Idea Group

Idea Group Inc. Fraud

Don't Bear Internet Fraud

Idea Group screenshot (23-Sep-2008)

Idea Group Inc. This is just the latest of the numerous highly generic Russian scam websites that has been set up to form a front for a money laundering job advertisement. (The identical job was posted by the Calisto Trading Inc., Reynolds Investment, & Simple Investments fraudsters and others). It's a bit slicker than most but at the end of the day its function is to con you into believing that they are a legitimate company when the evidence clearly demonstrates that they are crooks. It's an identical scam to Epayment Solutions, Emarket Solutions Inc., Legal Operations Inc., Secure Operations Inc., Oranta Group Inc., Ketler Group Inc., Profit Financing Inc., Logic Group Inc., Maxi Group Inc., Fair Group, Fartex Group, MGPA Group Inc. and the Sky Group Inc. frauds. This fraud website has been produced in several languages.

This fraudster should not be confused with any legitimate company of the same or similar name - the above website graphics and the included money laundering job clearly identify the fake website and these fraudsters.

Idea Group Inc. : Evidence of Criminal Fraud

i) Idea Group Inc. claim on their website "The company was set up in 1990 in New York, the USA by three enthusiasts having financial education", but the criminal's domain idea-group-usa.eu was only registered with PUBLICDOMAINREGISTRY.COM on 12-Sep-2008. Clear evidence of fraud

ii) Our Partners: They used a fake Serfreport webpage to display a fake news item also to lend legitimacy to their company.The fake webpage is just a page on the criminal's own server.

iii) Our Partners: They use a fake News.de webpage to display a fake news item also to lend legitimacy to their company.The fake webpage is just a page on the criminal's own server.

iv) Our Partners: They used a fake Yahoo finance webpage to lend legitimacy to their company by showing a bogus stock figure for the equally bogus Idea Group Inc. The fake webpage is just a page on the criminal's own server.

v) Our Partners: They used a fake Businesswire webpage to display a fake news item also to lend legitimacy to their company. The fake webpage is just a page on the criminal's own server.

vi) Our Partners: They use a fake Stockhouse webpage to display a fake news item also to lend legitimacy to their company.The fake webpage is just a page on the criminal's own server.

vii) A Google search shows no internet presence at all for this particular Idea Group Inc. apart from fraud site listings. Idea Group Inc. are also not listed at the UK Companies House or the UK Financial Services Authority which they would have to be to be able to legally trade in the UK - they are undoubtedly a bogus company. Clear evidence of criminal fraud.

viii) This scam is related to the Calisto Trading Inc. scam among others & is identical to the Epayment Solutions, Emarket Solutions Inc.. Oranta Group Inc., Legal Operations Inc., Secure Operations Inc., Ketler Group Inc., Profit Financing Inc., Logic Group Inc., Maxi Group Inc., Fair Group, Fartex Group, MGPA Group Inc. and the Sky Group Inc. scams - it even has the same following contact details for all the different companies:

ix) Location Details (copied from their website)

Main Address:
3060 Castleton Drive
New York, NY
10410
USA

Tel: +1 4403326646 (VOICE)
Fax: +1 8018465983 (FAX)

• - A US zip code lookup on the above address returns the message "The address was not found". It is clearly a fake address - Clear evidence of fraud.
• - The above telephone number of +1 4403326646 is located in Burton, Ohio - clear evidence of fraud.
• - The above fax number is located in Midvale, Utah - they must have a large office... - clear evidence of fraud.

European Contact Details:
EUROPE, United Kingdom (Iceland, Republic of Ireland)
Street address: 81 holland road
City: london
State: london
Zip: nw105at
Country: United Kingdom
Director: Johnathan Carter

The above address is actually listed in UK Companies House as the registered address of a company called HONEY'S DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION LIMITED (Company No. 05416580). In other words it's a fake address as undoubtedly are all their others. It's also the same address used for the Epayment Solutions, Emarket Solutions Inc., Legal Operations Inc., Secure Operations Inc., Ketler Group Inc., Oranta Group Inc., Profit Financing Inc., Logic Group Inc., Maxi Group Inc., Fair Group, Fartex Group, MGPA Group Inc. and the Sky Group Inc. frauds.

x) They use the same criminal registered nameserver domains motohero2200.info and westsport4000.biz as the other frauds and which were only registered on Feb. 5th. 2008.

xi) Here is the obvious money laundering position of "FINANCIAL AGENT" posted on their website:

FINANCIAL AGENT
This vacancy is valid for American and Australian residents ONLY at the moment.
AVAILABLE

Location: Australia, USA
Status: Opened
Employee Type: Part-Time Employee

The major duty of the incumbent is to promptly receive and process stockbrokers' payments to further transfer them applying specified method. Please enquire for detailed work scheme.

