Maybe this one isn't a scam?

Blue_Mermaid

Hi guys

I've been searching for home jobs again and I've just come across this one which I've copied below.

If you look at the Manchester Secretarial website, it does looks and sound legitimate. Also, they are registered on the Duport website, where you can search for companies, (though there is no company report listed).

Their e-mail address is an ntlworld.com one (was told to take out the link below, when I tried to post it here).

You do have to purchase a foot pedal for the audio typing and I know that should be a danger sign for a scam but I have seen you have to do this on another secretarial site who employ audio typists and on another forum, they say that company is legitimate.

I couldn't find the job listed on the jobcentreplus website (it says that's where it's listed but again, I had to take out the link below) but maybe, if it is legitimate, it's been taken off because all the vacancies have been filled. I found the advert searching on Google and it was on a site called jobisjob (UK site).

I've sent Manchester Secretarial an e-mail, so I'll have to see what they say if I get a reply.

Anyway, here's the details:-

HOME BASED TYPIST - LEP
Job details:

• Date posted: 16 Mar, 2009
• Company: Manchester Secretarial
• Location: NATIONWIDE
• Job ref: ATN/15605
• Job Type: PERMANENT ONLY
• Hours: 10-40 HOURS PER WEEK, DAYS AND TIMES TO BE ARRANGED
• Salary: £7.50 PER HOUR

Description: This Local Employment Partnership employer shares information about new starters with Jobcentre Plus for statistical purposes only. Will be working from home transcribing interviews for social and academic researchers from sound files which are downloaded via the internet. Must have a broadband internet connection and typing speeds of at least 65wpm. Must have excellent grammar skills and be able to meet strict deadlines. Applicants will be given a short sound file to test their skills and will also be expected to purchase a foot pedal, retailing at approximately £40-£70. Employer states hours of work are flexible. email CV to . How to apply: You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Manager at Manchester Secretarial, private address, MANCHESTER, M46 0DF, or to You can find this offer in:

Blue_Mermaid

Would appreciate your opinions please guys. Do you think it's a legitimate job or a scam?

Thanks in advance!

PS No reply from them yet.

PRINCESSX87

Blue_Mermaid wrote: »

Would appreciate your opinions please guys. Do you think it's a legitimate job or a scam?

Thanks in advance!

PS No reply from them yet.

Hiya, I think scam, But i'm no professional.

Some are so good that they are hard to tell apart.

Some scream scammer, other's really dont.

Where did you say you found this? Other's on here maybe be able to tell you more..?

Blue_Mermaid

Thanks for your reply Princess :beer:

It was on a site called jobisjob. The jobs on there are from all different job sites and this one said it was from the jobcentreplus site.

PRINCESSX87

Blue_Mermaid wrote: »

Thanks for your reply Princess :beer:

It was on a site called jobisjob. The jobs on there are from all different job sites and this one said it was from the jobcentreplus site.

Well like i said i'm not a pro lol
But if i was you and you know this job is something worth doing then i would go down the jobcenter, (I take it your unemployed) and ask them to cover the cost of your item needed for the job.?
They do give loans / grants to help you back into work, So this might be a opp.

Or pop into your local JC and see if they can call them and ask them some questions, let them know what you have done and that you think it could or might be a scam, i'm sure they will be happy to help / assist you!

Caroline73_2

Call them up and pretend you are interested in using their services. Then ask if they could supply some contacts of other clients. If they have satisfied clients chances are they are legit.

Blue_Mermaid

Thanks for your helpful advice and suggestions Princess and Caroline. Much appreciated and both are good suggestions.

I am on Incapacity Benefit Princess but I've partly recovered from the chronic illness I have and want to try and do some part-time work from home and see how I get on. The aim being to get off benefit.

Cheers :beer:

elliep_2

The way that they say the footpedal costs £40-£70 makes it look like they expect you to get your own. If it was a scam they'd be trying to get you to pay them £70 and sending you a £40 pedal.

I'd be very cautious but it does look to me like it might be legit.

claudia999

It sound ok to me - It wouldnt be a very good scam if they just wanted you to buy a foot pedal so I would go for it!!

cheap_charlie

claudia999 wrote: »

It sound ok to me - It wouldnt be a very good scam if they just wanted you to buy a foot pedal so I would go for it!!

Yes but that's assuming you pay for a foot pedal, receive it and get some work.

Forking out for a foot pedal you either do not receive or have no need for due to receiving no work is dodgy.

And who is to say they are charging a fair and honest price for the foot pedal?

Voyager2002

I think it is genuine: as a former university researcher I was always struggling to find people to do my transcribing, and often had to pay about twelve pounds an hour for a good transcriber.

The acid test: contact the company and say that you already have a foot pedal (obviously look at one on Google first so that you can answer if they ask which one you have: my one says Olympus RS24).

Be warned: the actual work is soul-destroying and frustrating, and most of my transcribers would bottle out after a while. However, it is a way to earn money at home...