Help me make a decision
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I don't understand why you are so adamant on using the services of this firm. It seems that you desire to go to the US has clouded your senses. Everyone here is telling you it's a scam, and you refuse to listen. Who are you trying to convince? Listen to Nish, Kant and Vivek. They've either been to the US or are still there, and they know how this thing works, OK? By all means, keep trying to go to the US and other countries where you'll be paid a huge salary. But try some other means. It might take some more time, but at least you'll get what you are told you'll get. By the way, I have a bridge to sell you. It'll cost you only one buck. All you need to do is tell me your credit card number, and deposit all your academic certificates, voter's ID card, driving licence, and all other papers with me. I promise to return them as soon as I complete the transfer of said bridge to you. Regards, Rohit Sinha Browsy
Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. - Mother Teresa
Hi Rohit, Thank you for your reply. I have decided not to take up the offer, but not because I doubt the credibility of the firm, but because I am skeptical of my chances of getting a good job considering the downturn in the US economy and all. Hordes of indians went to the US through firms like this couple of years ago and no one gave it a second thought. At that time since there was a general boom in the industry everyone who went would generally spend very less time on bench. So, it worked out pretty well for everyone. Today however the situation is different due to the economic realities. As far as it being a scam, well it can only be a scam if they were to take some money from me. They aren't asking me to pay for H1 or flight ticket costs. The only thing they ask for is degree certificates which they keep for surety purposes. Yes, I know there are some firms that don't ask for this also. One of the reasons why they do this is that, before during the boom time, many software engineers in india used to accept offers from 3-4 different firms. Now all the firms have invested time and money to apply for the engineer's H1 but only one is going to get him. So basically to protect their investment the firms ask for original certificates. Yes, I know this in no way can guarantee that the engineer cannot apply through a different firm, but it usually is a good deterrent. Also I have been told of all the risks by the firm itself(which is anyway not a big secret, since people in india generally know how these firms operate since they were pretty popular some years ago), so I can't see the "scam" part of it. The firm was founded in 1998 by a Wharton educated entrepreneur. I don't think they could be running a scam for so long!! The only possible illegal part is they paying $500/month on bench, which someone on this board mentioned as illegal as per LCA etc. But that's the way most of these firms operate...only a few of them pay full on bench. Ofcourse the firm will be trying their best also to get me off bench, since they aren't earning any money out of me when I'm on bench and they have already invested in my H1 visa etc. I look at this entire thing as a mutually benefitial relationship, the only prolem is the uncertainity of not knowing how long one will remain on bench. Thanks and Regards, Mel ps: Your bridge offer sounds tempting ;)