It 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. 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 ways to make money online. In fact we list many legitimate and free Legit ways to make money online here.
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? It's not a check that arrives at your 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 & credit card information. 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?
First and foremost, don't feel embarrassed if you are a victim. Desperation and lack of information leads a lot of us to become victim of work at home scams. Unfortunately it's sort of a rite of passage many of us face before finding success as I did with My #1 Free Legitimate Way To Make Real Money At Home. So don't beat yourself up about it. Become proactive and learn from this mistake. Here are some action steps to take:
1. Don't accept packages for people you don't know.
So if you're coming here asking if company x is legitimate because you're considering shipping packages for them, just stop in your tracks. If it sounds like the scam listed above, that's what it is. Don't let your desperation cloud your judgment. Just remember scam artist will often use legitimate company names and websites to throw you off. But that doesn't matter! If it has anything to do with re-shipping items, you know it's a scam!
2. Stop all communication with con artists who try to solicit your help in re-shipping items. Again don't let anything throw you off.
3. Don't Send It!
If you already have the stolen merchandise from the scam artists, don't mail it! You should return it to the merchant as soon as possible and explain the situation to them. Don't let them intimidate you or worry about any physical retaliation. These guys are cyber thugs and punks. They don't want any of you. Trust me they have more than enough victims they can target if you decide to do the right thing.
4. Cover Your Ass!
Keep all correspondence (e-mails, faxes, receipts, invoices etc.) related to these scams. If the boys in blue or feds coming knocking on your door, you want to build your case that you're a victim here too and weren't the originator of the scam.
5. Start Snitching!
The scam artists know you're going to feel embarrassed or “stupid” for falling for this scam. They're actually betting that you're going to stay tight lip for fear of ridicule. That's the worse thing you can do. Here's a news flash most of us have been scammed before finding something legitimate as I did. It's nothing to be ashamed of. That said, you spread the word! Doing so will help protect others.
- So contact the Postal Inspectors at 1-877-876-2455 of click here to file a complaint online. They'll help you return stolen items back to the proper owners.
- File a complaint with ic3.gov as well for good measure.
6. Invest in credit monitoring and identity theft protection.
Chances are you were required to fill out some bogus job application or other paper work where you provided some personal information. You may have even sent in copies of your driver's license or other id. Either way all that information can be used to open up lines of credit in your name which can obviously be used to buy more merchandise. Then the cycle starts again and they'll have someone else shipping stolen goods they buy with your credit.
So my advice is to invest in some credit monitoring and/or identity protection services ASAP! It's literally an investment you can't afford not to have after you've become a victim. These con artists can sell your information on the black market and you'll never know when one of them decides to start using it. So you need to have a trusted credit/identity monitoring company that for you 24/7. Otherwise you can hurt your own credit and lead to other issues.
How You Can Help Fight Back!
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! Remember that's probably how you came to this article. So do your part to help others as well!
How To Find Legitimate Work At Home Opportunities.
Even if you have fallen victim to this scam, the good news is that you've landed on this site which is well known for helping people find legitimate ways of earning money from home. With that in mind you have a lot of options here.
- Visit Swagbucks.com which is BBB Rated Legit Work At Home Option.
- Sign up for FusionCash.com which is another BBB rated work from home opportunity!
- Start Here For Real & Researched Work From Home Opportunities
- Real Ways To Earn Money Online offers some great leads as well!
Don't let this experience get you bitter and give up on your dream to work at home. This scam has led you here so take full advantage of the options that we have researched that can make you money safely.
How To Avoid Being Scammed Again
Stick with companies that are already proven and established like FusionCash.com & Swagbucks.com. Research is another key to success in this industry. If you get in the habit of researching any company before you work with them, you'll avoid most scams. We make this easy with our scam video listed here. There are also other scams listed there that you should read. This way you'll be able to identify other scams that should be avoided. Knowledge is power, and the more you know about the industry the better your chances are of success.
Conclusion
The only forwarding you should be doing is sharing a good joke or an informative article like this one. But I'm actually dead ass serious. Send this article to as many people as you can. Post it on social media and help others avoid this nonsense. If you stay silent, you're just helping the people who scammed you. So keep that in mind.
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!
Don't try to rationalize it. Chances are if you're asking if a company is legitimate, you probably already suspect it's a scam and it usually is.
