Trevor Dailey's Weblog

This company netted my résumé from Career Builder where my résumé was posted for employment specifically as a lift truck operator. I have never had contact with them. I have ignored every random email and soliciting phone call from them, and still they would not stop trying to contact me via email and telephone.

Reasons to be suspicious

If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

There are no shortcuts to wealth.

Compare AIL's hiring practices to the hiring practices of other insurance companies.

I did not apply for a position with this company.

I did not send this company my résumé.

My résumé did not even imply this was the type of employment I was looking for.

It is improbable a company legitimately recruits employees this way.

It is most improbable Roger Smith,  Brian Traboulay, and John Charlton really did find my résumé online, and sent me recruitment emails.

The emails are from three separate people, and are mostly not connected in content even when sent by the same person.

The sender of the email seems overly enthusiastic about the opportunity. It is always urgent that I act on the opportunity.

There is the promise of huge reward for little or no investment.

There is the promise of huge reward for little or no skill required.

There is more than one individual offering the same opportunity, but separately from the others.

The emails are automatically generated, sent at the same time (8:00am), with grammatical errors.

Emails sent from Brian Traboulay are signed by John Charlton.

My name is not anywhere in the emails.

There is no company address given. There is more than one contact telephone number given. The company's telephone numbers are unlisted numbers.

Brian Traboulay (State Director for American Income), John Charlton (Regional Manager), and the H.R. Department have the same telephone number.

The opportunity does not stay constant. Each email was sent at a one week, or less, interval.

There is no proper job title, nor a suitable job description given.

There is too much focus on what the company can do for me.

The email address for John Charlton (Regional Manager) is a "London Human Resources" email address.

The AIL London office telephone number is not given.

The AIL London office telephone number is unlisted. Exactly where my résumé was found is not stated.

The name of the company does not stay constant.

Specific details of my résumé are not mentioned.

The opportunities keep being offered despite me not responding.

The important information the job salary is remuneration based on commission only is not included in the emails.

The emails The following contrived spam emails and a telephone message are reproduced verbatim:

Subject: Job Opening Available Now! Please Reply Today! From: "Roger Smith"

Date: Sun, December 6, 2009 8:00 am

My name is Roger Smith and I am the Chief Executive Officer of American Income. I recently found your resume online and wanted to get in touch with you. We are expanding our sales force by hiring applicants from a variety of different backgrounds and we believe you have the potential to be an excellent match. We are hiring goal-oriented individuals like you right now. First year earnings, advances and bonuses can range from $60,000 to $90,000 for new representatives. No experience is necessary. We provide full training to help maximize your earning potential. If you wish to excel within a company that has a proven record of success, then I would like to speak with you. American Income has upheld a well-known industry reputation for financial stability and quality service for over 50 years. If you are interested in learning more about this important opportunity, please click here or call 1-888-831-1200. Sincerely, Roger Smith Chief Executive Officer American Income

Subject: Important Job Opportunity Still Open! Respond Now!

From: "BRIAN TRABOULAY" Date: Sun, December 13, 2009 8:00 am

Hi, my name is BRIAN TRABOULAY and I am the State Director for American Income. I saw your resume on the internet  and felt that I should contact you immediately. Our company currently has openings for several outstanding individuals like you. If you are an individual seeking a financially rewarding position with a company that is part of the Torchmark Corporation (TMK), a company that truly believes in honesty, integrity and trust, then I would like to speak with you. Please call my office at 519-649-1874 so we can schedule an interview. Best regards, BRIAN TRABOULAY American Income Life Canada

Subject: We Are Still Hiring! Please Contact Us! From: "Roger Smith"

Date: Sun, December 20, 2009 8:00 am

A little more than two weeks ago, we pulled your resume and tried to contact you either by phone or email. As of this date, our records show we have not been able to set up an interview with you. Our ability to search resumes online has allowed us to grow at a pace second to none in our industry. Because of this, we are touching base with individuals who have posted their resumes that meet our requirements for the opportunities we have available. We are still interviewing and believe you are an excellent candidate. If you are still in the job market and are looking for a highly rewarding position, I encourage you to learn more about this opportunity. Simply click here or call 1-888-248-6010 to discuss the options we have available for you. Sincerely, Roger Smith Chief Executive Officer American Income Life

Subject: Potential Career Opportunity From: "BRIAN TRABOULAY"

