October 2, 2009
Is Web Action Limited a scam?
Here is the email below that I recieved from a job poster on Careerbuilder.
Thank you for your interest in the position of an account manager with Webaction Limited. Our company offers a wide range of IT services, such as web development, web design, Internet marketing, iPhone application development, SEO, etc. We have been on a dynamic and rapidly developing IT market for more than 7 years, we have more than 100 professionals working with us in Europe and in the USA, and we are looking for new members of our team. Please note that neither our company, nor any of our partners ever ask for any investments or entry fees from candidates! Also, this is a work-from-home opportunity, no travel or relocation is required.
As an account manager, you will not promote or sell any of our services/products; neither you will be responsible for searching new customers. This is a customer support position, and the responsibilities include the following:
- working on the projects with project managers and team members
- establishing contacts with new and existing customers
- organizing the billing process for new customers
- processing customer requests and answering questions on the projects
- distributing initial payments for the projects among programmer teams
- preparing reports on the project status for customers.
This is a full-time position, and you will be working Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm (according to your time zone). Your typical working day will look like the following:
1. Logging into your webdesk account, checking for new assignments.
2. Phone briefing with a project manager, learning current news and updates.
3. Working on today’s assignments according to the schedule.
4. Responding to customers, getting updates from them.
5. Filling in the daily time-table, reporting your daily activity.
Along with a base salary of $3,500, which is paid once a month, we offer a flexible bonus system based on indvidual performance. Account managers receive bonuses for each project they support; once a new project is assigned to you, the bonus for it is paid instantly. According to the company’s statistics, the average monthly income for experienced account managers supporting multiple projects is above $5,000.
You can find additional information about Webaction Limited at our website or forward your questions to your contact manager. Please reply to this message, in order to receive the employment form and arrange the time for a phone interview.
I got the same e-mail. It had a phone number 1 (412) 567-3837. I spoke to a worker there who said they were an Account Manager and worked there for 3 years. They said the company is based out of London and also an office in Pittsburgh. Try calling this number and see if you can get more info. Hopefully it is not a scam but a good job -
Susan,
I was also contact by them recently. When you spoke with them, did it seem legitimate? Was there any extra things needed to have the job? Did they discuss how you get paid or if there were benefits? Hopefully you can help because there are so many scams out there and I don’t want this to be another one. Thanks!
I am also on Careerbuilder & have received the same letter from Webaction as well as an actual job offer from JSoft Co. with the same job responsibilities. They have already emailed me an Employment Agreement. I am going to do a little research over the next couple days. I will share anything I learn with you.
I got the same email today. I suspect that it’s a scam. They probably want our social security number on that employment form so they can steal our identities.
I have also received then email. I just got the email with the employment agreement. Let me know what you find I am going to be looking more into this also…..
I received this same email and I absolutely think this is a scam! If you do a Google search for Webaction Limited, the website that comes up is for Web Action with the words being 2 separate words. The announcements welcomes you to visit their website however, they never provide you with an actual website. That is red flag #2! Now, if they go all the way to actually give you a website with the BBB info to check, you must also be careful of that as well to make sure all is legit and all information aligns EXACTLY what the BBB lists. I had a very similar email regarding employment and they gave BBB info but when I researched that, it was close, but not a match. That company was definitely a scam! If it sounds too good to be true…IT IS!!!
This is email correspondence that I have had with WebAction Limited. I started getting really excited, but I wanted to be careful. When I asked her to call me yesterday on my cell phone after I got off work, she did not call me, or respond to my email.
On May 27, 2009, at 1:22 PM,
Donna,
After reviewing your resume, I found you one of the most promising candidates for the position of an account manager. I’m looking forward to see you as a part of our team! Please take a look at a standard employment agreement form used by our company, which you can find in the attachment to this message. Should you have any questions or need my comments on it, please call me or write me back. In order to proceed with the employment, please print the employment form out, fill in and send to me by fax (610-851-9903) – or scan it and send me back by email (the one at webactionlimited.com).
Along with this form, I would also need a copy of any of your photo ID, such as a DL – since you are going to work with us remotely, I will need a document to verify your name, age, address and citizenship/work permit. We are a recognized company on the IT market, we pay all taxes, we are fully responsible for the projects and the clients’ funds, so we need to be absolutely sure that all our contractors are legal in their countries.
Upon receiving your employment form and a copy of your ID, I will send you a confirmation message and arrange a phone interview with your future supervisor. She will speak to you, ask a couple of questions about your previous place of work, your work experience, etc. to complete your profile. Finally, after you set up a bank account, we will verify your contact information at our security department, and if everything is fine, you can consider yourself employed at least for the next 2 months. So, with our mutual efforts we can get started next week!