I hope this helps either way! If you find this article useful and would like to hear from me with more information on legitimate ways to make money or scams to avoid then consider becoming a subscriber like thousands of others have!
Until next time,
Eddy with a y
I cannot believe this has been around for so long but I had never heard of it. They found my resume on Career Builder
*(Why has Career Builder not had to disclose that scammers are pulling resumes? I was unaware that scammers were able to go into an employement site and get peoples resumes. That is messed up too and there should be some kind of message telling job seekers that all the jobs listed have not been vetted or validated)
I checked the email addresses and made sure they were not a gmail or outlook account. I went online and checked that it was a real site, which it is. I verified that the number the “supervisor” who interviewed me called from matched the website information, it did. I even checked scam advisor which states that the company appears to be legit, all the paperwork seemed legit…I mean, wow, the only way to know it is a scam, is if you have heard about this particular scam even trying to do due diligence did not help.
I filled out a W4, gave my social security number, address, and PayPal direct deposit information. I was given access to the company “dashboard” and had a “phone interview” and completed “training”.
I cannot believe I was so stupid. When I saw they had received my resume from Career builder and checked Scam Advisor I felt that I did the necessary research and everything seemed correct and valid. I cannot believe there is nothing being done about this because they are taking advantage of unemployed people who are just trying to find a job so they can live. These people are stealing stupid stuff for no reason other than greed. Ridiculous
I haven’t sent out any packages but I have to contact Social Security, PayPal, and others, I am probably going to have to close a couple of accounts because I gave my information. On top of that, I don’t have a job right now, so I am unable to get any kind of identity or credit monitoring, I just don’t have any money, which is why I am looking for work. I am just sick and disgusted with myself and with these people that cause havoc and mayhem scamming and stealing indiscriminately, with no fear to get caught and no conscience about who they hurt.
Anyway here are some of the emails I received just in case it will help someone else::::
Dear Barb Norris,
You filled out the application for Employment with LAVERNE
company on Career Builder. I have some questions regarding your application and tried to reach you via the
phone. I left a voice message for you. Please call me back in your
earliest convenient time: (678) 701-8354
Thank you,
Andrei Dalca
https://laverne.llc/
sv3@laverne.llc
Phone: (678) 701-8354
1100 PEACHTREE ST NE #200, 5TH FLOOR OFFICES 502-511, ATLANTA, GA 30309
***********************************
Dear Barb,
I’m glad to inform you that your Application for Employment has been approved by LAVERNE Human Recourses Department.
From now and on, I am your personal supervisor and it is my primary duty to help you complete the hiring process. My next task is your training. Before you start getting packages I’ll show how the whole process looks like and we’ll take time to explore the Control Panel (Shipment System) our managers you to complete tasks.
Now please login into the Control Panel with your login and password
https://dashboard.laverne.llc/
Click the button DASHBOARD in the upper left corner.
There you’ll find files with Employment Agreement containing list goals and obligations of the both business parties and Form W-4.
Accordingly, to the US law, the Employment Agreement and Form W-4 can be filled electronically.
Please read the agreement attentively and if you have any personal requirements to be discussed before we sign the Agreement feel free to contact me.
If the agreement meets your requirements put your full name to the signature field and press the button
Sign Employment Agreement.
Then fill in Form W-4 so that the company can withhold the correct federal income tax from your pay. To sign the form please use the button
Sign W4 form.
You will get the signed copies to your email address.
If there are any questions, feel free to contact me via phone or Messages Menu.
Please, use Control Panel for further communications.
Please, use Restore Link https://dashboard.laverne.llc/login#forgot-password if you forget your username or password.
When I get both documents signed we will start training.
Best regards,
Supervisor
Andrei Dalca
https://laverne.llc/
sv3@laverne.llc
Phone: (678) 701-8354
1100 PEACHTREE ST NE #200, 5TH FLOOR OFFICES 502-511, ATLANTA, GA 30309
**********************************
Dear Barb Norris,
As you were previously informed, I am Andrei Dalca your supervisor.
Before we move on with further hiring process steps I want you to get more informed about the company. In accordance with federal and state regulations validated by license 23010202 LAVERNE provides logistic services in the United States. Granted by the Federal Employment Identification number 92-1785476 LAVERNE is allowed to hire new employees among US citizens and make annual reports due by January, 15. Please find the paperwork attached to the message.
