If you have done very much searching online for medical transcription jobs, you have probably heard of Transam Associates. Maybe you have even heard from them, like our reader, Teresa.
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Like many of you, she posted her resume online and has started to hear back from scum sucking bottom feeders cesspool worms people claiming to be recruiters.
Here, for your education and edification, I include the email they sent her along with my editorial commentary [in brackets and bold]:
Subject: Medical Transcription – Will Train – No Experience!
[“No Experience!” Here is the first red flag. In a tight economy, employers are more concerned than ever about getting the most bang for their buck when it comes to employees. Legitimate employers who are indeed willing to hire with no experience aren’t going to shout about it. It will come up in the interview if you impress the hell out of the interviewer.]via Beyond Job Alert
Hello, Teresa
Thank you for your sharing your Beyond resume for this work at home Job Alert! We are a medical transcription company.After reviewing your resume we are interested.
[Uh-oh, second red flag. Not that Teresa doesn’t have a killer resume—I’m sure she does. But this just doesn’t sound like the language of a real employer to me. While jobs in which employers chase the employee are certainly real, I believe based on years of experience that they are rare. You chase the employer. That’s the way it works in the large majority of cases.]
Transam Associates provides precise medical transcription of voice files that doctors dictate for hospitals, clinics and doctor offices.
[Maybe. But its Web site is so cheesy that if I were a clinic looking for a transcription service, I would not give it a second glance. This leads me to believe that Transam is not really interested in doing transcription.]Transam Associates also conducts its own training program that prepares individuals for the medical transcription profession. This training is done online in the comfort of your own home. A personal trainer is provided to guide individuals in the training program through a Live Chat environment.
As a recruiter for this national transcription service, I am seeking full-and part-time, home-based medical transcriptionists. We are committed to providing a work environment where medical transcriptionists can grow and be respected for the professionals they are.
[But can you provide jobs? Not according to some of the complaint sites I’ve been reading.]This is for entry level individuals and if you are not yet qualified, we’ll provide tuition FREE training and a personal trainer that you’ll need to become qualified. Once you meet our criteria, which will be defined for you before you begin, you will be certified by us as an accomplished medical transcriptionist and can begin to work for Transam Associates, Inc. Our special books and software are required.
[Remaining paragraphs deleted because we’re not going to do their advertising for them.]
After transcribing this sample we will answer all your questions.
You are asked to transcribe a simple audio file and submit it to Transam for consideration. I can’t prove it, but my hunch is they would accept just about anything as a transcription of the audio file.
Why? Because Transam Associates is not looking for transcriptionists. It’s looking for people to sell its software to.
After you submit your sample transcription, you will receive another email that says it was true and accurate and worthy of moving forward (their words, not mine), and inviting you to request an application agreement.
The agreement is too long and boring to reproduce here, but it boils down to this the following. Transam claims to be able to train you in medical transcription and then to set you up with paying jobs.
First, however, you must by the proprietary Transam software, which apparently runs about $500. Here is one user’s experience:
They will do no more than rip you off money by making you buy their MT software and never putting peole into real work situations. The only thing they care for is for your MONEY from your purchase of their equipment(total of $490). This is obviously a SCAM. They want the money upfront and they offer NO refunds for any circumstances.
Transam Associates has a BBB rating of C-, for what it’s worth. I don’t put much stock in BBB reports, personally, but if you want to read it, it’s here:
The BBB has received complaints concerning the business’s selling practices and product quality of the software it sells. Specifically, consumers filing complaints with the BBB have stated that the business misrepresents its program. Consumers stated that they are required to purchase medical transcription training software in order to work for the business. Once the software is purchased, the business then requires that they complete practice tests prior to being given paid work by the business. Consumers are not provided work by the business until the business feels they have successfully completed the program. Additionally, consumers have stated that the software the business requires does not work properly.
So, back away from the computer and go for a walk. You are not on the verge of making $4k per month using your typing skills. (Oh, and here is a free bonus tip: MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION INVOLVES MUCH, MUCH MORE THAN GOOD TYPING SKILLS.) You are about to purchase non-refundable software and a lot of headache.
Don’t Fall for It. i have been fighting with them thru the FTC and BBB they are refusing a refund and there software does not even work. I paid 250 down and now they want the rest to even move to the next files which is group 2. The trainers are a joke they never are there or email you back. Its a rip off scam.
I had a very similar experience as above but they tried to bargain with me on the price….you can see below…
Laura Smith: Is it ok to ask about how we actually earn money?
