Postal Letter

How can I find out if a company is legitimate and reputable?

I need to do this asap because I don't trust the company that hired me. The company is SEA Services in France. They specialize in e-marketing, according to their website. I applied for a newspaper advertising job. This position consists of placing job ads for European companies in US newspapers but I will also receive few orders from various US companies that SEA Services work with to place ads in Canada and Europe newspapers. A cashier check to place the ads will be sent to me. I got the check today but have not opened it because my brother says it's a scam. But don't scams ask you for money and not send you a check? The check is of $1,925. I have three days to place the ads. I don't know what to do because the check is from Justice Investors, in San Francisco, and they want me to wire money to a guy in Austria. I need to send $1485 for ads to Austria. My question is, why can't they do it? Why can't Justice Investors send the money themselves? I'm scared. I need money and though this would be an easy way to make it but now I feel like this company or people are using me. Have a look: Here is Emilie Gerard from SEA Services Like we specified, a cashier check of $1,425 will be released today for the Advertising Job you applied for. Simply cash the payment when you receive it at your bank and follow instructions. It is very important to post the ads exactly like we will send it to you, all words. After ads are posted you still have 24 hours and you can modify the content, no problems if you make a mistake first times, simply forward us the confirmation emails that publications will send and we will correct if needed. Please confirm again your full name and address that we have on file: First name, Last name (No Nicknames please): Full Street Address (NO PO Boxes): City, State, Postal Zip Code: Two E-mail addresses: You will place 2 job ads after you receive first payment in LA Times and Sun Sentinel newspapers. You will call an 1-800 number to do this task. You will receive instructions and complete "how to" specifications, also the text that will appear in the ads. Simply let us know when you will receive the cashier's check next week. Your commission is $200 from this order. You must place the order in max. 48 hours after you receive the money. Of course, we will instruct you 100%. You may also receive few orders from various US companies that we work with to place ads in Canada and Europe newspapers. Please reply with specified info to confirm that you received this email. Thank you SEA Services - Contact Name: Emilie Gerard 102, avenue des Champs Elysées Paris 75008 France Phone: 09 55 46 04 26 ; 09 55 46 04 27 http://www.services-sea.com

Public Comments

1. It's a foreign company and everything about it sounds incredibly strange. I was thinking you should contact the Better Business Bureau but, after reading your question, I'd advise you to call the local office of the FBI. When there are as many twists and turns as there seem to be with this "job", it sounds like someone is trying to make following the money trail as difficult as possible. I looks like money laundering to me. Start by googling the company.... then call your local police and/or the FBI. I googled it and could only find your previous question. I don't even know you and I'm worried about you getting involved with this "company" that doesn't seem to exist. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090804113615AANIGB9 One of the answers gives a web address. Considering the money they're throwing around, it's a nothing website that anyone could've uploaded.
2. Hi Pretty Lady - You might be interested in this site called "RipOff Report" - on this page in particular you'll see "Justice Investors" mentioned. I would suggest waiting on cashing any check, it's suspicious when anybody rushes you to do something. To my nose it doesn't smell right and I think you're a really bright person to ask the questions that you've brought up here! Hope that's of some interest or help. Best wishes! Link - http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/437/RipOff0437221.htm From that page - the scam email reads the same as yours: "Like was specified, a cashier check of $1,425 will be released today for the Advertising Job you applied for. Simply cash the payment when you receive it at your bank and follow instructions. It is very important to post the ads exactly like we will send it to you, all words. After ads are posted you still have 24 hours and you can modify the content, no problems if you make a mistake first times, simply forward us the confirmation emails that publications will send and we will correct if needed. Please confirm again your full name and address that we have on file: First name, Last name (No Nicknames please): Full Street Address (NO PO Boxes): City, State, Postal Zip Code: Two E-mail addresses: You will place 2 job ads after you receive first payment in LA Times and Sun Sentinel newspapers. You will call an 1-800 number to do this task. You will receive instructions and complete 'how to' specifications, also the text that will appear in the ad. Simply let us know when you will receive the cashier's check next week. Your commission is $200 from this order. You must place the order in max. 48 hours after you receive the money. Of course, we will instruct you 100%. Please reply with specified info to confirm that you received this email."