At the time your application of employment is under review by the Head of HR Department, my duty is to ask if you have all the tools and devices required to perform the job.
1. Do you have a printer? A printer is necessary for printing shipping labels. The company will provide you with Pre-Paid postages to ship the packages with. The position does not require any monetary investments from you.
2. Do you have unlimited access to the Internet? All the working process is carried out through the Control Panel developed by the company’s specialists. For the work, you’ll need to access the internet and any type of browser like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Internet Explorer which should be set up on your PC or Smartphone/Tablet. Training where you’re shown how to work with the Control Panel is provided by the company.
3. In the application of employment, you provided us with your contact number . Is it your cell phone number? Please provide us with your cell phone number as well in case the number provided is a land-line for your residence.
4. What is the most comfortable date for you to start performing your duties for LAVERNE if you are accepted to the Storeroom Manager position?
Your prompt response is highly appreciated and will significantly promote your application.
Regards,
Andrei Dalca
https://laverne.llc/
sv3@laverne.llc
Phone: (678) 701-8354
1100 PEACHTREE ST NE #200, 5TH FLOOR OFFICES 502-511, ATLANTA, GA 30309
***********************************o:
Dear Barb Norris,
This is automatically generated email informing your Application for Employment has been sent to LAVERNE company for HR Department for review.
Andrei Dalca is your personal manager and he will call you during the day for a short interview. Please check your e-mail several times a day in order not to miss important notifications from the company.
Please use your login and password below to confirm your email address.
We need to be sure you will receive our notifications https://dashboard.laverne.llc/api/confirm-email?token=7f37ec02-96c0-4849-afbb-6f79e52bac1e
Login: XXXXXXXX@gmail.com
Password: XXXXXXXXX0
You can check your application status throughout Control Panel. Now you can start the acquaintance with the system you will use for work with the company:
The panel is easy to use however it includes all the tools necessary for work.
DASHBOARD – is the place where you can check your Employment Status. Currently your status is Under HR review.
MESSAGES – we use this section for internal communication with the company stuff.
PACKAGES – here you can see all the information related to incoming and delivered packages.
SHIPPING TASKS – this section contains information about processed and to be sent packages.
If you need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us and ask for .
Regards,
https://laverne.llc/
Phone: (678) 701-8354
1100 PEACHTREE ST NE #200, 5TH FLOOR OFFICES 502-511, ATLANTA, GA 30309
*************************************
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is made effective as of 11 Aug 2023 by and between LAVERNE L.L.C. (“LAVERNE”), of 2526 MILLEDGEVILLE RD C10, AUGUSTA, GA 30904 and Barb Norris (“Norris B”), of
A. Norris B is engaged in the business of Storeroom Manager. Norris B will primarily perform the job duties at the following location:
B. LAVERNE desires to have the services of Norris B
C. Norris B is willing to be employed by LAVERNE.
Therefore, the parties agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT. LAVERNE will employ Norris B as a Storeroom Manager. Norris B will provide to LAVERNE the following services:
Home (or other) address as the delivery address for LAVERNE’ costumers (the Storeroom Manager should warn his supervisor in advance if he wants to change an address and do it no later than two weeks before any changes)
The control of packages, status delivery update (max weight of one package is not more than 64.00 lbs)
Receive the packages. In case there are any problems with the packages coordinate delivery with a post company. Most of the packages will be coming through different names. These are names of the people who order them. Storeroom Manager has to accept them all.
Quality Control of incoming goods and components (the commercial invoice)
Goods identification that do not meet established quality standards (commercial invoice information)
Identification of external product defects
Scan the invoice (with the cost and description of goods), upload it on our website on the package menu or send it to the supervisor via mail.
Repack packages with wrapping paper, if necessary, and forward them to the company warehouse or directly to the company’s customers (the Storeroom Manager will get a Prepaid shipping label for each package).
Bring the package(s) to USPS, FedEx offices or call these companies for pickup or use drop off boxes to send the packages
Update the status of the task on online Control Panel.
Norris B accepts and agrees to such activity, and agrees to be the subject to the general supervision, advice and direction of LAVERNE and LAVERNE’ supervisory personnel.
