Options4families job scam

datruth

I went to Liverpool for an interview for this so called counselling opportunity. I was little put off that the interview was Held in a pub but nevertheless I went because I needed a job and hoped for the best. This conman aka John said that they were changing offices and thats why he was conducting interviews there. When I arrived he was very chatty. This Low life even told me that he has children and had to stop counselling young people because it had affected him. I new something was wrong when I received an email saying that he needed me to forward him my details along with the DBS reference number. Even though I was hesitant I still made a payment of £65.60 and forwarded my details to him as it seemed genuine enough but my gut didnt feel right. I guess the fact have been unemployed for a while, I saw that this could be my opportunity and didnt want to be negative about it. I even went as far as moving to Liverpool in hopes of this job opportunity when the conman sent me a congratulation letter along side a nice salary package. My sister even paid a months rent for me, a week before the 13th of Jan which was the day he said I would be starting work. I really wanted this job because its what I had studied for and family and friends were so happy for me... when I found out that this was a scam it crushed my heart and I am so hurt that someone could do this. I had to pack up my things and leave Liverpool and now trying to find the money to give back to my sister while I am still looking for a job. This middle aged low life has really affected my belief in people as well as direct Gov for allowing this to be Advertised. I hope John Parks gets what is coming to him!!! I don't know how he can live with himself especially when there are people genuinely looking for work and that I really trying the best to find a job...

kiro_2

Update for this scam... I reported this scam to consumer direct, so the more people do that too, the sooner this scumbag will be caught and less victims will be left out of pocket. I also reported to universal jobs, however, they requested the job reference for the advert but it has now been removed so if anyone could help with that I would appreciate for me to report it properly. Thanks

krok

Another reason why this site UJM should not be used.

It is mandatory to register with a direction but you do not have to apply to any so called jobs on this site.

Just use other sites for your job search.

revett94

I can't believe that there is now a thread about this.

I went to an 'interview' with John Parks in December and was offered the job of a Trainee Child Counsellor, but was suspicious as soon as I got to the interview. The office was a practically empty room with just a desk and I noticed on the desk an A4 sheet that had maybe 50 names on it, which made me worry afterwards, how many other people have fallen for this? But like others here I didn't want to be negative about it.
I was offered the job by email with an invoice attached, to send options4families £65 for a DBS, so I declined the job. The only response I got was 'Good luck in the future.'
I noticed afterwards that the website for options4families had the same phone number and mission statement as the Burnley and Pendle children in need site, and my friend looked them up to find that they are not registered on Companies House. She even called to ask him why they weren't, and was told that they hadn't registered the company yet - even though he had told me in the interview that they already had established business in London.

I have also noticed more recently that the options4families website has had a few additions to it, maybe to make people who paid the DBS money think that it was legit. I am so glad that I didn't pay the money but was so worried that other people would, so I have reported them to Watchdog but haven't had a reply as of yet. We also called the Jobcentre but they weren't much help.

I feel awful that so many were affected, there are some sick people out there.

Ourloulou

kiro wrote: »

Update for this scam... I reported this scam to consumer direct, so the more people do that too, the sooner this scumbag will be caught and less victims will be left out of pocket. I also reported to universal jobs, however, they requested the job reference for the advert but it has now been removed so if anyone could help with that I would appreciate for me to report it properly. Thanks

The job reference number was 534 9504. I've reported it to universal jobmatch and local job centre. It's surprising how many job centre employees have no idea about this scam. Very disappointing service from a government facility.

mel12345

I was scammed by John Parks (aka John Sothern) for £65 DRB check. I reported it to the Liverpool Echo who took up the story.

I have also contacted and been interviewed by the Jobcentre in Birkenhead about this and they are going to claim the money back for me. (well, it was their fault initially that this conman could interview in a government building!). I have contacted local MP's, Action for Fraud, Watchdog, put posts on local newsbeat facebook sites and from this have found others who have been scammed too. We are putting pressure on the authorities involved to ensure that the DWP are made responsible for this farce and that this man is brought to justice as soon as possible. He was located and nearly arrested late last year in Manchester but escaped to do this again - right under the nose of the police and government! This has to stop now! If anyone who hasn't come forward and has been scammed by him - please add weight to the numbers who have and get in touch with the relevant authorities. There is power in numbers! It seems to be working momentarily anyway. I personally won't rest until he's apprehended and he can't do this to anyone else again!

mel12345

Ourloulou wrote: »

The job reference number was 534 9504. I've reported it to universal jobmatch and local job centre. It's surprising how many job centre employees have no idea about this scam. Very disappointing service from a government facility.

As I have said in my post which I made tonight - REPORT IT!! Take it to your local MP's and flood the newspapers with it - they need to be hauled over the coals for this one - it has cost jobseekers a lot of money and jobseekers who had jobs - their jobs! Don't let it disappear into the archives!

miss-jane_2

Im another victim of john parks unfortunately. I met him on 18th December for an 'interview' in the corn exchange in liverpool and like a previous poster said I also noticed the long list of names in front of him. He told me he was to pick 6 from all interviewed that day. I was so excited when I received an email later thay day to confirm I had a job. He also gave me the story of how he couldnt do the job any longer because of his kids. I have only had one job which ive had for the past ten years so I dont have a clue how an interview should be but this was not what i expected. I was only asked 2 questions which were 'do I cry at films' and 'why do I want the job'. I had doubt when he emailed me asking for the 65.60 and copies of bills and passport but put this down to me being paranoid since ive never had any luck finding a new job. Aftera day of crying once I found out this was a scam and I had cut my hours down in work and borrowed money from numerous family members for child care I rang action fraud who have noted it down and gave me a reference number. Is it worth me contacting anyone else? I think it is the job centres duty to reimburse us all as we have trusted their site which is there to provide us with potential jobs not help scam us! We shouldnt feel weary using that site but we wont be able to help it now!

Ourloulou

Report it to the police, universal job match and your bank. Also contact Birkenhead job centre plus and ask to speak to Phil Kane. He is well aware of the situation and they need as much info and details of everyone affected by this scam.