Kurt Bugeja Coster
Beware of surveys advert
A newspaper advert promising easy money to readers who take part in online surveys for 'big companies' has been exposed as a scam.
Listed as a 'work from home' opportunity, the scam was brought to light by a reader who was duped into thinking he could make some extra cash.
The advert stated limited posts were available and invited readers to apply at jobopportunityonline.com, which promised applicants they could earn money by working from home.
The advert contained several testimonials from a number of what it claimed were satisfied customers.
The reader said: "It then asks you to check the availability of posts in your area and tells you there are two posts available - and will hold one of them for you for half an hour.
"After you pay a registration fee of €28.73 (of which €4.38 is supposedly tax), you are redirected to another website," he said.
However, this webpage, which the company says is exclusive to members, consists of a long list of surveys which can be accessed directly without paying a subscription.
The reader in question managed to reclaim the payment because he used Pay Pal, the online payments service which covers customers in such cases.
It later emerged the advert was booked by a local intermediary, who, when contacted, dissociated himself from the company.
He provided an e-mail address of the advertiser, but questions sent to this address remained unanswered.
A number of people worldwide have complained about the website on internet forums.
A number of suspect websites are online. Only last week, the financial services authority urged the public to be wary of a recent wave of offers to work from home which have hit the country.
It said one should not give out any personal information to anyone they think suspicious, let alone hand over money.
4 Comments
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Robert Dimech
Nov 8th 2009, 22:10
No need to report such email invitations and waste other people's time. What can the local police realistically do about such matters?
I must be highly respected overseas, I receive scores of similar business invitations each week! Ever heard of a Recycle Bin? Or that X sign which reads delete? :)
martin saliba
Nov 8th 2009, 09:28
Re: scam emails.
I could find nowhere where to report these mails to the police.
Something should be done !!!!!!!!
martin saliba
Nov 8th 2009, 09:26
Part 2.
I am just 21 years old and a university undergraduate and really don't know what to do. This is because I have suffered a lot of set backs as a result of incessant political crisis here in Ivory coast. The death of my father actually brought sorrow to my life. Dear,I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regards to move the money to your country for investment .Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded.
Now permit me to ask these few questions:-
1. Can I completely trust you?
2. What percentage of the total amount in question will be good for you?
Consider this and get back to me as soon as possible.
Thank you so much.
My sincere regards,
Moreen Kone.
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martin saliba
Nov 8th 2009, 09:25
Email i recieved last week. Part 1
You may find the Money Transfer Control Number and receiver's details in document attached to this email.
Western Union.
Finance Department.
Dear ,
Email 2.
I am happy to request for your assistance and also to go into business partnership with you, i believe that you will not betaryed my trust which i am going to lay on you.
I am Moreen Kone ,21 years old and the only daughter of my late parents Mr.and Mrs Kone Samuel .My father was a highly reputable busnness magnet-(a cocoa merchant)who operated in the capital of Ivory coast during his days. It is sad to say that he passed away mysteriously in France during one of his business trips abroad.Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected to have been masterminded by an uncle of his who travelled with him at that time.
But God knows the truth! My mother died when I was just 6 years old, and since then my father took me so special. Before his death my father will to me the sum of Nine million six hundred thousand United State Dollars.(USD$9.600 000) left in a bank here in Ivory Coast