Requirements:

    * Expert skill in managing payments and transfers between our company and clients.
    * Knowledge of basic payment systems.
    * Ability to schedule working hours effectively.
    * Availability of spare time (3-4 hours per day).
    * Advanced user ability to operate computer and to use Internet and e-mail.
    * Legal age.

Payment basis: During the trial period you will be paid 2300 USD per month. You will also be keeping 8% commission from every payment received from a client. With the current volume of clients on average your overall income will add up to 4000 USD per month. After the trial period your base salary will go up to 3000 USD per month, plus 8% commission.

Benefits:

    * Flexible work schedule.
    * Possibility to combine the job with primary employment.
    * Free training course.

INTERESTING FACT:
Our analysts observe strongly pronounced economic growth in all departments of Idea Group Inc. for the latest quarter of this year due to perfect and well coordinated work of our team. According to the statistics, 98% of Idea Group Inc. financial managers being employed for less than three months are completely satisfied with their earnings and would like to upgrade professional skills and advance in their careers in our Company. The management of Idea Group Inc. is striving for strengthening and expanding of the corporation in order to control the major part of financial services market.

Click here to know more about this vacancy

If you would like to apply to this vacancy and enquire more detailed information, please email at
job@idea-group-usa.eu. Time spent for consideration of your application can be reduced if you attach resume to your email.

In other words, just your average ILLEGAL money laundering mule position. Clear evidence of criminal fraud.

xii) No legitimate company is going to spamvertise among the untrained, inexperienced and uncertified general population for a "FINANCIAL AGENT" acting as a criminal money transfer agent. It clearly defines Idea Group Inc. as a criminal fraud organisation.

xiii) The identical illegal job was posted by the Epayment Solutions Inc, Reynolds Investment, Calisto Trading Inc. Emarket Solutions Inc.. Oranta Group Inc., Legal Operations Inc., Secure Operations Inc., Ketler Group Inc., Profit Financing Inc., Logic Group Inc., Maxi Group Inc., Fair Group, Fartex Group, MGPA Group Inc. and the Sky Group Inc. fraudsters.

xiv) More details of the money mule function from the criminal's website:

Financial Manager
Location: USA, statewide
Is it available at the present moment: Yes
Employment type: Part-Time employment
The number of employees needed: 3 vacant places left

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS.

    * not less than 18 years old
    * internet access to reply emails promptly
    * availability by phone (1-2 hours a day)
    * a bank account to process payments
    * good credit history with your Bank (new bank account is a possible option)
    * absolute absence of criminal offenses or convictions.
    * experience in the financial issues is welcome.

DUTIES.

We are searching for people to process payments coming from our clients. Idea Group Inc. shall provide an agent with detailed instructions relevant to payment processing operations, including full name of the sender and sum total in every particular case.

When funds are received on employee's bank account Financial Agent's duty is to withdraw cash and transfer the funds via International Wire Transfer or using International Western Union/Money Gram money transfer system. The main advantage of our services is the shortest possible time within which the seller can receive money for the services/goods sold. If this operation is delayed, our client will have a right to cancel the contract and we shall suffer financial losses. That's why successful applicant must be very responsible and careful!

TRIAL PERIOD POLICY.

Successful applicants are offered the position on a trial period (1 month). This is a period when new employee will be trained and receive online support while working and being paid. A personnel supervisor can recommend termination during/after the trial period depending on agent's activity. New employee needs to be responsible and strictly follow our recommendations in order to pass the Trial Period successfully.

SALARY.

During the probationary period we offer 2300 USD monthly salary plus 8% commission from each payment processing operation. For example, an average $5,000 payment will bring $400 commission (but WU/MG fee is paid from this money, find more details below). Furthermore we offer $50 bonus for each transaction completed by 11am (local time). With the current volume of clients on average your overall income will add up to 4000 USD per month. A successful agent may ask for additional tasks and earn more. After the probationary period base salary will go up to 3000 USD per month, plus 8% commission. Base salary ($2300) is paid at the end of each month via wire transfer to employee's bank account. Commission (8%) should be deducted from the processed money.

IMPORTANT DETAILS.

