Package Forwarding & Reshipping Job or Scam?
Seems like for every person that seeks legitimate work at home opportunities there are thousands or more that want to scam them out of their hard earned money.
Unfortunately this is the reality of the situation that we must face and deal with. We take this very seriously on our blog. With the economy being in the state it is, None of us can afford to be investing money in scams when there are actually legitimate career options such as Medical Transcription, Being an Affiliate, etc.
Recently we’ve had an onslaught of positive comments and thanks from many of you who were able to avoid scams such as wire transfer and check cashing because of articles you read here.
So with that in mind I just want to introduce yet another scam to avoid. By the way, this is a real scam. This isn’t one of the cases where you tried a work at home opportunity and couldn’t make money so now you’re calling it a scam. This isn’t one of those misrepresenting rebate processing, typing, data entry or survey lists. The following scam is the type that will not only lose you money but you may also end up losing your freedom. So listen up!
So what is Package Forwarding or Re-shipping Work At Home Opportunity?
Unfortunately, it’s not working at home for UPS, FED EX, DHL or the USPS shipping packages. This so called opportunity is more like a variation of wire transfers or check cashing scams. It’s no surprise that the scam artist wouldn’t deviate much from other successful scams. After all, "if it ain’t broke, why fix it?". But from time to time they make some slight variations to see if they can sucker even more people like us.
So here’s how it works in a nutshell. Re-shipping also known as "package forwarding" usually starts with an emailed job offer. Just like the common Nigerian scam, these so called "employers" offer up phony contracts and other documentation to make them appear legitimate. They may even reference legitimate company names and physical address in their emails (like Microsoft or some other major company you already trust.) Once they have lured you into a sense of security, the packages are shipped to your home at no cost to you. You are provided with instructions to reship the packages to another address (Usually a P.O. box) Once you have reshipped the package you report back to the company so you can get your check.
Sounds good, right? You just need to sit there and wait for your check now. But guess what?
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It’s not a check that arrives at you door. Instead it’s your local boys in blue (POLICE) or if you’re really lucky, the feds (F.B.I.). And what they’re bringing you is a one way ticket to "club fed" aka prison, jail, the slammer, etc. You’re now considered an accessory to a crime and may be even found "guilty" of receiving and shipping stolen property.
Identity Theft With A Twist Of Lime…
Most of us have heard about identity theft. Usually the victim is one person whose identity has been stolen. However no one really talks about another element of it which comes into play with today’s scam. Reshipping or package forwarding schemes actually double the adverse effects of identity theft. It creates two victims, the person whose identity has been stolen and a person who becomes a package forwarder or re-shipper. The reason is that when you re-ship these packages on behalf of these so called legit companies, you’re actually shipping stolen merchandise to the real criminals who stole someone’s identity. Now when criminals commit identity theft or credit card schemes, they know not to ship the stolen goods to their homes. It’s a really dumb way to get caught. So this re-shipping "job" was hatched to easily move stolen goods using us as a unknowing mules. This is also the reason they tell you to ship to a p.o. box. This way they can’t be traced when you finally realize you’ve been punked. Except no one is laughing when everything has been figured out.
So What Should You Do?
Isn’t it obvious by now? Don’t fall for it! It’s NOT a job and may cause an unwanted visit by the boys in blue. But if you have already fallen victim to this, you may want to be proactive and report all the details below so others can avoid it. Include any emails, names, addresses, etc. The more information you can provide, the better it will be. This way when people do a search online, this article will come up and help others avoid this scam!
The only forwarding you should be doing is sharing a good joke or an informative article like this one. So the moral of this story is to do your research! You don’t need me to figure out what companies are scams, just follow the steps in our scam video by clicking here. You’ll know just as much as I do. I’m not some magical scam guru, I just do my research using the techniques in the video and you can too!
Hopefully we saved many more of you from becoming another victim of this twist on identity theft. I’ll say it again for good measure, don’t get involved in something like this. I don’t care if they said Jesus thought it was a good idea. It’s not! You’ve been warned!
If you’re looking fo traditional jobs, try visiting our jobs page. If you’re looking for our personal recommendations of ways to make money quicker than waiting for a traditional job and want more advice, visit our articles page.
Contrary to popular belief, you do have a lot of options, if you’re open minded! I know how desperation sets in when you’ve been spending months or even years searching for a work at home job. But don’t allow your desperation to cloud your judgment. There are plenty of little and big ways to make money at home that don’t involve traditional work at home jobs. You just need to be open minded and willing to give them a shot. Our articles page will guide you through your options.
Good luck either way!
