So I thought this was fairly common and industry well knew about this. But I decided to share so that people don't fall into the same situation like I was (or at least spot something down in this industry). I'm originally from non-tech field. I majored in some other engineering principles and worked for non-tech related company for non tech position. I started learning because I wanted to work for tech after getting a bit sick of my first job. Learned, apply for different places and one day I was offered a job from this company after a phone interview. I should have known back then it was kind of weird that they offer a job after a phone interview only. But I was happy at that time and desperate for a tech job. They lured with me a training but never told me about the "business model" they were into. All I knew was that it's a consulting company that sends their people to different companies. After some initial training they told me to sign some contract, which basically says "You will have to pay 1k a month if you choose to breach the contract before the contract period ends" blah blah. So I signed that. After a few months, the trainer finally tells the truth blatantly saying, "Well I hope you guys realized that we will be faking your resume to 5~6 years and will send you to different companies". I was stunned. I wasn't sure how the kind of activity was permitted in the States. At first I thought she was joking. Turns out they really started to push me to write a fake experience. All the jobs that they were going for was this multi-layered contract-to-contract position. They assign this person who basically will be putting all the resumes and upload it, contact other recruiters (also seeming to know what is going on) and fetch different interviews. All the references were provided within the company. I have seen that they were faking visa status and heard changing birth date in DL of some young fresh graduate to compensate that age/exp difference. I was scared about the contract that I signed. I didn't have the job, and I had no ability to pay for it. But I felt really uncomfortable and depressed. I really didn't want to tell my parents about the situations because I told them I'm going into the field that I wanted. They were against/doubted because I wasn't from the tech background. In the end I had to. I told my parents about the situation. My parents were really supportive, asking people around and talking to the lawyer they know, etc. Now I'm working for legitimate companies after coming out from it. Just did Amazon interview and got a verbal offer that I dreamed of. Everything is green, sort of. But I'm still worried about this thing coming up from my past experience, anxious and agitated. Smoking cigarettes again that I quit about a year ago. So non tech people who tries to join tech field. Be aware. Do research on the company. It's better off going to the boot camp if you have to. Make a wise decision. Don't be naive like me. To people with visa status, I don't know what to tell you. I know it's limited. But in my opinion it really isn't worth it selling your conscience over it. But I don't know because I'm not in that position. Nevertheless, I wish you make a wise decision. Thanks for reading.
Wow did you contact the FTC or labor board? Scammers should be reported
I'm afraid that it will end up screwing me over... I know I'm being a coward.
No one cares. Too much bribery or else all such consultancies would have closed. Even the government is in on it
Thanks for writing this down
Amazon runs only background more like a credit check. If it's gonna be 4-5 months I would consider leaving that out of your resume unless you put that in your Amazon resume as well.
Yeah learned the valuable exp. I don't know what I was thinking putting that in my resume. I thought it was better to be honest than not. I don't know what I was thinking. Will probably put that in my work history when paperwork comes in. Hopefully they won't ask about it. If they do, I will tell them the truth.
Don't leave any words on table. The lesser you talk it's better TBH. If they ask for references probably you can sight they no longer exist or something. Assuming all other things being equal you might slide in
Report that firm to the relevant authorities. Also quit the cigarettes. You’re better than that, aren’t you?
Agreed. My mother was really happy when I told her that I quit. I will quit it.
Yeah report the company. Also if it's safe for you, name and shame it here and also on reddit cscareerquestions subreddit
OP, you should report it. Scams are caught and closed down all the time. You can send in a tip with a request for anonymity I believe.
Name and shame
Amazon is a scam company too. Don't get lured like everyone else.
I’m sorry about your experience. I hope you get the job!
Drop the cigs man! Everything is gonna be okay and you’re doing great now. Appreciate the heads up!
Thanks. Really appreciate your cheers. I will be trying to quit again. I just hope everything goes smoothly. It's just... Amazon means a lot to me. It was my dream and for once I want to be a proud son to my parents, for once. I have been breaking their heart too many times.
^Nicorette mints dude