2. BEST EFFORTS OF EMPLOYEE. Norris B agrees to perform faithfully, industriously, and to the best of Norris B’s ability, experience, and talents, all of the duties that may be required by the express and implicit terms of this Agreement, to the reasonable satisfaction of LAVERNE. Such duties shall be provided at such place(s) as the needs, business, or opportunities of LAVERNE may require from time to time.
3. COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEE. As compensation for the services provided by Norris B under this Agreement, LAVERNE will pay Norris B $22.00 per hour. Every package is equal 30 minutes. So for every two packages Norris B will be paid $22.00. This amount shall be paid monthly. The date Norris B gets first package will be the first working day. Upon termination of this Agreement, payments under this paragraph shall cease; provided, however, that Norris B will be entitled to payments for periods or partial periods that occurred prior to the date of termination and for which Norris B has not yet been paid, and for any commission earned in accordance with LAVERNE’ customary procedures, if applicable. Accrued vacation will be paid in accordance with state law and LAVERNE’ customary procedures.
4. COMMISSION PAYMENTS. In addition to the payments under the preceding paragraph, LAVERNE will make commission payments to Norris B based on $30.00 for 10+ packages processed weekly. This commission will be paid monthly on the last day of the working month, each payment corresponding to the semi-monthly period that ended approximately fifteen days prior to the payment date.
A. Right to Inspect. Norris B, or Norris B’s agent, will have the right to inspect LAVERNE’ records for the limited purpose of verifying the calculation of the commission payments, subject to such restrictions as LAVERNE may reasonably impose to protect the confidentiality of the records. Such inspections will be made during reasonable business hours as may be set by LAVERNE.
5. EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT. LAVERNE will reimburse Norris B for the following “out-of-pocket” expenses in accordance with LAVERNE policies in effect from time to time:
– Cardboard boxes, tape, markers, wrapping paper.
6. CONFIDENTIALITY. Norris B recognizes that LAVERNE has and will have information regarding the following:
– products
– processes
– customer lists
– costs
– business affairs
and other vital information items (collectively, “Information”) which are valuable, special and unique assets of LAVERNE. Norris B agrees that Norris B will not at any time or in any manner, either directly or indirectly, divulge, disclose, or communicate any Information to any third party without the prior written consent of LAVERNE. Norris B will protect the Information and treat it as strictly confidential. A violation by Norris B of this paragraph will be a material violation of this Agreement and will justify legal and/or equitable relief.
7. BENEFITS. Norris B will be entitled to employment benefits, including holidays and vacation as provided by LAVERNE’ policies in effect from time to time.
8. TERM/TERMINATION. Norris B’s employment under this Agreement will be for an unspecified term on an “at will” basis. This Agreement may be terminated by LAVERNE upon 14 days written notice and by Norris B upon 14 days written notice. If Norris B is in violation of this Agreement, LAVERNE may terminate employment without notice and with compensation to Norris B only to the date of such termination. The compensation paid under this Agreement will be Norris B’s exclusive remedy.
A person who purposely obtains property upon agreement, or subject to a known legal obligation, to make specified payment or other disposition, whether from such property or its proceeds or from his own property to be reserved in equivalent amount, is guilty of theft if he deals with the property obtained as his own and fails to make the required payment or disposition. The foregoing applies notwithstanding that it may be impossible to identify particular property as belonging to the victim at the time of the actor’s failure to make the required payment or disposition. An officer or employee of the government or of a financial institution is presumed: (i) to know any legal obligation relevant to his criminal liability under this Section, and (ii) to have dealt with the property as his own if he fails to pay or account upon lawful demand, or if an audit reveals a shortage or falsification of accounts. The above case shows that the person is subject to criminal liability under the Penal Code.
9. COMPLIANCE WITH EMPLOYER’S RULES. Norris B agrees to comply with all of the rules and regulations of LAVERNE.
10. NOTICES. All notices required or permitted under this Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed delivered when delivered in person or on the third day after being deposited in the United States mail, postage paid, addressed as follows:
Employer:
LAVERNE
Andrei Dalca
2526 MILLEDGEVILLE RD C10
AUGUSTA, GA 30904
Employee:
Barb Norris
Such addresses may be changed from time to time by either party by providing written notice in the manner set forth above.
11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties and there are no other promises or conditions in any other agreement whether oral or written. This Agreement supersedes any prior written or oral agreements between the parties.
