New Employment Scam: Impacting Nigeria

This recent scam; is both an employment scam, and an investment scam. From my sources in Nigeria, people would invest money; but the ads appearing in Nigeria, say it's for a job — and they're 'hiring' a million people.

Any company hiring a million people: is a scam.

People investing into this scam, have already been ripped off. The APP no longer functions for users who've made deposits, and are no longer able to check on their "investment".

The APP for IAS, would appear as an APP in people's phones they could download and install — just like any other mobile APP.

I tried calling the New York City (USA), headquarters during normal business hours (NYC: EST — East Coast), no one answered; it went to voice mail. I would think: an advertising company, would answer the phone.

Strangely, using reverse phone number lookup; the phone number appears to be registered to a person, and not a company.

I will try calling them again, but the company was tagged; hopefully they'll have more information.

Phone number (landline), registered to: Chris Chapman

Source: usphonebook.com/646-278-4871

It's odd, that the email associated with this phone number; is from a different domain name.

Email address tied to 646-278-4871 (according to usphonebook.com): [email protected]

At first, like many scammers; I thought the people behind this scam were using the image and likeness of a real company — an attempt to appear legitimate.

I'm starting to wonder, if the whole company is a scam.

The address on IAS's website (https://integralads.com/contact-us/), lists their New York City headquarters at a different address, than what's listed on the Better Business Bureau (BBB.org), website:

https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/new-york/profile/advertising-agencies/integral-ad-science-inc-0121-163757

Sure, it's possible a different address is legit; sometimes companies move. What's concerning, is the totality of information; not a single fact.

As of today: Integral Ad Science (IAS), has an 'NR' rating from the BBB; which means the BBB does not have enough data to rate the company yet.

This business is also not accredited with the BBB; which is not all that concerning, as you to pay a fee to be accredited. A good share of companies in the USA are not accredited.

What is concerning though, for a business that's been operating since 2009; it doesn't have a single review from a customer. I found this odd, as — according to IAS — they have international offices in multiple countries.

Not even one review? At least not on the BBB's website.

IMHO: ANY company in New York City, is going to get a review; good, bad, or indifferent.

No disrespect to New Yorkers.

It's just a matter of the lifestyle in New York City. Stand in line at a restaurant, trying to figure out what you want; you'll draw the ire of all around you — quickly.

The hustle and bustle of the city, provokes action; over inaction. Ask any question, you will get an answer; promptly.

Most people from Utah, would die in New York City. People in Utah, seem to take pride in being in everyone's' way. They have nothing else to do.

In New York City, everyone has something to do.

Actual Scam Ad:

The following text, is what appeared in ads in Nigeria (verbatim):

"Company name: Integral Ad Science (IAS for short)

Company History: The IAS Global 1000 company was established in 2009 and has accumulated 14 years of experience in the advertising industry. After all the ups and downs, the original intention remains unchanged, which is to provide the highest quality advertising services to brands and enterprises.

Company size: IAS has offices in many important cities around the world and has formed a multinational and diversified team. It is currently planning to recruit a team of 1 million people to meet growing business needs.

Core Values: IAS has always believed that true advertising is not just about conveying information, but also a bridge between brands and consumers. Therefore, we always value creativity, efficiency and excellence and aim to provide outstanding and creative advertising solutions.

IAS collaborates with global technology sector.

IAS has established strategic cooperation with technology giants such as YouTube, Tiktok, Adobe, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and LinkedIn. We provide ongoing download support for these platforms, further strengthening their global reach.

It is worth noting that in view of the recent increase in unemployment in Nigeria, IAS is also working with the Nigerian government to create more job opportunities for low-income and unemployed people.

business model:

IAS is a company that provides a full range of advertising solutions. We use advanced market research and data analysis technology to develop the most appropriate advertising strategy based on our customers' individual needs. We also provide ad distribution services across multimedia platforms to ensure ad content is perfectly matched to the target audience. IAS's revenue mainly comes from advertising service fees, advertising platform cooperation sharing and strategic cooperation with long-term partners.

future development:

In the next five years, IAS will continue to expand its global business footprint and continue to innovate in the field of advertising technology. Taking into account the rapid growth of the digital advertising market, we will focus on developing online advertising platforms and seek to integrate with emerging technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality to provide customers with more cutting-edge advertising solutions. In addition, we will also strengthen cooperation with global technology to provide more unique advertising promotion strategies for APP downloads.

Company reputation:

Since its inception, IAS has built a strong reputation in the advertising industry. Our efficient and innovative advertising solutions have won widespread praise from customers and partners. IAS has won many important awards in the advertising industry and received unanimous praise from industry experts and media. Customer feedback also shows that IAS's advertising strategy not only successfully increased brand awareness, but also brought them significant business growth.

Company History:

Integral Ad Science (IAS) is a US-listed technology company that specializes in analyzing the value of digital advertising. Integral Ad Science is known for solving issues such as fraud, viewability and brand risk and its proprietary media quality score, TRAQ.

The company evaluates the quality of online advertising for media buyers and sellers. It creates products for agencies and marketers, programmatic players and media sellers. Integral is a member of the Interactive Advertising Bureau and a partner in the Trustworthy Accountability Group's anti-piracy brand integrity program.

The company is headquartered in New York City and has offices in Chicago, San Francisco, Berlin, London, Paris, Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney and Pune.

Headquarters address: 95 Morton St 8th Floor, New York, NY 10014 USA" ~ quote: from Ads appearing online, in the Republic of Nigeria.

Without question, it's a scam.

Currently, I don't have enough verifiable information to determine if the actual company in New York City is a scam; or not.

Regardless, if you have connections in Nigeria; please warn them.

The scammers (who are not likely located in Nigeria), will use the same techniques to create another scam.

So; even if they shut this scam down, they'll start another.

What's important about this article, isn't this specific scam; but to help people understand what to look out for.

Any employment ad, asking for an upfront investment; is a scam.

Any employment ad, claiming to be hiring a million people; is a scam.

Heck, any employment ad advertising they're hiring 10,000 people; is likely a scam.

Any ad claiming to have been approved by the Nigerian government; or, any government — it's likely a scam.

Too good to be true? Yeah, you're right; it is...

Please share this information with your connections in Nigeria; and, abroad.

Thank you!

Tags (this article may not be relevant to you; but, just in case):

New York City Economic Development Corporation ; New York State Executive Chamber ; New York City Bar Legal Referral Service ; New York, New York City ; Career Opportunities In Nigeria ; Nigeria ; Africa Jobs ; African Diaspora Philanthropic Advisor Network ; African Leadership Academy ; Nigerian Law School ; Nigerian Emotional, Employability, Leadership Learning Project (NELPRO) ; Employment Scam ; Reporting job Scams Reporting job Scams ; JOB SCAM ; Global Employment in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. ; Global Employment in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. ; All Jobs Ghana ; Tech Jobs in Ghana ; HighChloeCloud Togo (Africa) ; New York State Bar Association International Section ; New York State Executive Chamber ; Investment Scams ; Scams Report ; Stop Scams UK ; Scams Hunter ; Stop Scams ; Investment Scam Asia ; The Employment and Labour Lawyers Association of Nigeria ; Employment Nigeria .

• Employment scams found on the African continent; are usually, produced by criminals in nations off of the continent... I know I don't have to tell you that; but, just saying for those who don't know.