Qualifying Operator: ok
Qualifying Operator: Let me help you with this…
Qualifying Operator: The Special Internet Component is the total communication link between you and us. That’s how you receive your work. That’s how you send your work back to us. And that’s how you talk ‘live’ right in the program.
The Special Internet Component utilizes state-of-the-art techniques to ensure patient confidentiality and to keep all of the transactions and operations in accordance with the HIPAA regulations and guidelines.
Let me briefly explain how this whole process works and then I will answer your questions.
– The software is the Special Internet Component.
– It’s $495 and you will need that for the actual ‘paid live’ work.
– Are you in the position financially to purchase the software at this time?
http://www.mtsoftware.org/HOP_Pricing.asp
Laura Smith: Interesting. I am not in a position to spend $495 on anything right now
Qualifying Operator: That’s okay.
Qualifying Operator: Don’t worry about the money.
We will work with you….and you can start today.
Laura Smith: How do you work with me on this? Forgive me for saying this but I am becoming a little skeptical of this job opportunity. Anything that requires me to pay money to work makes me a little nervous.
Qualifying Operator: You can take the exams today…right after you install the software. The software is required to place the templates on your computer..this makes your job a lot easier.
Also, as part of your software download you receive samples of what your work should look like. You just match your work with the samples.
It is very easy. I am sure you will do just fine.
Qualifying Operator: This month we are doing a limited special promotion. If you can come up with the required downpayment, here is what we can do.
Pay the down payment now…if you pass the exams according to our standards…you will go right to work and start making money right away…and here is the good news….
If you achieve the accuracy level we require on those exams (3), then you will be credited back for the cost of the software on your first paycheck.
Can you pay $130 and download the software and start today.
Laura Smith: I”m sorry. I appreciate the opportunity but I can not spare any money to purchase software even despite the fact that it will eventually help me earn money.
Qualifying Operator: That’s okay.
Qualifying Operator: Okay. Please come back as soon as you can..
Laura Smith: Thank you have a great night.
Qualifying Operator: Good Luck to You! Thank you for chatting with me today. Bye for now.
I did purchase this so called fine MT Professional software. I have done several groups of files with approximately 31 audibles in each group. By the time I got to the last Group which was Group-4, I was completing my Audibles at 100% accuracy. I had the same gentleman throughout in the audibles in which I had for my first test. I could completely understand the gentleman at 100% accuracy but when it came to taking the test, there was parts you couldn’t even recognize and let it be known the test has to be done at 100% accuracy with no more than one mistake on it, therefore, where the gentleman sounded like he had his mouth up in his ass and you couldn’t understand it, left you unable to pass and go onto the next test or start your live work. I wrote the live chat person an email and of course I got nothing back except that she had taken the same kind of tests to take on live work. I believe I have been scammed out of my $500.00 which is not right. I have worked hard, very hard in trying to get this up and running as well as buying all the books and going by their Standarized Manual. I do have to say I also contacted a friend of mine that has done this type of work for over 30 years and she said this was an absolute rediculous test, as there will be people that you do not understand along the profession but never has she ever heard a test performance done so horribly. Think twice before you step into this program. I believe I have been scammed for my $500.00 but hopefully you will not have to be. Maybe I can help others in some way with my own ignorance and stupidity for falling for such crap. Good luck.
Oh and by the way, everything I have received has been copy and paste for every question I have asked. This is not what I paid for……..
i just recently had this same thing happen to me. i got on the chat with this operator telling me to purchase this software called MTPRosoftware for $495. No refunds. I couldn’t get any of my questions answered very clearly. and i also found that the operator kept repeating himself. I even asked if they could prove to me that they were legitimate, by giving me a number, or a name i could contact, or mail, etc. please let me know more about this.
I posted this verbatim over at ComplaintsBoard. I was reading the scam warnings just as I entered the livechat with Transcription America (Trans Am Associates, formerly?). I hope readers will find some sort of amusement from it:
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Please wait for a site operator to respond.
You are now chatting with ‘Qualifying Operator’
Qualifying Operator: Hello! Thank you for contacting “Live Support” How may I help you today?
Anthony Lu: Transcription America application?
Qualifying Operator: I’d be happy to talk with you about the job interview with our company.
Qualifying Operator: Where are you in the application process? Did you transcribe a sample for us yet? And if so, have you heard back from the company?
Anthony Lu: Hello?
Anthony Lu: Can you repeat that pls?
Anthony Lu: Transcription America application?
Qualifying Operator: Yes
Qualifying Operator: Just hit your back button on the page you are on
Anthony Lu: I’m contacting you regarding the job interview for Transcription America.