12. WAIVER OF CONTRACTUAL RIGHT. The failure of either party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or limitation of that party’s right to subsequently enforce and compel strict compliance with every provision of this Agreement.
13. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of GA.
EMPLOYER:
By: Andrei Dalca 11 Aug 2023
Andrei Dalca
Human Resources Manager
AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED.
EMPLOYEE:
_________________ Date: 11 Aug 2023
Barb Norris
Your signature
Hey Barb,
It happens to the best of us. That’s literally why I created this site many moons ago. Because I fell for a job search scam too. But at least you did do your research. But the scammers have become more sophisticated with how they scam people. That’s why I created this post and you can see by the hundreds of comments how crazy this scam is. I’m curious how you finally realized it was a scam and landed on this article about it. In either case, I hope you’re able to stop the scammers from using your information. You may want to Google how to freeze your credit with the various bureaus so no one can open an account without you being alerted. I wish you luck on your search.
Just got an email about one of these today. Couldn’t find any info on it in particular, but found this aericle when I put some copy from her website into Google. It felt scammy to me, so I’m glad I double and triple checked.
Beauty by Sarah Davis.
You’re welcome. I’m glad my article helped you confirm it was a scam to avoid.
I really appreciate you keeping us posted.
I received the following email and when I googled “receive, control, repack and forward packages”, this article came up. I just wanted to add my scam email to the list soothers can be informed.
Abigail Fletcher
Our client is a multinational package delivery and supply chain management company. They are casting around for a motivated Logistic Manager to join a squad! You will be a part of accountable for collecting, developing, packaging and transportation packages.
This post would be ideal for those who wish to work remotely from home. All you gottais stay at home from 9am till 5 pm. You can merge this work with other remote work as well.
They are offering $4000/month in average. Your income is depending on the number of prepared bundles.
Working hours are 9am – 5pm / Mon – Fri.
You will need to receive, control, repack and forward the packages to the consumers. Also you will be liable for delivery tracking and keeping records.
There are no massive things. They work with toys, clothes and other small consumer goods.
The company handle all charges and no money from your part are required.
If you are interested in having this job do not hesitate and respond on this e-mail with your telephone number and our HR will contact you as soon as possible.
Thanks for sharing.
I received two emails with same contents from two different names
A well-known USA based company engaged in Fulfillment is searching for shipping agents.
The concept of this new initiative is to save on warehousing costs and provide shipping locations in Canada.
Daily tasks:
– Login in to your employee account to get the list of tasks.
– Collect shipments 10 AM-6 PM which are shipped to your home or business address via Fedex, UPS and USPS. The parcels most of the time contain consumer products and sport goods.
– Check out the parcels and submit the images.
– Re-package products when required.
– Ship packages to our customers using the nearest postal facilities using pre-paid shipping labels.
Qualifications:
– Canada resident with a real street address.
– Committed to full-time employment.
– An experience in in Shipping is nice to have, but not a must.
– Committed to work without supervision.
– Able to carry products weighing as much as 40 lbs and a reliable transportation.
Payment:
– During the training the employer pays $20 for every package. The amount of packages will be around five per day.
– After the training employees are promoted to a salaried contract with a paycheck of $3.500 per month.
Should you become interested in this position, please answer this e-mail.
Best regards,
Vera Harris.
A verified American company which is a leader in mail forwarding and management is searching for remote staff.
The idea behind this HR campaign is to decrease warehousing costs and increase the number of delivery points in Canada.
Duties:
– Check your employee account to check the list of incoming shipments.
– Accept parcels from 10am to 6pm which are sent to your home address via Fedex, UPS and USPS. The shipments normally contain electronic goods and fashion items.
– Inspect the contents and take the images.
– Consolidate packages if requested.
– Resend products to the end customers from local postal offices using pre-paid shipping labels.
Requirements:
– Canada citizenship or residence permit with a valid street address.
– Ability to work full-time.
– A degree in in Shipping is desirable, but not a must.
– Able to work independently.
– Ability to lift shipments up to 20 pounds and a vehicle.
Payment conditions:
– During training period the employer pays $20 per shipment. The quantity of orders will be up to 5 daily.
– After training period employees are promoted to a salaried position with a salary of $3.500 per month.
If you become interested in the vacancy, you are welcome to answer this e-mail.
Kind Regards,
Pamela Blake.