Any Experience with GEL (Global Edu. Logistics)?

Gluxnis
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 3:22 pm

Any Experience with GEL (Global Edu. Logistics)?

Post by Gluxnis »

Hi all, first time poster here and new to the international school community. My wife and I are beginning our job search and we've paid to attend a recruitment fair this coming weekend in London with an agency called GEL - Global Education Logistics.

Long story short, the communication with GEL has been terrible and we're unable to find a lot about them online aside from their website. Does anyone have experience with them? Are they a legitimate recruiting agency or have we fallen into a scam? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone!
Gluxnis
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 3:22 pm

Re: Any Experience with GEL (Global Edu. Logistics)?

Post by Gluxnis »

Update to this post:

We paid 90 GBP to GEL last week (12/30) for attendance at their fair in London. We were told the fair would be held at the Hilton Paddington. The communications with GEL, and their supposed director Andrew Spinks, was less than acceptable. Email questions went unanswered, details were fuzzy and the whole thing smelled a little fishy. So, we started doing some investigating online and came back with nearly nothing, we couldn't even find a phone number for GEL through British Telecom or the Yellow Pages. We finally decided to call the Hilton Paddington to confirm that they were indeed hosting a fair this weekend and we were told that they had nothing of the sort scheduled. Major red flag.

So far today I have managed to email GEL and demand a refund (with the ultimatum of alerting the authorities of a scam if we're not refunded) and was told, by Andrew Spinks, that he's had a family emergency and thus canceled the event this weekend. Keep in mind, of course, that we were never told this and the Hilton Paddington didn't say they event was canceled, but rather that they had no even scheduled.

As of now (noon GMT) I haven't received the refund from Spinks but I told him it needs to happen by 5pm today. I will update later today as the story continues.

TL;DR:

Global Education Logistics, Limited (GEL) is almost certainly a scam company. I now have many reason to believe that they are not legitimate and are doing nothing more than defrauding people of their hard earned money. I'm positing this here as a cautionary tale to warn others like me STAY AWAY FROM GEL!!!
PsyGuy
Posts: 10789
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2011 9:51 am
Location: Northern Europe

Response

Post by PsyGuy »

Would have been more fortunate for you if youd written the membership sooner. They have been peddling under GEL, CEG (Consultancy Education Group), IEG (International Education Group) and Globalinks Tutors for close too a decade.
They are essentially solicitor recruiters. They charge the IT to build a profile, then they apply to various publicly announced vacancies on various jobs sites, some of them IE related but mostly they are local jobs sites. You give them your resume, they aggregate job vacancies and they push your resume to the recruiter for the position. They take a referral fee from the recruiter when they can get one, when they can't its building market reputation.
Gluxnis
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 3:22 pm

Re: Any Experience with GEL (Global Edu. Logistics)?

Post by Gluxnis »

Any idea if their recruitment fairs are legitimate? Do they ever actually have the fairs or do they simply take money like this? I'm looking into my legal options to go after them for a refund.
PsyGuy
Posts: 10789
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2011 9:51 am
Location: Northern Europe

Reply

Post by PsyGuy »

@Gluxnis

They schedule about a dozen or so fairs each year. They are mostly speculative, the idea is to see if they can get a couple ISs/recruiters in a room and some candidates together. They then rent out a room at a hotel for half a day and charge the ISs/recruiters £300/table and the ITs about £50. They then just let them talk, while one of them shows up and stands around. They make £2K on the "fair" and pay about £500 for the rental and the event prep. If they can't get enough interest they just cancel the fair (they havent paid anything yet) and wait for the next one. Its basically speed dating for IE. They hang out a shingle, when they collect enough interest they rent the venue, collect the coin and let everyone talk to each other with some organization.
Gluxnis
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 3:22 pm

Re: Any Experience with GEL (Global Edu. Logistics)?

Post by Gluxnis »

Wow, this really sheds a lot of light on the whole situation. Thank you so much for filling me in, my wife and I now have a much clearer picture of what just went down.