On Wed, 27 May 2009 15:34:37 -0500, I responded:
This really sounds like a perfect position. However, you know what they say, “if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is…..”
With all of the scams out there, I would **** for this to be one. I get so many emails about working at home- which I did for many years. None of those sounded as real as this. Why would I have to set up a bank account?
I would like to talk with you and my future supervisor before sending in my DL ID. I am a bit leary about doing that without talking to someone.
I tried calling your number, but no one answered.
I am working a temp job M-F, 8:00 to 5:00 Central Time. If someone could call me after that, I would really appreciate that.
WebAction response:
I understand your skepticism, however, we are only trying to find people, who will be working hard for a decent salary. Customer support is not an easy job, it’s not about just sitting by the phone all day, chatting with cheerful customers and emailing back and forth; this is about providing the fastest and the most accurate feedback to people who are paying for it.We’ve got a team of dedicated programmers, but without a liaison, a reliable link to the customer, they won’t be able to work effectively.
We would require opening a separate bank account for working with us for 2 reasons. First, as we are working remotely, all customers MUST send the initial payments for their projects prior to the start of works on the above-mentioned projects. This is a precaution, developed for verifying payable customers, which is usually performed by account managers. After receiving the payment from the customers, it is distributed among the programmers allocated for the project, and they start working on it. And second, we would need your account information to wire you a base salary of $3,500 monthly.
Please call me tomorrow, or let me call you – I can often be on another line, so the best way to speak to me would be just having me call you.
After doing more research on the website, it really looks legit. They even have 3 Account Manager positions open where you can apply. I really wished that this would be real. However, with everyone here getting the same emails, it is looking less and less legit.
The funny thing about this question is that we all probably ended up here because we searched webaction limited scam just to see if it is one! I have received the same information… the employment form does not ask for your SSN… I called today to speak with Trisha Spakes which is the name of the person on my e-mail. She did answer with an official Webaction limited this is Trisha and I spoke with her about the postion and I double checked and her phone numer area code is the same PA area code that the US headquarters is located in…. if it is a scam, it is really elaborate (that is not saying that it isn’t). The website is legitimate webactionlimited.com. I’m not sure yet, I am supposed to speak with someone today or monday… I will update when I hear back… it does sound too good to be true, I guess we will see.
UPDATE: I had a phone interview with a manager today and asked her quite a few questions about the position and it seems pretty legitimate… she is sending me login information and is setting up a conference call with what she said is my first client… she asked me about my home office to make sure that I met all the requirments and then asked me about my experience etc. I asked her if there were opportunities for advancement and she said that she started as an account manager and now is a manager… I guess you don’t know for sure until you get your first paycheck, but this might actually be a good opportunity.
I see a lot of people have recieved this same email as myself. I did check out the site, it appears legitimate, however, I will be getting the state of Pennsylvanias website to verify that they are a legitimate business, they should be registered with the state even if they are online. I will be posing some questions that I have for them as well and will keep you all posted on the response. I will be checking as well to see if anyone has heard anything else. Also, please please do not send anyone your photo id or banking information. A photo id is not necessary for online employment. That is a big red flag, I will keep searching and let you all know what I found out.
I also got an email from Webaction offering a job opportunity with them. I’ve been working at home for 6 years, and I got loads of various job offers in my mailbox, so I’m a sort of an expert in finding a remote job now))) The lady I spoke with asked reasonable questions about my work experience, about my current schedule, about my home office equipment and conditions – that’s a plus. She also answered my questions about the company – it seems as if they have an office in the UK and are opening one in PA in June, so they actually didn’t operate from it at the moment. All their staff in the US now works as contractors for the UK company, and I took some time to check it with the Companies House – they are really registered with them since 2002, no BS. So far everything seems to be logical, so I’m eager to start working with them – nowadays, when the economy is so shattered, $3,5K per month seems to be a good chance.
I have been checking this out for a week. Thru my own I did find the UK registry. I checked on the PA Secretary of states website. No one listed by that name. I did a anywho.com search on the phone number and company name. The only thing is did confirm is that this is a landline. I also googled the address on maps. It’s a strip mall. But there is a place that sounds like it has virtual office space so that could be OK too. There is a place in NH that has a very similar name doing the same thing… I know this sound way too good to be true…lets keep out fingers crossed. We’re all looking for jobs and more money. And that is what they’re hoping for if this is a scam that we’ll just JUMP… good luck
I received the exact same-worded response from Webaction Limited, via CareerBuilder when I expressed interest.
They gave me the name & phone of one of their current Account Managers to contact. So far, I’ve left a voice mail message – no response. The 2 U.S. businesses in the “Customers Opinions” don’t seem to be operational.