Qualifying Operator: I’d be happy to talk with you about the job interview with our company.
Qualifying Operator: Where are you in the application process? Did you transcribe a sample for us yet? And if so, have you heard back from the company?
Anthony Lu: I transcribed the sample and I heard back from the company.
Qualifying Operator: Great
Qualifying Operator: Let me help you with this…
Qualifying Operator: This is your job interview. This is a guaranteed job!
If you qualify, you work for and get paid by us.
This is hard work. Did you go to school for medical transcription?
What working experience have you had?
Tell me a little bit about your background.
Anthony Lu: Can I ask you a few questions?
Qualifying Operator: Yes in a moment
Qualifying Operator: What is your background?
Anthony Lu: Recent grad with bachelors in a science.
Anthony Lu: No previous medical transcription experience.
Qualifying Operator: Great
Qualifying Operator: That helps a lot.
Qualifying Operator: You may not need any training at all but if you do…It is all at your own pace in your own time. It usually takes a minimum of one month.
Qualifying Operator: Have you read and submitted the work agreement before coming to this live chat interview?
Qualifying Operator: http://www.transcription-america.com/application.htm
Anthony Lu: I filled out the application already.
Qualifying Operator: Great
Qualifying Operator: We will train you and bring you up to speed to the way we transcribe. We assign you your own personal trainer to do that. The trainer designs a program specifically for you. Based on your background, experience, and previous training. That way you don’t have to repeat what you already know. Here’s the guarantee: as soon as you are accurate in your transcription we move you over to ‘live’ work and you start getting paid right away by us. We pick up all the cost for training, your only investment is in the software itself.
Anthony Lu: What hospitals / healthcare companies do you provide service for?
Anthony Lu: Ok.
Qualifying Operator: You may not need any training at all.
Three exams are given in the beginning and if you pass, then you are put to work immediately and start getting paid right away. You only need to be accurate according to our standards.
I am sure you will do just fine.
Anthony Lu: Ok.
Qualifying Operator: ok
Qualifying Operator: Let me help you with this…
Qualifying Operator: As you read in the work agreement, the Special Internet Component is the total communication link between you and us. That’s how you receive your work. That’s how you send your work back to us. And that’s how you talk to your personal trainer ‘live’ right in the program.
The Special Internet Component utilizes state-of-the-art techniques to ensure patient confidentiality and to keep all of the transactions and operations in accordance with the HIPAA regulations and guidelines.
Let me briefly explain how this whole process works and then I will answer your questions.
– The software is the Special Internet Component.
– It’s $495 and you will need that for both the training and for the actual ‘paid live’ work.
– Are you in the position financially to purchase the software at this time?
http://www.mtsoftware.org/HOP_Pricing.asp
Anthony Lu: Ok.
Anthony Lu: Yes I have the financial capacity to purchase the software if I choose to.
Qualifying Operator: Great
Qualifying Operator: You can take the exams today…right after you install the software. The software is required to place the templates on your computer..this makes your job a lot easier.
Also, as part of your software download you receive samples of what your work should look like. You just match your work with the samples.
It is very easy. I am sure you will do just fine.
Anthony Lu: Ok.
Qualifying Operator: Can you start this week?
Anthony Lu: I could.
Qualifying Operator: Great
Qualifying Operator: Welcome aboard
Anthony Lu: Can I ask a few questions?
Qualifying Operator: Yes
Anthony Lu: What hospitals / healthcare companies do you currently provide service for?
Qualifying Operator: We provide to hospitals, clinics and doctor offices
Anthony Lu: Please be more specific?
Qualifying Operator: I am just an operator
Qualifying Operator: I don’t have any information about that
Qualifying Operator: What other questions do you have?
Anthony Lu: Why is it necessary to purchase your company’s proprietary software just to work for you?
Qualifying Operator: The Special Internet Component is the total communication link between you and us.
That’s how you receive your work. That’s how you send your work back to us. And that’s how you talk to your personal trainer ‘live’ right in the program.
Timing is everything! When do you think you will be able to get the software?
Qualifying Operator: Please call the Corporate office at 302-351-6188. The hours are 9 to 5 Eastern time Monday through Friday.
Qualifying Operator: They will help you.
Anthony Lu: Lol, a copy-pasted response.
Anthony Lu: I wasn’t born yesterday, man. They better pay you well to help them scam people looking for honest work. What legitimate company asks its prospective employees to pay for their ass-ancient software just to work for them? What legitimate company throws up Google Adsense on its homepage? Jesus fucking christ, get a better job. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re actually the owner of this ridiculous operation.
Chat session has been terminated by the site operator.
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