I haven't gotten our money back yet but I have been told it will happen tomorrow by the GEL rep, Andrew Spinks. He first claimed to me that he had a family "tragedy", then that he was busy, then that he was in the hospital, and finally that his fiance has cancer. I'm really reluctant to call the guy a liar, because if his story is true it is, of course, terrible sad. But, that being said, it certainly feels like he just continues to give us the run-around as he has been for well over a week now. At any rate, I have told him he has until 2pm tomorrow before I start contacting authorities like Trading Standards.

I guess this is a live and learn situation. Funny thing too, my mother in-law also found out her credit card was cloned and used in Germany today. Just one of those days, isn't it?

Thanks again for all of your information, you really helped clear it all up. I'll keep you posted when / if we get our money back.
shadowjack
Posts: 2138
Joined: Sat Oct 06, 2012 9:49 am

Re: Any Experience with GEL (Global Edu. Logistics)?

Post by shadowjack »

Gluxnis, if you are a British Citizen, you should not have to pay to attend a job fair. That's why Brits don't pay to attend the London Fair - or something similar to that. Scam - thanks for alerting everybody else to avoid this guy like the plague.
Gluxnis
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 3:22 pm

Re: Any Experience with GEL (Global Edu. Logistics)?

Post by Gluxnis »

Thanks for the info, but actually I am American but living in England (my wife is English). The thing is certainly a scam. I went back and fourth with the GEL representative, Andrew Spinks, for the past two days and have heard nothing but excuses from him (family tragedy, he was in the hospital, he doesn't have money in his Paypal account, his fiance has cancer) -- seriously, the guy has thrown it all at me.

Needless to say we are still without our refund after giving him two deadlines to meet that have come and gone. We've filed a report of fraud with the police and hopefully the will be investigating. My biggest hope now, however, is that I can help others not fall into this trap.
Gluxnis
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 3:22 pm

Re: Any Experience with GEL (Global Edu. Logistics)?

Post by Gluxnis »

UPDATE:

I'm going to post this update / summary of my experience with GEL (Global Education Logistics) to help serve as a cautionary tale and hopefully help others from falling into the scam that my wife and I became victims of.

Back in November we first made contact with GEL to inquire about their London recruitment fairs. Their website lists dates for fairs all around the world, from Toronto to London to Dubai. The email communication with GEL was poor from the start -- questions went unanswered (multiple times), details were hazy and the whole operation looked (especially in hindsight) shady. The only point of contact we had was an "info@globaleducationlogistics.com" email, coming from someone named Andrew Spinks. We were told, by Spinks, that more information would be given after we sent in our applications, which were basically Q & A forms and, of course, we had to pay 45 Pounds each for this honor. After the payment of 90 GBP cleared we were given a PDF file with some basics talking about the London recruitment fair to be held on January 7/8 at the Hilton Hotel in Paddington. Then the real problems began.

In the PDF file, we were told the fair would run from 9-6 and that our day would be scheduled for us, by GEL, depending on which schools were interested in meeting with us. We asked for details about this on Friday, December 30 so we could book our train tickets. We heard nothing. Next Monday we emailed again asking for details. We heard nothing. We emailed again on Wednesday. Surprise, surprise, we heard nothing. This is when we started to really get concerned.

We decided to contact the Hilton Hotel Paddington directly to see if there was even a recruitment fair scheduled for that weekend. We were told (hold onto your hats here, you're in for a real shock!) that there was nothing scheduled for that weekend. SCAM ALERT!

I contacted Andrew Spinks again and asked him to explain why he hadn't answered our questions and why the hotel had nothing planned. He stated that he had a family tragedy which forced him to cancel the London fair. Keep in mind, of course, we were told this less than 48 hours before we were due to travel more than 100 miles to London to attend the fair -- and we only found out because we asked. Terrible business practices at the very, very least.

