I had a phone call this afternoon from "Kim Marie" who was looking for a local notary who could notarize her signature and witness the mailing of a certified envelope.

O.k., certified envelopes are just that - you have proof it was mailed. The kicker was that she wanted to use MY PO box as the return address and was going to pay me $30 per transaction, and I would cover the postage.

I don't know what I was thinking when I agreed to this, but after an hour or so I went "wait a minute, using MY PO Box return address?" Something didn't sound right so I called her back and asked for more information on what was being mailed "1099 papers." Uh-huh. I asked for more clarification, was told the phone was breaking up, and she disconnected.

Whew! That was close!

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Wow Lily, that was pretty bold of her. Glad you had the insight to ask more questions and thanks for the heads up. Hope no one like that calls me!!!

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Sylvia Mesaros
The Alliances

That is a new one! I had one guy about 2 yrs ago from Italy saying he was moving the business here to the States and needed an address here. For the time being he would have me FWD all mail received to another address.

There are so many scammers out there - Glad you caught on to this one.

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

Thanks for the information Lily, I never user my address for any business other than my own unless I have a signed contract and they are a retainer client.

I also have a mobile notary that I use as part of my team so any time notary issues arise, I leave the decision making to them.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Stupid question...

Why is mailing 1099 forms from your PO Box a bad thing?

OK. It's not really a stupid question considering I'm in Canada and I don't even know what a 1099 (I think it's a tax form?) is.

She left me a message this morning apologizing about the phone. She says she is mailing corrected 1099s to banks. O.k., fine, I get that - except the accountant of the business correcting the 1099s should be doing that. Hmmm... But why can't she use her own post office box? THAT smacks of mail fraud to me since MY personal address is the one that the feds would come visit if what she was doing is illegal (and of course, she says it's not)...

I called the Post Office Inspector's office today and was told although it is not illegal to accept mail on someone else's behalf, it's not a good idea unless you know them really well as I could get in major trouble as an accomplice by using my mailing address for the return mail.

It may NOT be a scam but something doesn't feel right and I ALWAYS go by gut instinct...

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

We never can ask TOO many questions. Glad you caught that. But it really is sad what this world is coming to! I don't think people are taught honesty, integrity, morels, values and decency. Thanks for the heads up.

wow!! That was a close call and I agree that one should always go with their "gut"! whew!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Carm
Business name:Go to Virtual Assistance

Wow! That's a new one on me, but I am so glad you shared. It will make me think if I ever have to face that situation and given the information you found out being held accountable (or as an accompliss) I think the best rule is to never use your mailing address for anyone else but you unless you have personally seen what is being mailed out or mailed in. If they want to use your mailbox then they must be willing to reveal the contents of all mail to you so you can make a decision that will protect you.

I don't even see the need to use someone else's mailing address. If what you are doing is honest and above board then what's wrong with your own address?

I do mailings and even though I mail them from my house my address does not go on anything and I know exactly what I am mailing.

Is there such a thing an honest reason to use someone else's mail box?

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Rhonda Holscher, Owner
Rhonda's Virtual Office - Hire a Virtual Assistant

Good thinking on your part. I definately wouldn't allow her to use my address. It is so simple to open up a PO box that she should just pay the monthly fee and open one up for herself. I don't understand why she can't use her own return address. This definately sounds suspicious!!

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~Rae J. Gallaher, VA~
Your "basics" are my business!

Unbelievable! What scam will they come up with next? Just shows you cannot be too careful.

Yes, always protect yourself because you never know if you're "aiding and abetting" a criminal! Unfortunately, there's always someone trying to scam friendly and innocent people. If you suspect that you could potentially get in trouble by helping someone out like this, just respectfully decline.

I often say 'not all money, is good money'
and
'if it seems to good to be true, it probably is' (and i run fast).

Good catch, but do you know the name of the company? (didnt check the date of this post)

If so, and anyone who feels they have been scammed, report it on http://www.ripoffreport.com/

I was planning on using this site as one of my tool to 'screen' my clients, not interested in wasting my time w/ scams...lol

I hope that you girls check out that ripoffreport site. the owner is not trustworthy, but the site is credible. Just so happens most of the times the owner of it is serving time, lmao.

I was curious and searched myself also in their database, just to make sure

How can the site be credible if the owner is serving time? Hmmm.... that doesn't set well with me. Does he really serve prison time and I wonder what for?

Wow! I cannot believe how bold some folks are. Just when you think you have heard everything...

Good looking out, Lily. Thanks for sharing with us so we are aware, too.

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Anjanette
Precise Assistance