    * Financial Agent must process received assets during one business day, i.e. from money collection on bank account to money re-sending to our client as indicated in the contract. Should money collection on employee's account is expected on day-off or holiday all payment processing procedures have to be completed within the following working day.
    * Every 14 days Financial Agent receives invoices for each transaction. This document is a confirmation of transaction validity, and in case of unforeseen circumstances it will evidence your personal non-participation. All invoices will contain detailed information about provider and will be sealed and certified by the President signature.
      *After the Trial Period invoices are sent every business day.
    * Since business transfers can be processed with delays, so Financial Manager have to specify a transfer as a remittance of private character. It is also applicable in case of a third party interest in the transfer.
    * Our clients appreciate our performance and are ready to pay extra for shorter terms of transaction. If we manage to deliver the goods to the buyer within 10 days, the deal is considered to be fulfilled at the earliest possible date.
    * All the fees (WU/MG) are paid from employee's commission. BUT our Company undertakes to reimburse part of expenses which are incurred in connection with money transfer (WIRE or by Western Union/Money gram system) should money transfer charges exceed 3%. At that, your net profit will amount to 5-8% of the total sum of payment processing operations
    * We don't require any investments to get started/work in our Company.
    * The Company offers incentive bonus program based on results of work and including several factors, i.e. total sum of money transferred, payment processing time, etc.

OUR BENEFITS.

Probationary period imposes restrictions on the employment benefits of our corporation. Financial Manager will be able to receive Idea Group Inc. employment benefits only after probationary period. Employment benefits include:

    * stock options
    * child-care subsidies
    * flex-time
    * business casual attire
    * free training and professional development programs

*Detailed information concerning the employment benefits will be sent after successful completion of probationary period

Just more clear and irrefutable evidence of the illegal money mule function that these fraudsters are trying to con you into accepting. You will end up with your bank account and all your assets frozen, the loss of a great deal of money and possibly facing criminal charges.

xv) The Spam

Hi,
My name is Anthony Datcher and I am the Chief Manager of Department of employment in Idea Group Inc. We have studied your resume and decided that your skills totally meet our requirements. So now you have a chance to become a Financial Agent.

Few words about us:
A large company with good reputation (we mainly deal with online investments) is finally expanding and looking for new representatives in USA! At the moment we need independent agents, who will represent our company in regions. Offered position is a part-time. You'll work only 2-3 hours/day.

We appreciate the labor of our representatives and pay them properly. Salary depends on your activity (you will be paid min. $2300/month, but completing all duties as assigned you'll increase it up to about $4500). If you are interested in this offer and would like to learn more about it, please send the filled out form to Idea.group.emp@gmail.com

********************************FORM************************
Your Full name:_______________
Your Country of residence:_________________
Your Age:_____
Your Contact phone:__________________
Preferred call time:___________________
********************************FORM************************
We guarantee to reply within 48 hours.
We found your resume at www.monster.com.
This letter confirms, that your CV has been duly processed and your skills completely meet our requirements for Financial Manager vacancy.
Thank You,
Anthony Datcher,
Chief Manager

The above evidence clearly demonstrates beyond any doubt that the Idea Group Inc. website has been set up by money laundering criminal fraudsters purely for the purpose of spamvertising an illegal money laundering 'mule' job. If you are an abuse team that has received an abuse report regarding these fraudsters, please consider immediate termination of their services in view of the absolutely undeniable evidence of criminal fraud - please don't delay - these criminals will not respond to any communication from you, (all their whois data is false), but will simply take advantage of any attempt at communication as a delaying tactic to allow them time to carry on their criminal activity and prepare their next network.

Idea Group Inc. Fraudsters - current hosting details

Main Domains, Hosts and Registrars

Domain

idea-group-usa.eu
idea-group.us
idea-group-eu.cn

Registrar

PUBLICDOMAINREGISTRY.COM (12-Sep-2008)
PUBLICDOMAINREGISTRY.COM (12-Sep-2008)
厦门华商盛世网络有限公司 (Xiamen Chinese Year Limited) (13-Sep-2008)

Host Network

DATAPOINT-NET2 (infobox.ru)
DATAPOINT-NET2 (infobox.ru)
DATAPOINT-NET2 (infobox.ru)

Host IP

77.221.133.160
77.221.133.161
77.221.133.168

Active
Suspended or Inactive

Please notify me of any other current domains used by this criminal.