I then found out, thanks to the ISR Forum, that GEL has been at this same business practice for nearly a decade, under various names. Their business model is basically to get money from people like us, say they will organize a recruitment fair and then cancel nearly all the dates. If and when they do actually organize a fair, it's my understanding that the fair is nothing more than a few schools / recruiters sitting around at tables and some unsuspecting candidates like us thinking it's a legitimate recruitment fair. Not at all what their website leads you to believe (or what I'd personally picture a recruitment fair to be).

At this point, I requested that Mr. Spinks refund our money before 5pm that day or that I would be alerting the authorities. 5pm came and went and still no refund. Spinks then informed me (in this order) that he was busy, he was in the hospital and that his fiance had cancer. I told him he could have until 2pm on Friday, Jan. 6 to issue the refund because if any or all of those things were true that's pretty sad.

Then today, Friday, Jan. 6, Spinks continued his stream of hot air telling me he couldn't issue the refund today for various reasons. First there wasn't enough money in his Paypal account, then he was unable to link a card or account to his Paypal, then he was busy again and I would need to wait until Monday.

Finally, about 20 minutes ago as of the time of this writing I got a copy + past email from Spinks that looks like a Paypal refund receipt. I am reluctant to believe that it's real, of course, especially considering that the email we originally used to make the purchase has yet to receive any email from Paypal stating a refund has been made. At any rate, the Paypal T&C's state that it can take 5-7 business days for refunds to process, so we will be keeping a close eye on the bank account used for the payment and will update this post as needed.

So, to summarize, even if we do get our refund (which I think is still fairly doubtful) GEL is not a legitimate player in the International Education recruitment game. I don't want others to give this company their hard-earned money expecting to have legitimate employment prospects only to to duped the way we were. Keep your money in your pocket, don't give it to GEL -- or better yet, use it for legitimate job search and recruitment agencies. My biggest piece of advice to anyone seeking employment in international schools: Stay away from Global Education Logistics, their sister company International Education Group or any company with Andrew Spinks' name attached.
Spawnboy99
Posts: 138
Joined: Sat Jun 21, 2014 9:14 pm

Re: Any Experience with GEL (Global Edu. Logistics)?

Post by Spawnboy99 »

Had same problem about two years ago, felt something was fishing after a couple of weeks. Guy tells the same stories and wouldn't trust him. Glad someone made a police report on this guy sad when people fall for him and especially for people overseas.

Keep us posted
Spawnboy99
Posts: 138
Joined: Sat Jun 21, 2014 9:14 pm

Re: Any Experience with GEL (Global Edu. Logistics)?

Post by Spawnboy99 »

This is old information I had from an email he sent if this address helps you please use it.

Dear Colleague,
Can I ask you to complete the attached application form.
Please find attached the IEG application form. Kindly email back when completed and let me have some convenient dates/times when you can be available to interview with your skype address.
Click on the link below to register for our recruitment fairs:
Click Here to Register your Teacher Profile
Kindest Regards
Andrew Spinks
Recruitment Manager
International Education Group

Email: info@internationaleducationgroup.net
Website: http://www.internationaleducationgroup.net

Kindest Regards,
International Education Group

Registered Office: 2nd Floor - The Mill, 1000 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9HH
Company No: 05708192 Registered in England & Wales
BritExpat99
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Jan 07, 2017 8:05 pm

Re: Any Experience with GEL (Global Edu. Logistics)?

Post by BritExpat99 »

Dear all,

I too have had a terrible experience with GEL in 2015 and WOULD DEFINITELY CONFIRM THEY ARE A SCAM!

They have been around for a long time as I had initially been in contact with them a few years before and kept receiving emails from them.

Just like previous posters – I contacted GEL (info@globaleducationlogistics.com) and was corresponding with a Mr Andrew Spinks. I signed up and paid 45 GBP to attend a recruitment fair on the 11th April 2015 at a hotel in London. I was assured that there would be a range of schools i.e. a recruitment fair and that I should bring many copies of my CV’s to hand out and I was also ‘pre-booked’ for an interview; but would have other interviews on the day.  They even sent me a schedule for the day.

