Complaint Review: "Adviser Graphics" LLC - Washington DC Internet

BEWARE!!!!What follows below are all the communications between "Adviser Graphics' LLC based in Sweden and myself. As you will see this is a very slick operation but there are several things that ultimately gave them away. If I had listened to my own first internal gut feeling it never would have gotten as far as it did. As it is, it only cost me time and aggravation, but it could have been considerably worse.

Initial communication - Jan 26From: Upton Romero (email address removed as instructed in ripoff report)
Dear Prospective Candidate:
The Graphics, LLC would like to offer you Equipment Specialist position at Equipment Department.
Join "Graphics" Ltd. and you'll work in a dynamic environment with other talented individuals who inspire greatness in their teammates.
Our unique position ensures that you'll always be challenged in your work and supported in reaching your most ambitious goals.
Position name: Equipment Specialist;
Position field: Equipment Management;
Open period: 1/27/12-2/14/12;
Salary: start-up salary of $70,000.00/year, paid monthly by your choice of check or direct deposit;
Benefits: Paid Holidays, Personal Time Off, medical, dental, vision, long- and short-term disability, company-paid life insurance, 401(k);
Who may be considered: all United States citizens/residents;
Duty locations: the vacancy is available in more than 17 states;
Position type: full-time.
Key responsibilities:
- Work closely with General Specialist to develop and maintain equipment strategies that are aligned with market and corporate strategies.
- Evaluate existing equipment and manage appropriate actions to improve equipment and it's efficiency.
- Communicate with all active Departments to ensure company-wide launch readiness.
- Monitor competitor activities to determine possible future upgrades.
- Operate with a high degree of independence in a fast-moving environment.
- Foster client relationships.

Skills and Competencies:
- Experience managing vendors
- Strong negotiation and analytical skills
- Ability to think strategically and execute methodically
- Executive level verbal and written communication skills
- Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority
Qualifications and Experience:
- GED
- Minimum of 3 years successful related business experience
- Basic Computer Skills (MS Office, MS Project)
- Knowledge in technology
If you are interested in our job offer, please reply back with your resume.
In the subject box please insert title - "Equipment Specialist".
We will only consider CV's sent through the e-mail unless an exception has been
approved by a manager of the HR Office listed on this announcement.
Sincerely,
Kylan Marks
Senior HR Manager,
The "Graphics", LLC
My Response - Jan 26 
RE: your job offer: please find my resume attached. 
Note: I have not revised my resume to specifically reflect the needs of the position offered - rather, I have let it remain intact (in its current focus on teaching), so that you are able to view my past and ongoing involvements.
Respectfully,
Jon
Their Response (though I did not make the connection to the first email) - Feb 6
From: Anna Stone 
Jonathan,
Since  2002,  "Adviser  Graphics", LLC has been the supplier of choice for  high-quality design and graphic services on international market. "Adviser  Graphics",  LLC  is  helping individuals in our community to build rewarding careers.
We are presently searching for an experienced individual to be part of our company in new US branch.
A copy of the initial information of the job was included but with a slightly higher salary.
To accept the job offer:
- request an Employee Survey (in written or verbal form);
- complete  the  Survey  and return it in appropriate format over the electronic mail;
- wait for further instructions from HR Department.
For  any  questions,  please  contact HR Department at (202) 657-6247,
Monday  through  Friday,  9:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST, or leave your contact information  and  we  will  get back with you as soon as possible. For more     information,     please     visit     our     web-site     at www.advisergraphics.com.
Good luck.Best regards, Anna Stone HR Assistant "Adviser Graphics", LLC.

My Response - Feb 6
Hello Anna - thanks very much for writing to me. The position sounds very interesting and well within my skill sets. Please accept this note as a request for the Employee Survey
Thanks very much,
Jon
Their Response - Feb 7
From: Anna Stone [email protected] Jonathan,
Thank you for your interest in offered Equipment Specialist position.I have attached an Employee Survey for your review, whichconsists of two parts: personality test and short questionnaire.Employee Survey is an obligatory document which you need tofill out if you want to apply for this position. However, Surveyis not an employment document and filling out Employee Surveydoes not give you any guarantees of further employment.
Please, be accurate and attentive while filling out Survey.Based on the results of Survey check up HR Departmentwill make decision concerning next steps in the employmentprocess with you. Survey check up may take up to 3 businessdays and as soon as Survey is checked, I will provide youwith further details.
Please, find Employee Survey attached.Respond with filled Survey within next 24 hrs.Please, confirm.Have a good day.

