Complaint Review: 1st-Team Staffing - New York, NY 10017 Internet

This is the exact same scam as Access-Help LLC, only with a different name and slightly different twist. I received an email from 1st-Team stating they had viewed my resume on Careerbuilder and they thought I'd be a perfect fit for their VA (VIP vitual assistant) position. I responded with an email requesting more info about the position and company.

Next, I received an email from a "Mr. Robert Morrell, a supposed HR manager" who would advise me on what I was to do next in the steps for becoming employed with 1st-Team. He sent a loose contract, (nothing incriminating) just stating the company's outline and obligations from the employee. I signed (electronically), and sent it back to him. 

Then I got my 1st assignment, which was fairly easy, asking me to research 2-3 printed media companies locally. I was to call and review which might the "client" use for advertising. I did the task, and was congratulated for a great report. 

My 2nd assignment was a bit more involved, where the "corporate client" (within the company) had purchased a painting from a Russian artist on his travels to Europe some years back. The painting was damaged, and he wanted the "artist", (Alexander Glebovich Sharapov) to re-create this painting. Money was no object.

I contacted, (by email) Mr. Sharapov and relayed the client's (btw there is never a name provided for any clients) request. I received an email back from the "artist" stating that he could do it, but only could accept Western Union payment.

I sent the info back to the "HR manager", (as there is no direct contact with the client, because there is NO client) and after a time he advised that the "client" wanted all info regarding payment, contracts, and any other paperwork sent to him. 

By this time, I was doing some research, but could not find anything on here for that company. My son, who is more pc savvy than myself, intervined to assist my search. On 1st-Team homepage, there is an area that states: "Time Magazine:#2 Website of the year." Not sure how my son knew to research that particular statement, but it came up on Ripoff Report, but under the name Access-HelpLLC.

The scenario was the same, only the names were changed.... hmm, don't even want to go there! Anyway, I wanted to learn more of what dealings these clowns were doing, so this a.m. I got on my pc, and low and behold, there was an email from Mr. Sharapov with 2 documents for the client. I forwarded the email to "Mr. Morrell" but have not heard from him yet. 

In all of this, I have never spoken with anyone from 1st-Team, only emails. Even though on their website, and in the contract it states that after the completion of the 1st assignment, the "HR manager" would contact the prospective employee.

It also states to always have your cell with you because if they cannot reach you after 3 attempts, you will no longer be considered for the position. Also, a  payment for the trial period upon completion to the perspective employee would be $1000 and $2000 per month, with a 10% pay raise every six months.

I have not heard back from them, and somehow I imagine they know why. I will have my son run a clean sweep of my pc. Heck, I just might get me a new one at this point! A lesson learned.