Polaris Dive and Beach Resort

[Madeleine]

Hi, thanx 4 all the info. I've send a mail to the real Franz & Maria @ Polaris and they've replied to me. I'm acctually just relieved that I got clarity on this whole situation. I think this guy who poses as Franz Baumann is a man called Allen Gonzaga and I've got an address as well because I send him a money gram and the person who collects the money needs to show identification and proof of residency. Although it could also be a false address. But I'm not gonna break my head over this anymore. Just glad that I've learned that this was all a scam. And believe me next time when applying for a "dream job" like this one I would do proper research. The only thing that worries me a bit at the moment is the fact that he has copies of our passports and our home address. Do you think he can use it in any way against us?

[ronin]

Madeleine,

my advice for whats its worth....i'd ask Franz if he's employeed a lawyer or anyone else to look into this and if so, try consulting with that Filipino lawyer and provide him your info. maybe there is something already working. If not, I'd try to find out who cashed your money gram and where it was cashed. See if you can find a name or address. If its in the Philippines, try contacting the Philippines Consultant there in your home country and see if there is anything they can recommend or take action on. U never know, they could already be investigating this guy in the PI for the same activity.??? Other than that, i can't recommend any other extreme activity although who ever this guy is I hope he meets an untimely demise for ripping off unsuspecting good folks like yourself. A name and address of who cashed your money would definately help; i doubt who ever it is has the resources to come half way around the world to SA. I'm unsure of how he/she could exploit a copy of ur passport. Here in the USA, if someone had your passport possibily they could get a Social Security Number (our national citizen ID #), and your address it could be used to create false credit card accounts and identify theft. Not sure about South African passports. I'm not sure i'd let it go yet until you determine if you could find out any info about who cashed ur money gram and where. just my thoughts.

ps...if u don't mind me asking...what is the address you have on this Allen. You can send it to me my private message if u like.

[Madeleine]

thanx 4 your advice ronan. Its sad that people fall 4 these scams. I mean I'm a legal assitant here in South Africa and my husband a Natural Health Practitioner (so were not uneducated) but it never crossed our minds that this guy might be a scam. I came accross a similar position on Best Jobs South Africa at a lodge here in Africa. So, it didnt seem to good to be true at the time. It just sounded like we were the lucky ones landing the perfect job. We are so tired of South Africa's crime & politics that we want to leave the country! But its hard to apply for workpermits. We've had a few offers from Kanada but they want us to obtain visas / permits first. So we are considdering Australia at the moment. Have a nice day. Gr8 chatting to you.

[garbonzo]

Yes, good idea Australia....we live here in Perth and the economy is red hot...anyone who wants a job has one...almost no unemployment. Most business are screaming for staff. Salaries are good - to very good, although prices are rising for everything. There has been a resource boom for the last few years and I haven't seen this kind of growth since Saudi Arabia in the early days. The only issue in Perth and many towns here in Western Australia is the lack of housing due to so many people coming here for work. Almost zero vacancies for renters. Anyway, good luck if you do apply for a visa, you will find it a lot better living than RSA.

[Madeleine]

Sounds gr8!!! Got friends living in Perth. They are also very happy and wont come back to RSA. Now its just a case of patients for the visa applications.

[ronin]

Good luck to you. Where ever you land, i'm sure you will do well.

[Madeleine]

Hi Ronan, here is the info I received from "Franz Baumann" for the money gram: ALAN GONZAGA - DON RUFENO STREET - TAHANAN VILLAGE - PARANAQUE - MANILA – PHILIPPINES

The moneygram reference number: 74251097
Sender: Madeleine Oberholster
Amount: US$300.00

The address & tel number that he gave for the resort was:
SUNSET GARDEN BEACH AND DIVE RESORT
Barangay Libaong, Panglao Island
6319 Bohol, Philippines
Tel: 0063 929 3213813

There was about 40 emails between ourselfs and this "Franz Baumann". As I just went through them 4 the info I still cant believe that this guy went through so much trouble to provide info on the resort, the job, himself, even enquiries on available schools 4 my girl. If you have a private email and you want to see them I can forward them to you.

Here even send us a picture of himself and his wife! Do these scammers really go through so much trouble just 4 US$300?????

[Madeleine]

I would just like to warn people again!!!! There is a job scammer pretending to be the owner of a "new resort" in the Phillipines, then offering a job as a caretaker or managing couple with housing, good salary, meals, insurance etc. He then requires a fee for the workpermitts (US$200 - US$300). He makes use of a moneygram service and use his "agent" Allen Gonzaga for the money transfer. Please people warn as much people as you can about this guy. Everyday I get an email of someone who have been scammed by this guy. Dont know how to stop him but we can warn people not to fall for this scam.