Same day: I requested the Survey and almost immediately I received it, filled it out and returned it:
Job Title:Equipment SpecialistName:
Company:Adviser Graphics, LLCState/zip code:
Level:Full-time/permanentCity/Address:
Salary Range:$70,000.00 per yearPhone number:
HR Contact:(202) 657-6247Date posted:
Employee Survey*Personality Profile Form
Below is a list of words. Enter the NUMBER in the Box that BEST describes your Personality, Characteristics and Traits AT WORK. Take your time and be as honest as possible. Please be sure and fill in an answer for ALL of the words.
1 = OFTEN Applies.2 = In Between but More Than Half the Time3 = Applies About Half The Time4 = In Between but Less Than Half the Time5 = SELDOM APPLIES
EXAMPLE: If the word describes you MOST ofthe time, choose 1. If it hardly EVER applies,choose 5. If it applies somewhere in between,choose 3. Use 2 and 4 to show emphasis inone direction or another.
1.[  ] Skeptical                                 2.[  ] Inspiring                                                                   3.[  ] Easy Going                                 4.[  ] Problem Solver                                                               5.[  ] Patient                                                                   6.[  ] Sociable                                                                            7.[  ] Promoter                                 8.[  ] Tolerant9.[  ] Good Listener                                                                  10.[  ] Curious                                             11.[  ] Practical                                        12.[  ] Logical                                                              13.[  ] Demanding14.[  ] Believable     15.[  ] Efficient                                         16.[  ] Analytical                                                                       17.[  ] Accommodating                                        18.[  ] Influencing                                                                   19.[  ] Supportive                               20.[  ] Planner                                                                      21.[  ] Resourceful22.[  ] Talkative                                                                    23.[  ] Loyal                                          24.[  ] Strong Willed                                                                                                                                                        25.[  ] Follows Rules26.[  ] Confident                                          27.[  ] Risk Taker                                 28.[  ] Idealistic                                     29.[  ] Enjoys Change                           30.[  ] Accurate                                      31.[  ] Workaholic                                  32.[  ] Follows Through                       33.[  ] Optimistic                                34.[  ] Motivates Others                        35.[  ] Adaptable                                   36.[  ] Perfectionist                
Questionnaire
What kind of skills and abilities do you have?
          What part of working experience are you proud of?
          What usually motivates you during work week?
          What is (are) the most significant achievement(s) in your life?
          What are your strengths and weaknesses?
          Do you prefer to work independently or in a team?
          How do you work under pressure?
          Where do you see yourself in five years time?
What's your ideal company?    
What type of work environment do you prefer?In what ways do you raise the bar for yourself and others around you?                                 
Created by:HR Department of Adviser Graphics, LLC
Companys HQ:1425 K St. NW, suite #108, Washington, DC 20005
Feb 8 - Anna Stone wrote again
Good morning Jon,
This message confirms the receipt of your filled Employee Survey. I have forwarded your profile to HR Department
for check up and will be waiting for soon update. Check up process may take up to 3 business days.
As soon as any update is available, I will immediately contact you.
Also, in addition, HR Department may set up a phone interview with you or request references.
I will let you know if we need any additional information from you.
Will be in touch with you.
Have a great day.
Isn't she kind? Feb 9 Again I received a message from Anna
Good morning Jonathan,
How are you today? This message confirms that your Survey has been checked and we are ready to move to the next step in the employment process.
One of our HR Managers will contact you on 2/14/12 between
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST.
Please, do not worry, if you are unable to pick up the phone, we will leave you a detailed message and send necessary documents and instructions over the e-mail. Have a great day.

Sure enough on Valentine's Day I was contacted by
Matteus Solberg (email address removed as instructed in ripoff report)
Hello ,
After further review of your resume and results of Employee Survey check up, HR Department of our company made an affirmative decision in regards to your candidacy. We are willing to complete the employment process with you!
I have attached an Employment Agreement for the probation period. Employment Agreement consists of fifteen articles
describing job duties, responsibilities, salary payments, tax deduction and etc. Please, note that provided Agreement
is only for the probation period (one month). Completing probation period is obligatory for all full-time employees.
You will be given 2 business days to carefully review the Agreement and make your complete decision.
Please, pay attention on terms of the employment. Probation period is a one month period. By the end of probation period you will be paid and you will be invited to local branch to meet in person, sign permanent Agreement, discuss benefit package and further steps.
To start probation period, please, print out the last page of Agreement ("Signature Page"), sign it, scan it and send it to
me over the e-mail. At the moment we do not accept faxed copies due to the bad quality of copy.
Please, confirm the receipt.
Have a good day.

