I don't know if I just avoided a scam or if I blew an opportunity. I responded to an ad on Craigslist looking for bounty hunters. Here's the ad:
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/sec/4976866081.htmlSo I called the number, 215-942-0603. A lady answered, sounded legit. I asked about the job and she put me through to somebody's voice mail. I also followed-up with my resume to the Craigslist relay email address.
Earlier tonight, a man named John called me from a private number and we chatted for a bit. He asked me why I was interested in bounty hunting, then asked what I was doing on Friday at 12. I said that I'm available. He then told me that I should come to his training. For $250, after his four hour training, I could take a written test. If I passed, I would be able to work for his company or he would set me up with another bail agency. Sounded good. He gave me the address and said I had to bring cash only.
I started digging and couldn't find anything legitimate with the 215 number, no bail agency, no company name, no reviews, nothing. I researched the location of the class and it was a rented office space (one of those you rent by the hour or day) in Columbia, MD. I started to wonder if this was legit. After all, what kind of job makes you pay to train to work for them? So I sent him an email asking if this is legit and explained the reasons why I was concerned.
He called me back, again from a private number. Told me that bounty hunters are secretive, that I could be a fugitive, and said that if this were a scam he would keep asking for my money. Then he said, "So I don't want you to come on Friday." I said ok, and then the conversation ended.
So was I right in asking these questions? Did I save myself from being swindled? Or did I just blow a good opportunity?