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October 7th, 2008 at 5:00 pm |
I am ashamed to admit that I fell victim to this type of scam. It seemed kind of fishy to me but, being unemployed and needing money, I tried it anyway. The supposed job offer was from a company who called themselves The Olsen Stores based in the U.K. I went to their website, which appeared to be legit, and replied that I was interested in the job. They sent me an email with a UPS tracking number and shipping label for me to print out and paste onto the package when it arrived. A package came a couple of days later and I followed the instructions and took it to FedEx to drop it off. FedEx took the package and I was on my way. I emailed them, as instructed, to let them know I shipped the package.
A couple of weeks went by and I hadn’t heard from them, or received any compensation. Yesterday I received a bill from FedEx stating I owe $165.15 to ship that package. I knew right away that it had been some kind of scam. There was no way I was going to pay that. I sent an email to the supposed package director, Marsha Garrett, who sent the shipping information. I wrote that there was no way I was going to pay anything to ship their package and that I would have no part in any future corresponence with them.
I have not yet had the police or feds to my house. I do plan to report this incident. Hopefully I can avoid any legal trouble. I may come off as a complete moron, but it’s better than going to jail.
October 7th, 2008 at 11:36 pm |
Hi Jon,
First and foremost let me thank you for sharing your experience and providing so much detail. No you’re not a moron and should not feel ashamed. Scam artist are very sneaky and good at what they do. They play on our desperation, fears and vulnerabilities. So it’s no wonder so many of us have fallen victim to them.
With that said, I think you’re taking the right steps. I don’t really think the feds or police want to put victims in jail. Who they really want are the people committing the crimes. So I think coming forward and being honest should work to your benefit. With that said I’m not a lawyer or police officer so consult a local expert as they would know more than I would.
You just have to view this as a learning experience and don’t let it bring you down. There are legitimate ways to make money at home. And hopefully as you read through our articles, you’ll find the right opportunity or opportunitieS for you. We try to cover a wide range to fit everyone’s situation. So I hope you take the time to explore your options. Don’t let the scammers win by making you give up on your dream of working at home. If I can do it, then anyone can.
We all just need to continue to share information like you did here. This way we all avoid the scams and stick to the opportunities that can make us money.
Thanks again for sharing. I really admire your bravery for telling your story. Being scammed is nothing to be ashamed of. Life is funny, sometimes we learn best by making mistakes. Lord knows I’ve made tons of them and continue to do so every day. My forgiving wife will attest to this. lol
Take care.
Eddy
October 9th, 2008 at 10:56 am |
Nice post, I always thought that these kind of proposals where scams but didn’t know it was related to money laundering, stolen goods and so on…
That’s pretty scaring and it’s why I always advise working from home candidates to work with a trusting and legitimate company.
Nicole
October 9th, 2008 at 12:07 pm |
Hi Nicole,
Thanks! I hear ya. The only problem is that scam artists aren’t stupid. They’ll include real legitimate company names in their email proposals. So that’s why people are more inclined to fall for this scam.
It’s not as easy as it use to be. The best thing to do is always research when in doubt.
Eddy
October 14th, 2008 at 10:11 pm |
I found one of these on craigslist…
After 3 or 4 replies with no definitive information from them, but a request for all of my personal information, I decided to google “shipping /work at home” and found this site.
My question, is there someone or somewhere we can report this information to?
October 15th, 2008 at 12:27 am |
Hello Jon,
I applaud you for humbly submitting your post. When people share these kinds of experiences as you have, it helps so many tremendously.
I wish you all the best in finding legitimate work from home.
October 15th, 2008 at 7:15 am |
You should report all the details of the scam artist here including their name, email address, the ad used, etc. So when people do a search this post will come up.
You can also report these folks to some of the scam prevention websites we’ve listed here:
www.workathomenoscams.com/2008/01/21/top-5-scam-fighting-sites/
The more places you spread their dirty laundry the worst off it is for them.
Hope this helps.
Eddy
October 16th, 2008 at 9:12 am |
Here is the advertisement:
==========================
Part Time Offer (Milwaukee)
Reply to: rrhlands@gmail.com [?]
Date: 2008-10-13, 10:45PM CDT
I’m looking for a trustworthy individual to handle my job while am
away, We are into supply of stationaries and gift items.
The job requires you to ;
Always receive shipments of stationaries (Textbooks
Re arrange the books in the boxes
Ship them out to my clients,
Keep records on files
Receive payments from clients.
Requirement
*The job requires you to have a basic computer knowledge, MS WORD EXCEL.
*Printer is needed to print out labels and other relative documents
Location: Milwaukee
Compensation: $400 weekly
This is a part-time job.
Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or
commercial interests.
PostingID: 878338695
October 16th, 2008 at 1:06 pm |
Thanks Old Dog!
That should help alert people of this fraudster when they search online.