I have talked with Trisha Spakes and my “future supervisor,” Alice Simmons, who also seems to evade specifics. I find it odd that the only contact we have is two, young-sounding ladies, both with heavy Eastern European accents who seem to speak from a prepared script full of generalities. For a while, I think I’ll proceed – with much caution – to satisfy my curiosity.
LauraA
I too have received the same information, after I got the employment agreement and filled out and returned with a copy of my DL I started really wondering and found this posting. I finally broke down and called the FBI Cleveland office for some advice. I was informed to steer clear as legitimate businesses do not operate in this manner. Furthermore, they seemed to think that if you were accepting money for project and paying teams (as per the initial posting statement) that this was a way for an organization to launder money. The size of the company was suspect to them as well and they will continue to research and get back with me. FYI be cautious everyone!!!! …In funding terrorism shell organizations are created and money is funnelled through the organization to individuals, sometimes several times, before reaching the desired party…Be careful or you may be guilty of this!!!
Webaction Ltd.
(01789) 297091
14 Saffron Walk, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6GN
Just found this info… Called the number which is in fact a UK number…Got voicemail of Sue Andrews. This company either has no clue how to do business in the U.S. or is somehow being shady…WATCHOUT! PROCEED WITH CAUTION!!!
Well add me to the list of those who’ve received invitations to work. While today’s internet is truly a source of mega-scams, just consider what’s being offered here. Since you are working as an independant contractor and will receive a 1099 form at the end of the year and the fact that the company is based out of the US there is no need to supply them with your SS#. If you’re concerned about them getting your bank account number then set up an account that will only be used to receive your wired monthly income and, by the way the money they offer is pretty much in line with what’s being paid to other middle managers in similar situations. The concern here should be whether or not you’re paid at all. If it is a money laundering scheme that you have NO KNOWLEDGE of there is a severe limit to the amount of culpability that you carry. They mention setting up a bank account for you to direct payments from and as long as your name is nothing more than an authorized user then again you have no tie to any schemes.
I’m not defending them but I have been working with independant contractors for over thirty years and they’re not doing anything that I have found to be untoward.
I say you have nothing to lose until they make some overture that goes against your morals or that is obviously illegal.
I for one intend to give them the 2 month probationary period (and here’s the spot for the scam. They use you for 2 months don’t pay you and let you go. Since they’re home-based in the UK you’ve got a snow balls chance in Hell of ever seeing those funds.)
Good Luck to all. I’m going to give it a try. Incidently their website is rather well done and offers all the services that one would expect from and IT specialty company. If it’s a scam it’s certainly one of the most elborate setups imaginable.
I’ve been through this process too. I’m faced with whether or not to fill out the application. I’m discouraged by the fact that there isn’t any more identifying information about the company on the form. There’s no address, no identification of subsidiaries or parent companies. It feels oddly bereft of that sort of information.
How many people have been asked to apply. That might also be some kind of indication of it’s legitimacy. There’s what, a dozen people on here who have received emails, to fill three positions? Of course, maybe they have a hard time convincing people to apply.
I’m a bit skeptical.
Well, I’ve been working with this company for more than 3 months, so I can tell you about it ‘from the inside’. When I responded to their ad at Craigslist in February, they even didn’t have an international website, and now they are planning to open an office in PA… So, about this job:
- I’m working as an independent contractor for their UK office, just as everybody I know here, in the US department. After the first 2 months I signed a yearly contract with them, the salary was the same – $3,500. I’m responsible for paying taxes on my own, on the 1099 basis.
- I got my first salary after a month working for them; it’s wired from their UK account, they don’t use paychecks due to security reasons, so you will actually need an account at least to receive your salary there.
- I’m working both with programmers and customers. The programmers are working remotely as well, I’m assigned to a team from the UK, but I know there are teams from different European countries. The customers are here, in the US; personally, I’ve been working with several individuals, not well-known companies. One was a bar owner, another one was some equipment manufacturer; they needed websites for their businesses.
- I don’t actually know much about website development, so all technical issues are forwarded to my programmers. My job is to get all the info from customers, as many details as possible – and as soon as the programmers are ready with the solution, I need to explain everything to them, which is very difficult sometimes… The majority of requests is processed within a special web helpdesk developed by Webaction especially for staff purposes, sometimes I call the customers, when they need a more personal approach.
- I was told that I can go on a vacation after 3 more months of work, so I’m looking forward to it… However, I can take a day off even now; we don’t work on holidays as well.
So, in general I’m quite satisfied with my job, however, working from home is not for everyone, it requires much devotion and self-organization. However, I’m getting used to wake up in the ‘office’ and get to sleep there as well
PS: About myself: I’m 30, a single mother living in Baltimore, MD…