This is a Copy of that "Contract"
Employment Agreement This Agreement dated as of Effective date of Agreement 2/14/12 between Adviser Graphics, LLC (The Company) and Jonathan Ellis (The Employee). In consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
Article 1 Employment 
 The Company hereby agrees to employ the Employee as an Equipment Specialist and the Employee agrees to be employed by the Company on probation period, working from Monday through Friday, with approximate amount of working time of 10 hours a week (flexible time schedule with 1-2 hrs per day). Company hereby appoints Equipment Specialist as representative for the procurement of required Merchandise which Equipment Specialist will procure on behalf of Company as Company instructs, and Equipment Specialist with respect to such Merchandize purchased in territory of Equipment Specialist (fixed region, place of living) under terms and conditions specified in this Agreement.

 Article 2 Job Responsibilities
 Equipment Specialist shall, on behalf of and at the direction of Company:a) Negotiate with independent manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors with respect to prices, terms and deliveries for finished Merchandise and other items and materials relating to the production of such Merchandise;b) Enter into purchasing contracts with independent manufacturers and vendors with respect to required Merchandise;c) Inspect finished goods destined for shipment and delivery to Company for quality control purpose and to confirm that all goods are the product of the stated country of origin (United States of America) and issue inspection certificates (purchasing receipts) certifying that the goods conform to purchase contracts or order including designation of country of origin;d) When requested, arrange for international transportation and/or appropriate insurance coverage, relating to shipment and delivery of the goods to Company;e) Engage on market research activities and generally keep Company advised of market trends, sources of supply, new items including procurement of samples;f) Inspect all documents covering shipment to ensure that invoices, country of origin declaration and other shipping documents as required by contracts, purchase orders and etc. are in good order;g) Treat all information and specification regarding Merchandise purchased under this Agreement as confidential proprietary information of Company and use its best efforts to ensure against disclosure to third parties;h) Perform any other services and activities including negotiations relating thereto and payment therefore.

 Article 3 Other Business 
 The Employee can engage, without prior written approval from the Company, in any private commercial transactions or work on behalf of himself or any other individual or company. 
Article 4 Salary 
1.  The Company will pay the Employee a probation salary in United States Dollars in accordance with the following standard. The Employee shall not request the Company to make any payments, including but not limited to wages, allowances, benefits, insurance premiums or disbursements, unless otherwise expressly specified herein. Basic Wage is paid monthly, by sending a check to a place of Employees living, in case there is no other place specified by Employee. ? Basic Wage: In consideration for the designated work, the Company will make the following payment to the Employee: $1,700.00 per month.
2. Commuting Expenses
 The commuting expenses for the transportation between the Employees work place and his/her residence will be reimbursed to the Employee on the 25th day of each month for the previous months expenses. 
3. Tax Deduction
 The Employee acknowledges that the salary and any payments to be made hereunder shall be     subject to withholdings of any taxes, and deductions of any taxes, social welfare pension premiums, health insurance premiums and any others levies under the laws and regulations of United States of America. Therefore, it is agreed between the parties hereto that the salary as stipulated in Article 4.1 and payment if any are mentioned taking into account such withholdings and deductions and already free of it.
4. Other Expenses
 Company hereby agrees to pay for all extra expenses including, but not limited to: gasoline expenses, telephone bills (in case of international calls), Internet services (in case of over limiting standard Internet traffic), shipping and purchasing expenses. The extra expenses will be reimbursed on the on the 25th day of each month for the previous months expenses.

 Article 5 Expenses for Business Trips 
 In the case that the Employee, with the approval of the Company, takes a business trip in performing his/her work duties, the Company will pay or reimburse to the Employee the expenses for the business trip in accordance with the regulations issued by the Company.Article 6 Sick Days 
 The Employee shall receive a maximum of 7 paid sick days for one month probation under this Agreement in case that the Employee receives medical treatment from a physician. 
Article 7 Confidential Information 
 The Employee shall hold in confidence, and shall not disclose to any third party, any confidential information of the Company, including but not limited to the list of partners Company working with and any financial information, and shall not use such information for the benefits of the Employee or any third parties. 
Article 8 Reputation 
 The Employee shall not defame the reputation of the Company and the related companies, or other employees or customers of the Company or the related companies. 