Date: Thu, December 24, 2009 8:00 am

Hello, Your resume was forwarded to me and it looks like your experience and skills are a potential match for a sales/customer service position at our financial services company, AIL. You may not have heard of us, but you will. Right now is the most exciting time in the 54 year history of our company we are growing fast. We have the right services, the right market, and we are working on hiring the right people. Unlike other companies in the financial services industry, American Income is more than just a way to make a living; its a way of life. Its a way for you to succeed by helping others live more rewarding lives by sharing our financial services and our Opportunity. We believe that when you help others reach their dreams, those people will help you reach your dreams. Its that simple, and it works. American Income is much more than a business; its a special way of living your life by being of service to others. And to serve you, we provide comprehensive training, leadership development, leads, exciting trips, recognition, and of course fun! Take a look at our website. If you feel up to the challenge, give us a call. I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you soon! John Charlton Regional Manager 519-649-1874 londonhr@ailontario.com WWW.AILIFE.COM

Subject: Job Opening Notification From: "BRIAN TRABOULAY"

Date: Thu, December 31, 2009 8:00 am

Hello, You are being contacted as a result of an extensive search of resumes which matched your qualifications to many of the attributes associated with a successful AIL Associate. If you are a career minded individual with a strong work ethic, impeccable integrity and positive attitude, this may be a potential fit. AIL is a professional service firm delivering insurance services and solutions to clients. We are the exclusive provider of labor related insurance products in 19 states and 7 provinces in Canada. We provide supplemental benefits and insurance program management services for labor unions, credit unions, associations, and private clients through AIL. If you would like to schedule an interview before our slots fill up please give us a call. We will be conducting interviews until the end of the week. If you dont hear from us by Thursday call our local office for any available interviews times left. We look forward to talking with you soon. Best Regards, John Charlton Regional Manager 519-649-1874 londonhr@ailontario.com WWW.AILIFE.COM

Subject: Highly Motivated Leaders Wanted From: "BRIAN TRABOULAY"

Date: Thu, January 7, 2010 8:00 am

Hello, AIL is looking for qualified leaders to open new offices as we transition from a metropolitan-based company to a community-based company in response to market demands. Our competitive advantage is a result of our commitment to growth and to our leaders. We provide a turn-key operation and qualified leads in a niche market. AIL is a professional service firm delivering insurance services and solutions to clients. We are the exclusive provider of AIL products in 19 states and 7 provinces in Canada. I will be meeting with qualified candidates this week. I saw your resume online, and a few of your recent experiences peaked my interest. Although we are late in the process, and winding down our interview process this week, wed  like a chance to meet you before making our final selections. If you dont hear from us by the end of today give my HR team a call regarding your resume and tell them I told you to call. John Charlton Regional Manager 519-649-1874 londonhr@ailontario.com WWW.AILIFE.COM

Telephone Message.

Date: Thu, January 21, 2010.

Hi, this is a message for Trevor. It's Amy Thompson with AIL. I'm calling from the Human Resources Department in regards [sic] to your résumé. Just give me a call back. The phone number is, 519-649-1874.

References Human Resources and Skills Development Canada:  6213 Insurance Agents and brokers

Government of Canada: Working in Canada: Insurance Agents and brokers (NOC 6231-B)

Legal Stuff

Government of Canada - Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre - Pyramid Schemes

Pyramid Schemes Pyramid schemes are frauds that are based on recruiting an ever-increasing number of investors. The initial promoters (those at the peak of the pyramid) recruit investors who are expected to bring in more investors, who may or may not sell products or distributorships. Recruiting newcomers is more important than selling products. No new money is created in pyramid schemes. Investors who get in early take their profits from investors who join later. At some point, no new investors can be found and as a result the last investors, who are at the bottom of the pyramid, lose their money. They also face prosecution, as pyramid schemes are illegal.

Before you invest any money in a multi-level company that could be a pyramid, get all the facts about the company, its officers and its products. Get written copies of the company's marketing plan, sales literature, contracts and prospectus (a legal document that gives prospective investors information about the company). Avoid promoters who fail to clearly explain their plans. Have a lawyer or accountant explain anything you do not understand. Find out if there is a demand for the product, or if there are similar products on the market. Remember that the greater the promised return, the greater the risk.

Pyramid schemes are illegal under the Competition Act, and serious charges may be brought against you if you are operating or affiliated with one of these schemes.

Effective January 1, 1993, Industry Canada made amendments to the Competition Act, Section 55. A multi-level sales procedure is a pyramid if:

There is compensation paid for recruiting a new salesperson

There is inventory loading, that is, the recruits must purchase an unreasonable quantity of product Purchases are required as a condition of entry. (You may, however, be required to pay for a sample kit, but this kit must be at cost.)

Caveat emptor

The Millionaire on the Beach: The Language of Get-Rich-Quick Plans

The psychology of scams: Provoking and committing errors of judgement 

The Canadian Edition. The Little Black Book Of Scams: Your Guide To Protection Against Fraud.