A friend forwarded me an ad she found in the newspaper looking for an remote bookkeeper. I responded to the ad and got a response last night. It's the cash a check for us and keep a percentage scam. I was shocked that they would take out an ad in the classified section of the newspaper.

I'm tempted to call the newspaper but not sure what section to call. The classifieds would make sense but I'm doubting they'll do anything. Who would you call?

__________________
Lanel Taylor, CVA ~ Virtual Bookkeeper
Taylored Office Solutions
Custom fit solutions for all your office needs.

I would call the classified section, but ask to talk to a manager. Other than that there is probably not a lot you can do.

__________________
Sarah
Accurate Office Help

I agree with Sarah. Talking to a manager is your best bet for getting a meaningful response. Good luck!

Thanks. I know there isn't anything I can do. I just don't want someone who "doesn't know" to fall into this. I'm just wondering if they can post a scam alert or article near this ad or something. We'll see....I'll call.

__________________
Lanel Taylor, CVA ~ Virtual Bookkeeper
Taylored Office Solutions
Custom fit solutions for all your office needs.

Why don't you call the police and let them know. I'm sure they would take care of it.

__________________
Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

The scammer is not located locally (international), at least that's what was said in the e-mail I received from them. I've called the police on another e-mail issue (another popular scam) and they were very helpful but there isn't anything they can do except take a report. If you are out actual money then it's different but I didn't lose anything.

I did call the paper and they will pull an ad the minute they are notified that it's not legit. She said they do their best to weed out scam ads but occasionally one does slip through. When we were on the phone she couldn't find it so it sounds like it's already been pulled. She did take down all the information and was going to keep checking. She was very helpful and glad I called. Honestly, I figured they'd say it wasn't their problem so I was happy with the response.

__________________
Lanel Taylor, CVA ~ Virtual Bookkeeper
Taylored Office Solutions
Custom fit solutions for all your office needs.

I still see these types of ads a lot, particularly on Craigslist. It's good to be aware of this. I was once offered a position where they said they'd pay me monthly; they just needed my banking information to make the monthly deposits. I never responded. There are other, safer ways to make sure I get paid.

__________________
Sue L Canfield
AwesomeAssistant.info
My Blog

They are all over and worded so cleverly I might add.

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

Those scammers are getting even more brazen!

__________________
Carlana Charles - Ciboney Virtual Solutions
Web: http://ciboneyvirtual.com Blog:http://ciboneyvirtual.com/blog

I saw a report the other evening on the news with a similar scam. The woman had just had a newborn and had two children under the age of 4. Her husband had just been layed off from his job. She was quite vulnerable. It was a 'mystery shopper' job. She received a check in the mail for a few thousand, told to go to her bank, cash the check and keep the difference for herself. Then go to a western union and send the funds to some other address. The check bounced and she was out the money and it was the only savings she had. I know that people should be more careful. I gave her credit for going on TV to warn others. Maybe there is a TV program in your area, like an Investigation Reporter that you could call who might be interested in the ad you found.