 Article 9 Probation 
 The Employee will process probation by The Company as follows:1. Initial On-Line Probation: Initial probation, performed by supervisor will be given to the Employee to learn and acquire the skills for purchasing activity. Probation will last 3-4 weeks in accordance with Companys policies. Employee must proceed first month of probation without failure in order to apply for a full-time employment. Probation period is paid by the Company in accordance to the Companys terms of salary payments (Article 4.1).a) Successful accomplishment of initial on-line probation process guarantees Employee further employment on a full-time basis. By the end of probation period Employee will be provided with certificate of Equipment Specialist, full benefit package and Permanent 5-year Employment Agreement.b) Important: in order to complete Probation period and receive a certificate, Employee must complete all given analytical tasks and at least 2 (two) Purchasing Orders (in any amount provided by Equipment Department). As soon as all aspects of probation are completed, Employee will be promoted to a full-time Equipment Specialist.2. Additional Training: Additional Training will be given to the Employee when necessary to improve the key skills. 

 Article 10 Term and Termination for probation period 
 The probation of the Employee under this Agreement shall begin on 16th February of 2012 and end on 16th March of 2012 and the Agreement shall not be renewed automatically.Article 11 Termination of Agreement
1.  The Company may terminate this Agreement in accordance with the following provisions at any time for the employment period of this Agreement: a) The Company may terminate this Agreement at liberty without any obligation to the Employee if the Employee breaches any points stipulated in this Agreement, or the rules or regulations, or misdeed or fault any points stipulated therein.b) The Company may terminate this Agreement at liberty without any obligations to the Employee if the Employees acts cause damage or loss to the Company or related companies. c) The Company may terminate this Agreement at liberty without any obligation to the Employee if the Employee breaches any provision of the laws of United States of America or Sweden, or the Employee is arrested and charged on criminal grounds. d) The Company may terminate this Agreement at liberty without any obligation to the Employee if the Employee performs any act unbecoming an Equipment Specialist. e) The Company may terminate this Agreement out of necessity if any unavoidable circumstances concerning the Companys business arises.  2.  During the employment period under this Agreement, the Employee may terminate this Agreement by giving the Company written notification a minimum of ten (10) days prior to the termination date.  
Article 12 Arbitration
 The two parties shall consult with each other and mediate any disputes, which may arise about the contract. If all attempts fail, the two parties can appeal to the organization of arbitration for foreign experts affairs located in the region of any part of the contention and ask for final arbitration.  
Article 13 Integration 
 This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter for this Agreement and merges and supersedes all prior discussions, agreements and understandings of any and every nature between the parties.

 Article 14 Financial Activity
1) Company hereby agrees to provide Employee with required corporate funds to accomplish purchasing and shipment of Merchandise during probation period.2) After 1st month of probation business corporate credit card will be issued for Employee. Business corporate credit card will be issued by one of the US banks per decision of Financial Department. Corporate credit card will be opened under Companys name and Employee will become an authorized user of it. 3) Corporate credit card will be shipped to Employee within 3-4 days after issuing, and will be used only for purchasing activity of Company.4) Before issuing business corporate credit card Company agrees to provide Employee with required funds. All transactions will be authorized by US banks and will be completed through secured banking operations such as: direct deposit, authorized wire transfer to debit
card, other bank transfers. Company may, as well, authorize Employee to use corporate account and corporate funds using written instructions, provided by Company.5) Personal Training Manager must notify Employee about the exact way of transferring funds prior to completing any purchasing activities.6) In case if Employee spends any personal savings during purchasing activity, Company must reimburse Employees expenses in the same day or day after in any convenient way.

 Article 15 Supervisory
 In order to control purchasing activity of Employee during probation period, Company agrees to provide him/her with personal Training Manager. Employee agrees to perform his/her duties under control of Training Manager. Training Manager agrees to be responsible for Employee during 1st month of probation. Signature Form (fills by Employee in pen only)
 Klaus Meinen, Head of HR Department
Adviser Graphics, LLCKlarabergsviadukten 70, 111 64 Stockholm, Sweden 
Verified by Will PerkinsHead of HR Department
Adviser Graphics, LLC US (line for signature)
Jonathan Ellis