Criminal Registered Nameserver Domains and Registrars

ns1.motohero2200.info - Tucows - 5th. Feb. 2008
ns1.westsport4000.biz - TOTAL WEB SOLUTIONS D.B.A. TOTAL REGISTRATIONS - 5th. Feb. 2008

DNS Data (idea-group-usa.eu)

How I am searching:

Searching for idea-group-usa.eu A record at c.root-servers.net [192.33.4.12]: Got referral to P.NIC.eu. (zone: eu.)
Searching for idea-group-usa.eu A record at P.NIC.eu. [195.47.235.130]: Got referral to ns1.motohero2200.info. (zone: idea-group-usa.eu.)
Searching for idea-group-usa.eu A record at ns1.motohero2200.info. [77.221.133.194]: Reports idea-group-usa.eu. Response:

Domain	Type	Class	TTL	Answer
idea-group-usa.eu.	A	IN	120	77.221.133.160
idea-group-usa.eu.	NS	IN	120	ns1.motohero2200.info.
idea-group-usa.eu.	NS	IN	120	ns2.westsport4000.biz.
ns1.motohero2200.info.	A	IN	3600	77.221.133.194
ns2.westsport4000.biz.	A	IN	3600	72.9.104.171

Looking up at the 2 idea-group-usa.eu. parent servers:

Server	Response
ns2.westsport4000.biz [72.9.104.171]	77.221.133.160
ns1.motohero2200.info [77.221.133.194]	Timeout

The site host IP 77.221.133.160 is listed as a Russian host - datapoint.ru/DATAPOINT-NET2/Infobox.ru.

Fraud Blog Initial entry 23rd. September 2008

***Latest News*** 24th. September 2008
The criminal's domain idea-group-usa.eu has been suspended.
New domain reported by site contact - idea-group.us
DNS Data (idea-group.us)

How I am searching:

Searching for idea-group.us A record at f.root-servers.net [192.5.5.241]: Got referral to B.GTLD.BIZ. (zone: us.)
Searching for idea-group.us A record at B.GTLD.BIZ. [209.173.57.162]: Got referral to NS1.MOTOHERO2200.INFO. (zone: idea-group.us.)
Searching for idea-group.us A record at NS1.MOTOHERO2200.INFO. [77.221.133.194]: Reports idea-group.us. Response:

Domain	Type	Class	TTL	Answer
idea-group.us.	A	IN	120	77.221.133.161
idea-group.us.	NS	IN	120	ns2.westsport4000.biz.
idea-group.us.	NS	IN	120	ns1.motohero2200.info.
ns1.motohero2200.info.	A	IN	3600	77.221.133.194
ns2.westsport4000.biz.	A	IN	3600	72.9.104.171

Looking up at the 2 idea-group.us. parent servers:

Server	Response
ns2.westsport4000.biz [72.9.104.171]	77.221.133.161
ns1.motohero2200.info [77.221.133.194]	77.221.133.161

The site host IP 77.221.133.161 is listed as a Russian host - datapoint.ru/DATAPOINT-NET2/Infobox.ru.

***Latest News*** 25th. September 2008

Report from site contact - domain idea-group.us has been suspended. Please notify me of any active websites/domains.

***Latest News*** 27th. September 2008
New domain reported by site contact - idea-group-eu.cn
DNS Data (idea-group-eu.cn)
How I am searching:

Searching for idea-group-eu.cn A record at g.root-servers.net [192.112.36.4]: Got referral to D.DNS.cn. (zone: cn.)
Searching for idea-group-eu.cn A record at D.DNS.cn. [203.119.28.1]: Got referral to ns2.westsport4000.biz. (zone: idea-group-eu.cn.)
Searching for idea-group-eu.cn A record at ns2.westsport4000.biz. [72.9.104.171]: Reports idea-group-eu.cn. Response:

Domain	Type	Class	TTL	Answer
idea-group-eu.cn.	A	IN	120	77.221.133.168
idea-group-eu.cn.	NS	IN	120	ns2.westsport4000.biz.
idea-group-eu.cn.	NS	IN	120	ns1.motohero2200.info.
ns1.motohero2200.info.	A	IN	3600	77.221.133.194
ns2.westsport4000.biz.	A	IN	3600	72.9.104.171

Looking up at the 2 idea-group-eu.cn. parent servers:

Server	Response
ns2.westsport4000.biz [72.9.104.171]	77.221.133.168
ns1.motohero2200.info [77.221.133.194]	77.221.133.168

It's the usual host again for these criminals - datapoint.ru/DATAPOINT-NET2/Infobox.ru on IP address 77.221.133.168 this time.

***Latest News*** 28th. September 2008
Information from site contact - domain idea-group-eu.cn has been suspended. Please notify me of any active website URLs/domains for this criminal.