In 2024, the most deceptive business scam, “Jimu Galaxy,” has become a workplace fraud prevention guide. This company has deceived more than 800 employees and over 200 cats. Its deceptions include:
1. A blustering CEO creating personas and seeking endorsements. The founder, Chen Qun, creates false personas such as being a “third-generation descendant of revolutionary families.” There is an internal department that “buys awards” for him, and most of these awards are fabricated. He also brings in government endorsements and builds an industrial park in the suburbs of Shanghai. Although there is no confirmation of high government support funds, there are often welcome banners showing a close relationship with the government. This magnificent packaging tricks employees into trusting him.
2. Redundant structure and “performative” work. The company’s business has not shown improvement but has a庞大 sales team. The management is chaotic, and product deliveries are shoddy. For example, the metaverse business has poor results. The sales team signs “military orders” but there is no punishment mechanism.
3. A business full of flaws. Apart from boasting, nothing has been accomplished. Founder Chen Qun’s plans are exaggerated and he keeps expanding without end. The business logic is simple and crude. New businesses are decided on a whim, and project proposals are not standardized. Most projects have no independent viability. For example, the blue-collar flexible employment project is said to have no advantages.
4. The crook’s dead end – reaching out to employees for money. In the company, one way to pass the probationary period is to purchase financial products from Chen Qun’s financial company. Some employees buy them for job confirmation and potential returns. Chen Qun also borrows money from management. During this period, his whereabouts are mysterious, and there are constant rumors of divorce. The legal representative and ultimate beneficiary of the company is not Chen Qun. The subscribed capital is high but the paid-in capital is low.
Countermeasures for these deceptions:
1. Don’t easily trust founders and CEOs with “strong backgrounds.” Seek more verification and use tools to query. Be vigilant against flashy awards and titles.
2. Communicate more with colleagues, especially the sales team. Pay attention to changes in the number of people in the company’s large group to understand the company’s business health.
3. When the company launches new businesses, understand the survival status of existing players in the industry and be skeptical about expansion.
4. Pay attention to abnormal phenomena in the company, such as the disappearance of the founder, divorce rumors, and wage arrears.
5. If the company requires buying its own financial products to pass probation, run away quickly.