My, My, My doesn't that look official? Actually the answer to that question is NO, but I was somewhat  taken in.
I signed and returned it on the same day with the following message:
Hello Matt - Please find attached to this email the signed copy of the Employment Agreement. You will see that I simply altered the original document, recreating the last page with my signature affixed, and have returned the entire thing rather than scanning etc... 
Additionally, I do have a few questions, the first being how did you come across my name? Secondly, what do you know of my credentials? Do you have a copy of my resume? And finally, please know that I am asking this with all due respect, but can you explain to me why the logo at the top of the Employee Agreement does not look professional? You must realize, considering my answers on the Employee Survey, that I am very curious by nature.
I look forward to our continuing relationship,
Best, Jon

I thought my question might bring some light to what these strange Swedish people were doing and I got this response on Feb 15
Hello Jonathan,
This e-mail confirms the receipt of your signed last page of Employment Agreement (probation period).
I have forwarded your Signature Form to Secretary Department for further verification.
FYI, verification process usually takes one business day. As soon as verification process ends, we are planning
to start probation period with you. Before moving to probation period, we will need to fill out tax deduction forms (you will receive tax deduction forms on the 3rd week of probation), confirm work schedule with Training Department, prepare personal assignments and make sure that provided schedule will be suitable for you.
Meanwhile, Equipment Department will prepare a list of equipment, required for supplement. Financial Department
will contact US bank partners to discuss further steps concerning issuing of corporate business credit card for
you as well as temporary ways of transferring funds to you during probation period.
As for inspection, by decision of Training Department I will be responsible for supervising you during probation period.
For any questions you may send me e-mail or call me at . I have included you in the most suitable group starting
probation period on 2/17/12. Please, expect first probation assignment from me between 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM your local time. I will send you first assignment and instructions over the e-mail.
Please confirm receiving of instructions. Have a good day.

And Matt included this in the message
P.S. Here is a copy of your e-mail which you sent to our manager on 2nd of February:
RE: your job offer: please find my resume attached.
Note: I have not revised my resume to specifically reflect the needs of the position offered - rather, I have let it remain intact (in its current focus on teaching), so that you are able to view my past and ongoing involvements.
Respectfully,
Jon
Jonathan Ellis
We have also received your resume and review your professional background.
I do not have an answers for you concerning the logo on top of Agreement. This is a certified document of our Swedish Head Office. I am sure with more than 12 years of professional work in engraving, design and graphics field
they know how to make professional logos.

I wrote back
Thanks for your very direct answers to my questions Matt. 
I now realize that I did indeed send my resume to a person identified to me as one Upton Romero (the email sender) though the email was signed Kylan Marks, Senior HR Manager, The "Graphics", LLC. Perhaps you can understand my confusion? It is only through your response that I realized that "Adviser Graphics" and The "Graphics" are one-in-the-same company. With that in mind I eagerly look forward to our work together, and I shall be watching for the referenced email instructions on the 17th.
You can expect my very best effort.
Cordially,
Jon

And received this assignment (busy work and looked official - this is elaborate - yes?)
Hello Jonathan, How are you today?
According to work schedule, your probation starts on 2/17/12 and ends on 3/17/12.
As we already discussed, I will be supervising you during probation period. For any questions, you may find me on the
phone from 9 AM EST - 2 PM EST, otherwise, leave a message or send an e-mail.
First probation week will be a week of few simple analytical tasks, second week will be purchasing week (during this week you will need to complete at least two PO's), third and fourth week will be a week of new analytical tasks concerning future contracts. All tasks will take 1-2 hours a day from you, for your convenience you will be able to use Internet resources and contact manufacturers to request prices.

 Please, find description of first probation assignment below:
1) The attached General Contract #31 is a contract, which you will be leading during probation period. At the moment most part of our new US and European facilities are in need of office equipment, such as high-performance Apple technics. General Contract #31 will be divided in to several small PO's. You will be completing that PO's during test purchasing week. During this week you will need to complete at least two PO's to successfully pass this step. Since this is a test purchasing step, there will be NO out of pocket expenses from your side and all purchases will be made on corporate funds provided to you by Financial Department.
2) Today your task will be to find equipment per GC#31 in nearest retail stores and provide me with the list of stores per further requirements:
- you will need to locate not less than 3-4 different stores;
- all stores must be located in not more than 50 miles round trip.
Assignments to complete:
- provide with information, such as: store location, mileage from
home to store (round trip);
- complete a detailed price-list for required equipment;
- complete report in Excel spreadsheet list;
- respond before the deadline (2/20/12 by 12:00 PM EST).
3) As soon as I receive your first report, I will provide you with next probation assignment.
4) To avoid any delays during probation period, please, try to check your e-mail box several times a day, preferably
between 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST.
5) You may check prices using Internet resources such as web-sites of retailers and manufacturers.
Note: we accept only individual work and do not accept any quotes from manufacturers or store representatives.
6) Do not forget that you are completing PROBATION assignment.
So far, do not purchase or order any equipment, do not discuss bulk purchasing with manufacturers or any discount until the Equipment Department requests so.
Please, confirm.
Have a good day.