I really appreciate you taking the time to share the ad with us.
Eddy
October 17th, 2008 at 9:00 am |
Wow.There’s a lesson to learn.
October 28th, 2008 at 8:21 pm |
I received this the other day, can someone tell me if it looks as though it is a scam? The lady here has called a few times, but I still have no solid information. Thank you!!!
Greetings,
You have received this message because you have published your resume at careerbuilder.com and you meet our criteria. And we offer position in our company.
Our company Solar Jewelry is one of the most prestigious manufacturers of exclusive jeweller production in the Western Europe.
SJ Production differs by uniqueness of each product and makes individually for each client.
The individual, professional approach and long-term experience allows to achieve high parameters in the jeweller industry field.
We provide the best working conditions for our employees:
Working with us you will get:
- fixed salary
- material bonuses
- a bonus for the housewives
- qualified support of the skilled manager
- work in one of the best team of the Europe
- we can help you to open credits with minimal percent
- challenging experience in the highly perspective field of business with great future career possibilities.
We also provide medical insurance and an annual salary of $50,000+ (career rise) per year. The salary is paid monthly.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask them only via email: solar.elsa.miller@gmail.com
It’s not multi-level marketing, not sales position and absolutely free for start.
We would like to point out that this job may become a good additional employment for you. You may have a primary employment or a running business and still cooperate with us because this job will not take a lot of your time.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Elsa Miller
SolarJewelry
www.solar-jewelry.net
October 28th, 2008 at 9:34 pm |
Hi Jeff,
I followed the steps in our scam video:
www.workathomenoscams.com/scams and couldn’t really find anything on the site. But when I did a search for that elsa miller name the same email was repeated on a scam warning site.
Aside from that, there are several things that make me feel this email is BS. There are a lot of grammar and spelling mistakes in their email. Obviously I’m not one to speak considering my awful writing but that seems very weird for someone offering you a job.
The other thing is why is the person emailing you from a free gmail address rather than the company website address. That’s not very professional.
They’re also being ambiguous about the job. If I contact a prospect, I would say hey I think based on your resume you’d be a good fit for my data entry job. You have a lot of typing skills so that’s why I’ve contacted you. The fact that they don’t actually allude to your skill set or their job is suspicious.
If they don’t ask you for experience or references then that should also worry you.
So personally, I would walk away from this one. You can dig deeper and ask more questions if you want. But if they start talking about cashing checks, wiring money or any of the stuff in the article above then you already know it’s a scam.
But overall the job smells fishy to me.
Eddy
November 11th, 2008 at 8:25 am |
I also fell for one of those schemes. Looking back, I should have easily realized that this was a scam but I was not expecting to run into something like this. I responded to an ad on craigslist looking for a shipping assistant. After filling out a number of forms, I was informed that I was hired at $600 weekly. He even invited me to check out his ebay business quickclicksales which turned out to not be his. My so called employer Alex Nevsky supposedly ran a very busy online business and this re-routed shipping was something he did not have time for and also a way of saving the customer money. I was supposed to be paid bi-weekly and for two weeks I ran back and forth to the post office mailing out anything from car parts to shoes. After two weeks, I could no longer get in touch with “Alex”. The scariest part of this whole ordeal is receiving bills in other people’s names sent to my address. I spoke to a police investigator about but was informed that there was nothing I could do. I just hope law enforcement doesn’t show up at my door. As discussed I corresponded with an Alex Nevsky who listed his address as
121 w. 125 street
new york ny 10027.
I shipped packages to a “company” called A1 Solutions in Florida and even to an individual in Russia. The corresponding email address is quickclicksales@gmail.com. Beware of those names and be careful when responding to online ads
November 11th, 2008 at 8:46 am |
Hi Makeda,
Thanks so much for sharing so much details about your experience with this scam.
I wish more people would do what you just did! Now anyone that reads this or does a search may avoid being scammed. I think the fact that you contacted your police department should help you avoid any issues. But if you have any concerns you should definitely ask them what you should do.
Obviously I’m very sorry to hear that this has happened to you in the first place. I think most of us come from an offline world where things like this don’t happen. So you don’t even think you need to be on guard. Lord knows I didn’t know any better when I first got into the work at home industry. But you live and learn.
Thanks again for sharing. Hopefully now that you found this site, you’ll be able to avoid future scams by following the advice in our scam video:
www.workathomenoscams.com/scams
We also list some personal recommendations you may want to explore on the following page:
www.workathomenoscams.com/article
Trust me when I say you have options so don’t let this experience stop your dream of working at home. I didn’t and eventually discovered a great work at home career as an affiliate:
www.workathomenoscams.com/aff
So be sure to shake this off and move forward.
Thanks again for sharing.
Eddy