I kept emailing regarding questions and was specifically interested in a school that was advertised to be there.  Then the communication became really poor and Mr Spinks would not answer any of my questions or when he did finally respond it was very vague.

I went anyway and basically, there were two guys sat there at a desk and there was only ONE school on the day! Let me tell you – it was a school no one wanted! I queried where the other schools were and the guy gave a short answer stating that that was it and that they never confirmed there was any other schools, but I could now attend any other GEL recruitment fairs! I was the only person there and I was there for 10 mins.

Please see the email below that I sent to Mr Spinks following my experience on that day…
__________________________________________________________________________
Dear Andrew,
Further to our meeting this morning, I write to inform you that I will no longer require your services in order to find a teaching position overseas.

I must say that your so-call ‘recruitment fair’ today was extremely disappointing.  In addition, my experience so far with yourself and GEL as a recruiter has been less than satisfactory. 

 Specifically, the communication and information provided (or lack thereof) has been appalling.  You constantly failed to provide sufficient information or even respond adequately to my specific email queries.  Further, in reference to today’s debacle – one school a recruitment fair does not make! I am not sure what your idea or model for recruitment is – but having been an educator for some time and my knowledge of true recruitment fairs, this was again disappointing.

Having paid £45 for your service – I am now questioning whether you or your company are reputable or trustworthy.  So far, I have not had any good reviews.  As an educator for quite some time I have never had to pay a recruiter.  If this morning and the treatment I have received so far is anything to go by – I would probably go as far as to associate you with those recruiters (or schools) that dupe and misled teachers only to gain a commission.

Again this has been a most disappointing experience and I feel that your service does not warrant me paying £45. Therefore, I would like to request a full refund.  In addition, I would also like my details and contact information removed from your system and do not wish to be contacted by you or your company in the future.
expatscot
Posts: 307
Joined: Thu Jan 14, 2016 4:26 am

Re: Any Experience with GEL (Global Edu. Logistics)?

Post by expatscot »

This all sounds awful.

Firstly, on the fees paid. It's illegal in the UK for a recruiter to charge a fee to recruit - the fee needs to be paid by the employer. This is why Search candidates registered through the UK office - not all of whom are either UK nationals or even in the UK - do not pay for the London fair, or pay the joining fee. This applies whatever your nationality - so there would certainly be interest from Trading Standards about this.

If you don't get your money back, I would look into getting a Small Claims Court settlement against them. Your local Citizens Advice would be able to help with this - you can probably find details on your local council website. Brit Expat99 - do the same, this is a service which has not met reasonable expectations.
Lexicycle
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2017 1:18 am

Re: Any Experience with GEL (Global Edu. Logistics)?

Post by Lexicycle »

I would like to confirm that IEG is a bona fide business and as a U.K. Teacher who has used their services on more than five occasions I have been delighted with the sevices and placements I have received.
I have visited their office in Brentwood and met Andrew Spinks.
I endorsed Andrew Spinks on the LinkedIn site about four years ago so my endorsement can be verified as written previous to this current incorrect judgement upon the company and Andrew Spinks.It is too easy to make spurious claims on the internet today. I am offering facts which I would be prepared to repeat in a Court of Law here in the U.K.
I suggest that some of the contributors here would not for fear of defamation of character and damage claims.
Gluxnis
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 3:22 pm

Re: Any Experience with GEL (Global Edu. Logistics)?

Post by Gluxnis »

Thank you to everyone for your input. I feel there is some consolation in knowing that my wife and I are not the only ones who have fallen for this scam. It's crystal clear now that GEL is anything but a legitimate company, and it certainly would appear that Mr. Spinks has been using the same dubious business practices to defraud people for years. It's my hope that by having this post here we can help others from falling into the same trap. Tell everyone you know in the international school community to avoid GEL and associated companies like the plague.

Thanks again to everyone who has written here!
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