I began doing some research "work" for them on Feb 21 and received the following
Hello Jonathan,
This e-mail confirms the receipt of your first accomplished assignment. I have reviewed your report and I am impressed.
Very informative and detailed. I have forwarded your report to Equipment Department for verification.
They will provide me with further details concerning GC#31 in the nearest business day.
The second assignment is an addition to the first one.
You have already found store locations and prices for the equipment.
Now, we need to find local transporters, who will be shipping goods to corporate facilities and our clients. Your second
assignment will include researching activity of shipping offices in your locations.
You will need to provide our company with list of transporters in your location offering domestic and international shipment of small packages (under 30 lbs).
Requirements and objectives for assignment "Transporters":
1) Prepare a list of USPS, FedEx, UPS and DHL offices in your location,
including following information:
 a)address of shipping center;
 b)working hours of shipping center;
 c)round trip distance;
 d)services offered (domestic, international; priority, express
 delivery).
2) Complete report in Excel spreadsheet list.
3) Deadline - 2/21/12 by 12:00 PM EST.
Please, confirm receiving of instructions.
Have a good day.

And so came the second assignment (afterall - he was impressed with my work, right)
I did it quickly and returned it to get this message
Greetings Jon,
I am in a receipt of your report per assignment  "Transporters". Your report has been reviewed and forwarded
to Equipment Department for further verification. They will get back to me with complete decision soon.
You have completed 2 analytical tasks already and we are going to start purchasing week and week of further analytical tasks. I have already received task schedule and instructions for the purchasing step and, before I send them to you, I will need to discuss further steps in greater details.
I would like to set up a phone conversation with you on 2/22/12 at 1:30 PM EST. It will take about 5-10 minutes of your time. Please, let me know if this time works for you.
Have a nice day.

We had a conversation on the phone during which Good old Matt gave me some information on how I would be given access to Adviser Graphics corporate bank account by which I was to pre fund my credit card until they could issue me a corporate card once I was hired Ah, we were to have yet another conversation.
When we had that conversation my gut feeling kicked in again hard so I began doing even more research on the company... There were no scam or rip-off reports. The website had a couple of glitches, but sometimes that happens. I had done searches of everyone listed on the website and actually found nothing and I mean nothing at all as if they didn't exist! That is of course because they don't exist!
He missed his phone appointment with me because
Dear Jon,
I do apologize for inconvenience, however, I would like to reschedule our conversation to Monday 2/22/12.
I will be in the office from 9 AM till 2 PM EST. Let me know what works best for you.
The reason I have to reschedule our conversation, is that Financial Department will be on a meeting with banks whole day today, so further details will be available only on Monday.
Please, confirm.

I went back to the website and called the phone number in Sweden. Next I wrote this last message to Matt
Confirmed, however I will not be available to talk on Monday until 1:35.  In addition, you should know that, as I think about the financial arrangements that you have proposed, I am feeling uncomfortable.  While Adviser Graphics LLC knows a great deal about me I know virtually nothing about them - other than information on the website. I tried to call the office in Stockholm + (4646) 026 26 00 00 and found the number to "not in service." This did nothing to ease my level of confidence.
While I am quite willing to do the work assigned (though as of this moment, even in the face of losing the offered position, I have halted all work), I am not willing to be involved in electronic transfers of funds. Please allow me to offer a different solution: please purchase a postal money order, or a certified bank check from any JP Morgan Chase bank and send it to me via overnight mail. I will then cash it directly at the bank or PO and make all purchases required in cash.
Matt - this is a business decision. Good business requires that all our cards be placed on the table.  I have, in this email, placed my cards face up. I await your response.

I really do not expect to hear from them again. If I do I will place that conversation here as I will be recording it. In spite of my offered solution I will not be doing any business with these people under any circumstances. It didn't feel right to begin with and it doesn't feel right now. Maybe I'm their very first target of opportunity. Hopefully I will also be the last.