls
- Make preparations for corporate meetings
- Respond to inquiries
- Provide word-processing and secretarial support
- Type confidential documents on a word-processing system

Skills:

Excellent in English, both verbal & amp; writing effective verbal and listening communications skills, Time management skills.

Personal Attributes:

The incumbent must maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties related to the office. The incumbent must also demonstrate the following additional attributes:

1. Be honest and trust worthy
2. Be respectful
3. Be flexible
4. Demonstrate sound work ethics

I believe with your resume you are the most suitable person to fit in the position. However, you will undergo a 90 days probationary period to ensure you possess the knowledge, skills and abilities required to do your job satisfactorily.

I will call you to discuss your job duties in detail.

My arrival date is July 28th when we shall meet in person. Our Downtown office will open officially on July 30th when you will be presented an Employment Contract, Orientation and Training will commence on July 30th.

Salary of $1000 (after tax) is paid bi-weekly;

2-weeks' vacation time and pay annually, and benefits include:

Medical, dental, visual insurance and combined profit sharing (bonuses) at the end of each year. Working hours: 9am - 5pm. Monday - Friday

Your job will officially start before I leave Canada... Which means you will work from home till I arrive in the States, and help where necessary so as to make our transitioning to the States easier.

A laptop will be provided to create efficiency in your duties. A disc containing the company platform will be mailed to you to guide you through the process. A check will be sent to you to coordinate some purchases such as stationery, and secure accommodation (hotel) for me and other delegates attending the official opening of the US office.

You will also be required to make a report of tasks assigned to you on or before July 23th.

Kindly provide the information below in order to mail the check, and disc.

Full Names
Full Contact Address
City
State
Zip Code
Phone Number (H)
Phone Number (M)
Occupation (if any)
Sex

Ensure you pick phone calls and check your email regularly.

Company website: http://www.xpmconsult.com

Regards,
Jacob Brickey
(647) 704-7405
XPM CONSULT.

So I replied with my information. Which was dumb I know... Then received this:

Hi,

Here is your first task as my Personal Assistant - I need you to do a research for prices on Office furniture and office equipment and also for the hotel booking, here is the list of what we need:

A): Hotels in your Area * Find out the price for 7 nights, 5 guests including me, Rooms must be en-suite

Preferably an apartment hotel.

B): Furniture’s for offices and a Conference Room:

Cubicles & Workstations

Executive Office Furniture

Office Chairs & Seating

Desks & Credenzas

Reception Area

Break Tables & Miscellaneous

Training Tables

Leather Guest Chair

High-Back Executive Office Chair (leather)

Medium-Back Ergonomic Office Chair

Office Equipment:

Paper shredder

Pencil sharpener

Personal computer

Photocopier

Plug load

Pointer (rod)

Kindly get this report done asap. Also, you will be receiving some funds to get the reservation done all instruction will be pass across to you on Tuesday.

Regards,
Jacob Brickley
XPM Consulting Firm

So I started looking up office equipment and had finished that task but decided not to send it to him till he replied to a few of my questions such as;

Where exactly are you going to be located down town?
How many work areas do you need?
Is there a certain price range you are trying to stay within?
Did my pay period start yesterday? If so how will I receive my money.

He sent me a text from the number which was supposed to be the businesses number which brought on some suspicion. So I started looking them up and saw two separate negative reviews on them saying they were a scam. This "company" could take money from people and all kinds of things. The day after I sent them my address my house was broke into. Coincidence? Maybe but they are no good. Avoid them.

Company: XPM Consult
Country: USA
State: NS
City: Sydney
Address: 49 Dorchester St
Phone: 16477722633
Site: xpmconsult.com

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