Kel Geotechnical Services (Nigeria Branch) / Beware of them! [Archive]

pmdaboh

11 January 2008, 16:21

I am relocating to Lagos to be with my husband while he waits for his interview to be granted for a Visa. I applied for several positions on the internet; however, I did not apply for the one I was contacted about.

I received a job offer (through e-mail) from Wayne Miller who said he represented Kel Geotechnical Services. Wayne Miller addressed himself as bieng the Human Resource Manager, and he said he was acting on behalf of Barrister Liyel Abada (Chambers). I was offered a Business Education Teacher/Coordinator position paying $8,500 a month, 3-bedroom accomodations, driver, security, maid, cook, and airfare to get there (unbelievable right).

They did not know that I have a Nigerian husband (I am African American) who has lived and worked in Lagos for the majority of his life. I asked my husband to check out the two addresses (Mr. Miller and Barrister Abada's address). Barrister Abada was suppose to have an office on Victoria Island, and Mr. Miller was suppose to be located at the job site in Lekki, Lagos. Well my husband searched for both addresses to no avail, and he even went to the post office to verify its validity. He was told that the addresses do not exist. In addition, both cell phone numbers (Mr. Miller and Barrister Abada's number) did not work any time they were dialed. The website given was conveniently under construction.

I signed the Job offer, but when I could not verify the above, I wrote Barrister Abada, and told him my concerns . They asked me to submit copies of my personal information, which I DID NOT. I let Barrister Abada know that I would not supply any copies of my personal information until he could explain why nothing can be verified or confirmed.

He wrote me this morning claiming he told me his number was not working and that he gave me another number (which he DID NOT). He was upset that my husband followed up on the information given. He then, and only then, told me that he does not really represent Kel Geotechnical Services, but it is an affiliate company that he and Mr. Miller represent (oh really).

You can see Mr. Miller's information located at http://www.fuuze.com/main/jobSummary.php?job_id=107800

It is listed as the following:

KEL GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES
Nigerian Office (Wayne M. Miller)
Address: Suite 8& 9, Silvershare Place,
Lagos-Epe Expressway,
Lekki, Lagos.
Phone: +234-807-657-6494
Fax: +234 1 5155401.
Email: waynemiller@kelgeotechnical.com
kelgeotechnical@kelgeotechnical.com
info@kelgeotechnical.com
Website: http://kelgeotechnical.com (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

His phone number did not work, and his address does not exist.

LONDON OFFICE LISTED AS THIS (NO ONE CONTACTED ME USING THIS INFORMATION. I WAS CONTACTED FROM THE NIGERIAN BRANCH. I JUST WANT YOU TO SEE THAT A LONDON ADDRESS IS LISTED AS WELL)
Head Office: London (Mohre- Kel)
23 Belgrave Square London
SW1X 8PZ
Tel. +44 7045763578
Fax. 020 7424 1449
Website: http://kelgeotechnical.com
Email: kelgeotechnical@kelgeotechnical.com
info@kelgeotechnical.com

Barrister Liyel Abada (Chambers) information was given to as as following:

FROM THE DESK OF BARRISTER LIYEL ABADA (ESQ)
BARRISTERS AT LAW
(LIYEL CHAMBERS)
PRINCIPAL ATTORNEY TO KEL GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES
101 LORDS DRIVE,
VICTORIA ISLAND,
LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA.
TEL: +234-703-982-2480
E-MAIL: liyelchambers@yahoo.com

Barrister Abada's phone number and address is not valid as well.

I was asked to submit the following (which I did not):

Copied from the Job Contract:

On that note we require that you provide us with the below stated requirements

1) A scanned copy of your international passport (Front & Back)
2) A scanned copy of your drivers license (Front and Back)
3) A copy of your citizenship certificate
4) A copy of your tax clearance copy (OPTIONAL) This is required to verify the extent of your tax payment as you are placed on a tax free salary here in Nigeria . Note that failure to provide this implies that you are to abide by all the stipulated tax payments here in Nigeria)
5) Your family details if any age and sex as to enable provide proper accommodation and provision of other house hold services if the need be.
6) The nearest airport to you and the preferred port of departure (This is to enable us fill out the said information while obtaining your flight tickets for you and other immigration supporting documents if required of us
7) Two (2) Copies of your recently take passport photographs
8) Full detailed information of your mailing address. This is to enable for fast delivery by courier the hard copies of these said documents.

Please be CAUTIOUS of them! Barrister Abada continued to try to get the above information, stating that I was unprofessional for having my husband try to confirm their information, and he stated his hands were tied until he receives the above from me.
Hmmmm!

