Like many other unsuspecting individuals, I too answered the Bernard Haldane Associates advertisement listed in the Chicago Tribune's Career Builders Section of February 24.
A representative from BHA contacted me with hours and set up an appointment within 2 days. Boy, I thought this is too good to be true.
I guess I became suspicious when I noted on the initial Questionaire questions regarding my financial solvency. Questions relative to the value of my home, mortage, year and make of cars I owned and overall net worth.
I met with a Mr. Mark F. Adams who provided a very professional appearance and demeanor and was quite reassuring regarding my prospects for finding a decent job. Mind you, I have an MBA Degree, 30 years of experience and have been unemployed for the past 4 months. I'll admit I was vunerable, frustrated and hoping BHA could provide me with some guidance in changing my career or simply finding a respectable form of employment.
Mr. Adams indicated there would be a fee for their services, but would not disclose the fee even when pressed. He also noted they would run a credit check to verify the information i provided on the questionaire. I found this strange, but not totally out of line.
Mr. Adams also indicated he wanted to meet my wife on my next interview and the sooner the better. His justification was based on the fact the family is an important part of the job search and career building program. I called my wife from his office and this immediately aroused her suspicions. She wanted to do some checking so she turned to the Internet and to her Human Resource Department. Believe me BHA set off more alarms than the Chicgo Fire. She found your website and, althought looking for something positive on BHA, she could find nothing.
I also checked the your website and found specific mention of Mr. Mark F. Adams and how he tried to take an individual for $8,800. That was the proverbial straw. I copied the complaint and immediately drafted a letter to Mr. Mark F. Adams of BHA. I have been trying to fax this report and cover letter for the past 5 hours and have had no response. I will keep sending it until he gets it.
I want to thank you for the heads up on this company and those people that took the time to voice their complaints. The last thing in the world I need is to give my saving and investment monies to a company of questionable character. I will continue my job search and remain wary of sheep in wolves clothing. I would also like to thank my wife for her time in doing some vital research..
Ken Zalga - Homer Glen, Illinois
Click here to all the others who have been victimized by Bernard Haldane Associates
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