Hello all,

I am speaking with someone and for my peace of mind, I'll like to know how to tell if it is a scam or not.

What raised red flags with this person is that they were supposed to be based in NB, NS and winnipeg, and yet when I asked them where they are located, they say in the states (Clarkson, WA - USA)

Second, when they say because - they used "cos", that alerted me big time! Cos is often from a different country on the other side of the world...or am I just being too careful?

Third, I am to handle (in charge) all incoming payments and keep record of it all....(they did say they use quickbooks and will provide me one if I were to work with them)

Fourth, they accept only wire transfer, cashier check or money order...

Fifth, they asked me how I would like to be paid, I mentioned "Paypal" they said no must be either direct deposit, cheque or money order - is this something to be worried about??

Thank you for your time! I hope you will all chime in

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Yvonne
Office Savvy Assistant

SCAM!!!! I would be leary of anyone who wanted me to accept payments for them.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Agreed - if they're asking you to handle the actual payments, rather than just record the *client's* receipt of them it's probably not worth your time. Sorry!

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Yeah, I kinda figured that...

I wanted to confirm in case I was being paranoid...hehe.

So ANYTIME someone wants me to handle the actual payments, that is a scam?? Even for a role of a bookkeeper?

This info will save me tons of time! So as soon as I see someone saying for me to handle the payments I can just bolt! Hehe.

Oh, I just thought of something...to accept payments into my own account, I know that is definately a scam...but what if it is to accept and put it into their own account, is this still a scam?

Sorry if this seems stupid but I'll like to know as much as I can so I can stay steer of all that smells of scam and save my time as my time is now precious! I used to have plenty of time but nowadays just seems to run away!! So busy these days...

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Yvonne
Office Savvy Assistant

Well maybe you should ask Lily or Rebecka straight out - one of the VAs who does bookkeeping for clients but I'd bet you'll be hard pressed to find one who actually handles the money itself??

Definitely, you're right, if it's intended to go to your account - end of story right there.
The other scenario I honestly can't say - but I'd be uncomfortable just in terms of liability, the possibility of being sued, etc.

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Yeah, no kidding! That is a good idea - I'll PM them both shortly...

Thanks!

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Yvonne
Office Savvy Assistant

I NEVER accept payments on behalf of a client. I have access to a client's bank and credit card accounts, but I only access them to download statements and balance them in QuickBooks (and I am bonded as part of the access). If a client has direct deposit to their account and just wants you to balance their statement, that's fine; I do that, too. But even if accepting their deposits is legit, it can lead to the potential claim that you stole some of their receipts and didn't record the payments in their account. I'm not willing to risk that kind of potential problem.

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

I agree with Lily. The only payments you should be accepting as a VA are those that you have earned for services rendered. Never accept payments for the client, no matter who's bank account its going into! Its just asking for trouble.

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Deb Frawley
Gem's Virtual Office

Okay - it is a no go!

Thank you, everyone, for your inputs!! I appreicate them!! :0)

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Yvonne
Office Savvy Assistant

There could be all sorts of reasons why a client might ask you to do this but in reality the client would want to check you out first to make sure you're honest and don't swindle them. It is a two-way street. I have done Association Management for over 10 years - managing not-for-profit organisations and I did handle their payments and do all their banking for them. I also signed a contract with each one.

If this is a private individual living in another state, whom you've never met or heard of, and especially if there is no contract in place, then yes, I would be very wary about why they want you to do this. Unless there's a legit reason for them doing payments for their business in another state.

Oh, and with 'cos - I always thought it was slang for because and probably depends on their education and upbringing as to whether they use it or not. I find that a lot of younger people use it too.

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Kathie M. Thomas, VA Coach
A Clayton's Secretary, VA Blog

Oh okay - I understand...about the word, "cos"...

The reason I said that is because I spoken with a few that speaks like that long time ago and they are not someone you want to work with!! :0)

Thanks for writing, Kathie, I hear you! I like how you word things. Common sense.

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Yvonne
Office Savvy Assistant

Originally Posted by CYMMTJ

Oh okay - I understand...about the word, "cos"... The reason I said that is because I spoken with a few that speaks like that long time ago and they are not someone you want to work with!! :0) Thanks for writing, Kathie, I hear you! I like how you word things. Common sense.

You're most welcome Yvonne. My grown daughters use 'cos - a lot of their friends speak that way and it's used as SMS speak for cell phones. I must admit that sometimes I use it too - mainly through laziness when speaking with my kids or others.

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Kathie M. Thomas, VA Coach
A Clayton's Secretary, VA Blog

True - we tend to use slang a lot! :0)

Well, it is another disappointment, as it is a no go...

Hopefully, better one next time!

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Yvonne
Office Savvy Assistant

Hi Yvonne, for other VAs who may be contacted by this person - can you give us any details about how you found them, or they found you? Was it a Craigslist ad?
Thank you!

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Yep, total scam I got something similar a few weeks back. I mean what legitimate company would want you to randomly handle their payments?