If the London information checks out, then they are using it to create a fictious Nigerian Branch. I let Barrister Abada know that I would report his SCAMMING activities.

pmdaboh

11 January 2008, 16:29

FRAUDULENT JOB OFFER

KEL GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES
Nigerian Office (Wayne M. Miller)
Address: Suite 8& 9, Silvershare Place,
Lagos-Epe Expressway,
Lekki, Lagos.
Phone: +234-807-657-6494
Fax: +234 1 5155401.
Email: waynemiller@kelgeotechnical.com
kelgeotechnical@kelgeotechnical.com
info@kelgeotechnical.com
Website: http://kelgeotechnical.com

Dear, I deleted my name out here:

JOB OFFER.
At this juncture of your career, having successfully achieved the corporate
requirements and objectives set forth by this organization, skills and innovative
thinking capabilities that you have developed over the years and to apply them
as the new (Business Education Teacher/Coordinator), adding immediate
and significant contributions to (KEL GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES).

The Management of KEL GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES has found that you have
met all requirements it imposed and completed all steps necessary to commence
in this organization.

Specifically, you have met all the pre-resumption requirements connected with
your preliminary conditional approval on (4th /01/2008).

You are authorized to resume on Friday, February 1st, 2008.

We will forward you a contract Certificate under separate cover.

KEL GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES is pleased to offer you a job as Business
Education Teacher/Coordinator.

We trust that your knowledge, skills and experience will be among our most
valuable assets.

Should you accept this job offer, per company policy you'll be eligible to
receive the contract letter from the company’s lawyer.

On acceptance of this job you are to send a copy to the company’s lawyer also
demand that the contract letter be made available to you.
Below is his contact

Barrister LIYEL ABADA on
Email: liyelchambers@yahoo.com
Tel: +234-703-982-2480

To accept this job offer:
1. Sign and date this job offer letter where indicated below.
2. Sign and date the enclosed Non-Compete Agreement where indicated.
3. Sign and date the enclosed Confidentiality Agreement where indicated.
4. Sign and date the enclosed At-Will Employment Confirmation where
indicated.
5. Scan and E-Mail all pages of the signed and dated documents listed above
back to us to arrive by Tuesday, January 7th, 2008. A copy of each document is
enclosed for your records.
6. Attend new-hire orientation on Friday, February 1st, 2008, beginning at 8:00
AM sharp.

To decline this job offer:
1. Sign and date this job offer letter where indicated below.
2. Scan and E-Mail all pages of the signed and dated documents listed above
back to us to arrive by Monday, January 7th, 2008. A copy of each document is
enclosed for your records.

If you accept this job offer, your hire date will be on the day that you attend
new-hire orientation.

Plan to work for the remainder of the business day after new-hire orientation
ends.

Please read the enclosed new-hire package for complete, new-hire instructions
and more information about the benefits that Kel Geotechnical offers.

We at Kel Geotechnical hope that you'll accept this job offer and look forward
to welcoming you abroad.

Your immediate supervisor will be Wayne Miller, HR Manager,

Feel free to call me if you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely

Wayne M Miller
Human Resources Manager/ Hiring Coordinator
Accept Job Offer
By signing and dating this letter below, I,________________________________, accept this job offer of Business Education Teacher/Coordinator. By Kel Geotechnical Services.
Signature: ____________________________________________ Date:_____________

Decline Job Offer
By signing and dating this letter below, I, __________, decline this job offer
of Business Education Teacher/Coordinator. By Kel Geotechnical Services
Signature: _________________________________ Date:_____________

FRAUDLENT JOB CONTRACT

ATTN: FROM THE DESK OF BARRISTER LIYEL ABADA (ESQ)
BARRISTERS AT LAW
(LIYEL CHAMBERS)
PRINCIPAL ATTORNEY TO KEL GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES
101 LORDS DRIVE,
VICTORIA ISLAND,
LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA.
TEL: +234-703-982-2480
E-MAIL: liyelchambers@yahoo.com

Dear, Employee.

Your employer the KEL GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES has asked that we furnish you with requisite information regarding you being employed by the above mention organization.

I am hereby directed to furnish you with the contract letter of employment, Terms and Agreement which you are required to sign and return to us.

We are equally directed to ascertain and make available the required / supporting documents that will aid you live and work here in Nigeria, this is done in accordance with the Department of Expatriate Resources (DER) specifications which states that all expatriates who intend to work in NIGERIA must have attained all DER Certifications in various categories with respect to their contract engagements.

The reason for the review of this policy as communicated by the DER is to ensure that expatriates with Letter of Contract do not have to travel down to NIGERIA for any other reason other than the primary aim of commencement of work as required.

