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New startup CQAir? Some serious concerns...

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Flyerjosh

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Joined
Aug 3, 2004
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So a few folks that I know have been receiving emails from a supposed startup company called CQAir out of Allentown, PA.

A few of us have done some digging into this company and the request for applications that have been put out. The more and more we dig, the more and more it looks like it might be a scheme to obtain personal information.

So far here's what we've come up with...

The company's website: www.cqair.com is operational only parttime (sometimes it's up and other's it's not), however the "recruiting" department continues to send out emails with updates on the company's progress on getting ops running. These email include requests for applications which contain personal information (Name, SSN, employment history, addresses, etc).

The cached files for the company's website reveal a very basic, almost amateur website. Furthermore, the website includes google ad banners at the bottom. I have never seen an "official" corporate website that advertises services other than it's own or it's affiliates. And certainly not one that uses something like a google "banner".

A search of the whois registration database for the website lists a "privacy" service which hides the true owner of the website. No other airline that I could find hides this information. Phone numbers associated with the website lead back to a phone number in New Jersey.

A traceback of the routing and IP address leads to a Linksys router with remote administration. Once again, it seems odd that a company (regardless of how small, but particularly an airline) would be hosting their site through a $100 Walmart router.

The phone numbers: 610-258-5195 and 908-479-9894 are both unlisted-interesting way to run a business... The address leads back to a building for sale in PA with lots of other tenants- including "Pak Mail", which could be a front for a mail forward service? Other tenants include a tanning place, a hair salon, State Farm insurance, and a hot wing restaurant to name a few...

Overall, there's just something fishy about the whole thing. You might want to consider further researching this company or waiting until they get a certificate before submitting an application with your life story on it. Identity theft really sucks...
 
For those who do not subscribe to pPrune, their was a piece of sh!t named Neil Robertson (who turned out to be nothing but a fraud and a pedophile) in the UK who pretended to be the DO of AfriCargo flying CL44s out of SA back in the late 90's. A number of people I know sent him their particulars.

Be careful, folks.
 
Oh no!!! Not the guv again???
 
Having just finished looking at the application and supplements for Pinnacle Airlines - the application and supplements on this site are identical with the corporate names changed.

Coincidence?
 
Why would a recruiting site ask for a SS number? Sounds sorta fishy to me. Funny thing is that even if it is, it's tough to get any credit out any pilot who would be trying to get on at a regional level. Probably get denied for a $300 credit card.
 
I just called "CQ air" and asked them some questions. One question was whether or not an applicant needs an ATP. He said I did but then I told him I had the written complete but not the practical portion and he had no idea what I was talking about. When asked whether or not the company was legitimate he said he didn't know how to respond to that except that there were crewmembers in class right now and airplanes purchased. I call bull$hit. Has anyone been offered a class date with this company...not that I have heard of. I then asked where these "crewmembers" are based and he said "all over." I suggest everyone calls them at 908-479-9894 and ask pressing questions concerning their legitimacy such as what is their operating certificate number, etc.
 
I'm sorry to say that I filled out their application and sent it in. I never heard anything back until the other day when I got another email identical to the first requesting that I fill out an application. If these guys are for real, they are not very organised. Oh, and it's possibly a coincidence but I recently had to cancel my debit card because of some fraudulent transactions. I feel like a fool.
 
This operation sounds a lot like that "start up" in 2000 named Legacy Airlines out of KSYR.... the dude in charge was named "Padre" or something whacky like that. Ended up being a total joke!
 
Faa

I would call the local FSDO. They should know if this company is legit or not.
 
Hey guys, whatever happened to common sense???
Ever heard of buyer beware or if it's too good to be true it probably is??
For starters, no company - even a start-up - would send out emails to "select" pilots soliciting applications from them. A legit company does the complete opposite - you apply to them!
And to ask for SS either over the phone or in an email. Really, that's asking for trouble. Identity theft come to mind?
In the past there have been plenty of scammers going after unwary pilots and raking in the money.
Bottom line: DO NOT TOUCH THEM!!! Even with the proverbial barge pole.
A legit company is able to answer ANY question, has listed numbers, and a proper website. Do your due diligence then follow your instincts.
 
b757driver said:
Hey guys, whatever happened to common sense???
Ever heard of buyer beware or if it's too good to be true it probably is??
For starters, no company - even a start-up - would send out emails to "select" pilots soliciting applications from them. A legit company does the complete opposite - you apply to them!
And to ask for SS either over the phone or in an email. Really, that's asking for trouble. Identity theft come to mind?
In the past there have been plenty of scammers going after unwary pilots and raking in the money.
Bottom line: DO NOT TOUCH THEM!!! Even with the proverbial barge pole.
A legit company is able to answer ANY question, has listed numbers, and a proper website. Do your due diligence then follow your instincts.

Hmmm. Perhaps, except in this day and age of sites like "monster.com" and "climbto350.com" it's not out of the question to get an email directing you to their corporate website to apply. The typical email was something like "come check out our operation" and they have posted some job postings on aviation job websites.

Once you get to the website, you find what looks mostly like a legit operation. There's an application to download that has standard items on it like 10 year history and SSN (turns out this application is IDENTICAL to the one that Pinnacle uses, just with name/logo changed).

The issues started to arise when people started receiving questionable emails after applying. I just wanted to pass the info along since on the surface they seem like a legit company, but after a more thorough investigation more and more questions arise.

If I get anymore info, I'll be sure to pass it along. In the meantime, I'd suggest that you steer clear!
 
Sticky

I think this thread should be "stickeyed" (or however you spell that) to the regional board. Anyone agree?
 
This almost reads as a college project or something. the job descriptions do not sound very professional at all. If it is an legit airline wouldn't they need qualified Dispatchers etc. this is a scam....
 
paid4training said:
This almost reads as a college project or something. the job descriptions do not sound very professional at all. If it is an legit airline wouldn't they need qualified Dispatchers etc. this is a scam....

You have the BEST avatar. You're my hero!
 

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