To Whom it May Concern,
I'm not sure if this is an issue or not, but it is something that I find rather strange.
On Tuesday, March 31, I had applied for a job with "RTS Investments" in Kelowna, BC. I spoke to a "Vickie Weibe" on the phone, and was happy to hear that I was going to have an interview later that day. I came in, filled out some forms, handed them my resume, and had a 5 minute interview. I was told to call back later that night to find out if I had the position. Later that night, I was informed that I had the job. I was told that I was management material, and that I would start with a base pay rate of $2500 a month. It sounded too good to be true, but I just assumed that because it was with an "investment company" that I had finally found a real job, and could start my career.
Unknown to me at the time, my friend had also applied, and gotten the job as well. It turns out, we were informed the exact same things as well. After going to the cheap looking homepage, we began to think it might be a scam. Today, we both went to the "training" session.
It took place in what looked to be a make-shift office, complete with fake money and Vegas style decorations everywhere. And vacuums, lots of vacuums... There were three rows of chairs, and of course the projection screen. Great, we sarcastically thought. We both ended up leaving only 20 minutes later, when she attempted to "move me to the front" of the room after I showed my friend next to me what I had written. We weren't disrupting anyone, and we are adults, was she serious?
Anyway, I stood up, said I thought the entire thing was strange, and we both left.
Upon arriving home, I did some research on the "company" that I thought was so strange, and this is what I came up with:
I phoned Kirby Vacuums at 1-800-437-7170 and was told that they were not associated with any RTS Investments, or KOC Investments in Kelowna.
They told me that the only distributer was KVC Enterprises, and that phone number was 1-888-695-4729.
According to the RTS Investments website, their toll free contact number is 1-888-695-4729, the same as the said KVC Enterprises.
So, what is their real name? I can't find a straight answer anywhere.
According to (http://www.hoovers.com/Rts+Investments+Inc/--HD__tfsttjkky,src__global--/free-co-dnb_factsheet.xhtml)
they employ 14 people at their Kelowna location, and only employ 14 people in total, so that is leading me to believe that they only have the one location.
"Vickie Weibe" told us that she worked at a branch in Calgary. I can't find any information on one in Calgary ever existing.
Vickie also said during the "training" that the owner was Shawn Nutley.
When searching for RTS and Shawn's name, I came across this:
http://kocinvestments.sampa.com/rts-investments-koc-investments/blog/RTS-Kelowna-a-pioneer-in-Custome.htm
"I must tell you about my good experience buying a vacuum cleaner from RTS InvestmentsOpen in a new window.
The sales rep was very knowledgeable and patiently answered all our queries about the product.
Apart from doing a great job selling appliances, KOC InvestmentsOpen in a new window also provides
accessories and repair service for all the products they stock.
It truly is a one stop shop for all your maintenance care appliances need."
Signed one, Shawn Nutley! So, it appears to me that he was making fake reviews for his business.
Anyway, although I'm sure the business was a scam, I'm not sure if any of it was infact illegal, or if I am just over reacting. I just thought that I should inform somebody, as I feel many will get suckered in to this.
Anonymous
Kelowna, British Columbia
Canada