On that note we require that you provide us with the below stated requirements

1) A scanned copy of your international passport (Front & Back)
2) A scanned copy of your drivers license (Front and Back)
3) A copy of your citizenship certificate
4) A copy of your tax clearance copy (OPTIONAL) This is required to verify the extent of your tax payment as you are placed on a tax free salary here in Nigeria . Note that failure to provide this implies that you are to abide by all the stipulated tax payments here in Nigeria)
5) Your family details if any age and sex as to enable provide proper accommodation and provision of other house hold services if the need be.
6) The nearest airport to you and the preferred port of departure (This is to enable us fill out the said information while obtaining your flight tickets for you and other immigration supporting documents if required of us
7) Two (2) Copies of your recently take passport photographs
8) Full detailed information of your mailing address. This is to enable for fast delivery by courier the hard copies of these said documents.
9) Comprehensive and full detailed address of the Nigerian Embassy in your country; this is for further verifications and clarifications.

Note that as soon as all these requirements are duly received we shall go ahead to send to you with the hard copies of the said documents via the mailing address which you shall provide to us.

We crave your indulgence to urgently supply us with these information to enable us expedite the process.

We are gladly waiting to here from you soonest.

Barrister: Liyel Abada
Liyel Chambers

LIYEL CHAMBERS
101 LORDS DRIVE,
VICTORIA ISLAND,
LAGOS STATE,
NIGERIA.
TEL: +234-703-982-2480
E-mail: liyelchambers@yahoo.com
EMPLOYMENT TERMS / AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement is made effective as of Tuesday January 8th 2008,
between KEL GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES of Suite 8& 9, Silvershare Place,
Lagos-Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos herein called the employer and
(I REMOVED MY PERSONAL INFORMATION HERE)
USA holder of passport number…………….. herein called the employee hereby
agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT: Employer shall employ Employee in the position of
Business Education Teacher/Coordinator
2. EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION/BENEFITS: For services provided, Employer
will pay Employee a monthly (circle one) salary of $ 8,500 USD, paid in
accordance with Employer’s annual payroll procedures.
3. Duties: Details of your job description will be given to you upon assumption of
duty. You will be undergoing a two weeks orientation course upon your
assumption of duty , this course is to help acquaint you with your new position,
subordinates, new duties , colleagues , this Organization and the country at large
Employee will also receive the following additional benefits:
1. Vacation: You will earn up to 30 days (in every 365 working days)
vacation during the calendar year. Vacation time accrues at the rate of
approximately 6 days per month of active service commencing on your
date of hire.
2. Insurance: As soon as you assume duty, you will be covered under our
group health insurance policy, PLEASE NOTE: The cost of this insurance
will be borne by you and this organization, this policy will cover you and
your immediate family you will be coming with, .unless you advise us that
you do not desire such coverage. Information regarding our health
insurance, as well as other group benefit plans, is enclosed.
3. Modifications of Benefits: We are obliged to modify your pay package
or benefits for extra efforts you might put in your new position, please
note: the pay package is subject to modification
4. Health/Medication Package: All health/medication bills incurred by you
and that of immediate family will be borne by this organization through out
the period of your contract with this organization.
5. Housing/security: You shall be provided an already furnished
accommodation (3 bed room duplex) with adequate security and all necessary
house aids (cook, gardener, driver) a week upon your arrival to Nigeria.
Alternative arrangements will be made for accommodation during that one week.
This organization shall be paying for a week hotel reservation, confirmation of
booking will be sent to you before your trip to Nigeria. This will also be tendered
to the Nigerian Immigration as one of the requirements for Visa application. (It is
a requirement for all expatriate applying for Visa into the country, the Nigeria
Immigration insists that all expatriate applicants attach, the first five scanned
pages of their passport, at least seven days booked hotel reservation and
employment letter)
6. JOB LOCATION: Your job location will be in KEL GEOTECHNICAL
SERVICES main building Suite 8 & 9, Silvershare Place, Lagos-Epe
Expressway, Lekki, Lagos Nigeria. Were you are to teach adult employees / staff
on the required skills needed in this esteemed organization as a business
educator.
7. HOURS OF WORK: Mondays through Saturdays, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
If there be need for you to work over time, you will be reimbursed
accordingly.
3. EXPENSES: Employer will reimburse Employee for reasonable benefits
incurred by Employee in the performance of his/her duties and procurement of
travel papers. Return tickets will be mailed to your contact address stated in your
employee file with this company. Your Reimbursement will be handled in
accordance with Employer’s normal practices and policies.
4. CONFLICTING EMPLOYMENT: Employee agrees that during the time of his
employment with Employer, he/she will not accept nor will he/she engage in
employment, consulting or other business activity directly related to the business
of the Employer.
5. CONFIDENTIALITY: Employee acknowledges that he/she may have access
to the Employer’s confidential and proprietary information. Such confidential
information may include, without limitation:
i) Business and financial information,
ii) Business methods and practices,
iii) Technologies and technological strategies,
iv) Marketing strategies and other such information as the Employer may
designate as confidential (“Confidential Information”) Employee agrees to not
disclose to any other person (unless required by law) or use for personal gain
any Confidential Information at any time during or after the termination of
employment, unless Employer grants express, written consent of such a
disclosure. In addition, Employee will use his/her best efforts to prevent any
such disclosure. Confidential information will not include information that is in the
public domain, unless such information falls into public domain through
Employee’s unauthorized actions.
6. NON-COMPETE AGREEMENT: Following the termination of employment,
Employee agrees not to engage in any business similar to or in competition with
the business of the Employer in the geographical area for a period of 3 months
within a radius of 300 miles of Employer’s home address. For purposes of this
agreement, engaging “in any business similar to, or in competition with the
business of Employer” shall include, without limitation:
(i) Engaging in such a business as an owner, partner or agent;
(ii) Taking employment with a third party engaged in such business either as an
employee, contractor or consultant; or
(iii) Soliciting customers for the benefit of a third party engaged in such business.
7. NON-SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES: Employee agrees that for a period of
six months following the termination of his/her employment, Employee will not
induce, recruit or solicit any of the Employer’s employees to terminate their
employment or enter into another employment arrangement with a third party.
8. INVENTIONS:
A. Disclosure: During the course of his/her employment, Employee agrees to
promptly give full written disclosure to Employer of all inventions, discoveries,
improvements, developments and innovations, conceived in whole or in part by
Employee, directly or indirectly that:
(i) Result from work performed on behalf of Employer,
(ii) Relate in any manner to Employer’s business or
(iii) Result from the use of Employer’s materials, time, resources, employees or
facilities (collectively the “Inventions”).
B. Assignment/Assistance: Employee hereby assigns all right, title, and
interest to the Inventions to Employer, its successors and assigns. Furthermore,
with respect to the Inventions, during the course of his/her employment and after
its termination, Employee agrees to:
(i) Assist Employer in obtaining copyrights, patents, or any other intellectual
rights;
(ii) Provide all pertinent information and data to Employer,
(iii) Execute all applications, assignments and other instruments as required by
Employer; and
(iv) At employer’s request and expense, assist in the defence and prosecution of
its intellectual rights in the inventions.
9. OTHER RULES AND POLICIES: Employee agrees to abide by any other
rules, policies or procedures as communicated by Employer that are generally
applicable to employees of Employer.
10. RETURN OF PROPERTY: Upon termination of employment, Employee will
return to Employer all drawings, documents, and other tangible manifestations of
Confidential Information (and all copies and reproductions thereof). In addition,
Employee will return any other property belonging to Employer including without
limitation: computers, office supplies, money and documents.
11. CONTINUING OBLIGATIONS: Notwithstanding the termination of
Employee for any reason, the provisions of paragraph 5, 6, 7 and 8 of this
Agreement will continue in full force and effect following such termination.
12. BINDING EFFECT: The covenants and conditions contained in the
Agreement shall apply to and bind the Parties and the heirs, legal
representatives, successors and permitted assigns of the Parties.
13. CUMULATIVE RIGHTS: The Parties’ rights under this Agreement are
cumulative, and shall not be construed as exclusive of each other unless
otherwise required by law.
14. WAIVER: The failure of either party to enforce any provisions of this
Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver or limitation of that party's right to
subsequently enforce and compel strict compliance with every provision of this
Agreement.
15. SEVERABILITY: If any part or parts of this Agreement shall be held
unenforceable for any reason, the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in
full force and effect. If any provision of this Agreement is deemed invalid or
unenforceable by any statute, ordinance or court of competent jurisdiction, and if
limiting such provision would make the provision valid, then such provision shall
be deemed to be construed as so limited.
16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the Parties and supersedes any prior understanding or representation of
any kind preceding the date of this Agreement. There are no other promises,
conditions, understandings or other agreements, whether oral or written, relating
to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may be modified in
writing and must be signed by both Employee and Employer.
17. NOTICE: Any notice required or otherwise given pursuant to this Agreement
shall be in writing and mailed certified return receipt requested, postage prepaid,
or delivered by overnight delivery service, addressed as follows:
Employer:
KEL GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES
Employee:
________________________________
Either party may change such addresses from time to time by providing notice as
set forth above.
18. GOVERNING LAW: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the statutory expatriate laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank.]

IN WITNESS WHERE OF the parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed the day and year first above written
EMPLOYER:
KEL GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES
Wayne M. Miller.
FOR: KEL GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES
EMPLOYEE:
____________________________________________________
(Signature)
___________________________________
(Name – Please Print)