I was hesitant to do this task because of some of the dialogue regarding it. I agree with a few others that wasting unemployed folks' time is not cool, and neither is building false hopes regarding job interviews and whatnot. So I decided to post a fake real job (aid to private investigator) that might turn into a real fake job (my personal, paid bounty hunter). Since this job pays very little (in some cases, might pay nothing), I figured people looking for a fulltime wouldn't waste their time with it. I also posted it in the ETC category for job listings... a category frequented much less than specific career field categories. In any event, here's the ad:

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minneapolis craigslist > etcetera jobs > ***Peaceful Bounty Hunter/Research Needed***
last modified: Mon, 12 Jun 19:35 CDT

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***Peaceful Bounty Hunter/Research Needed***
Reply to: job-170897354@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-06-12, 7:35PM CDT


Free-lance private investigator is looking to collaborate with enthusiastic gumshoes in the Minneapolis area. Prerequisites are as follows:

-methodical
-innovative
-resourceful
-decisive
-geographically competent
-law abiding
-athletic
-ability to read braille a plus

Job description:
Current assignments do not allow my travels to include Minneapolis, but I am working on a side project there. This is were you come in. My current assignment requires gathering information on a resident of Minneapolis. Currently, the only information I have is a first name and a few photographs. The remaining vitals (last name, address, more pictures and a telephone number) are your task to find.

Though I understand that finding an exact match to the few details I have might prove difficult, my compensation is dispensed for every "viable lead" sent my direction. Based on the remaining information your research fills in, I can verify subject identity.

There is no need to confront any possible subject, as this may compromise my research. Any form of physical interaction nulls any agreement between the principal investigator (myself) and contracted investigators (possibly you). In fact, any sort of illegal intervention on your behalf in this investigation will also nullify any contractual agreement between you and I.

Please email description of self, interests, reasons for wanting this job opportunity and anything else you feel I should know.

* Job location is Minneapolis
* Compensation: $15-$65 per viable lead (as determined entirely by the principal investigator)
* Telecommuting is ok.
* This is a part-time job.
* This is a contract job.
* no -- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* no -- Please, no phone calls about this job!
* no -- Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
* yes -- Reposting this message elsewhere is OK.
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I was actually surprised w/ the number and types of responses I got. Here's a few:

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I can't read brail but I think I fit the rest of the
description. I am a recent college graduate from
Bethel University and am familiar with the area. I
will be heading to the U of MN in the fall and am
looking for a little supplemental income. I have
attached my resume and you can let me know if you are
interested. Either reply to this e-mail or call me at
651-XXX-XXXX.

Thank you,
XXXXXXXXXXX

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Your ad has piqued my curiosity. I work full-time as
a Criminal Investigator for the Hennepin County
Attorney's Office but I am always on the lookout for
part-time investigative work. I like the challenge of
gathering information for civil and criminal court
cases.

I have many contacts in the community and have access
to many data bases. I have worked for Hennepin County
for 29 years so I know the Minneapolis area well.

I am somewhat money motivated as I am a single parent
with a daughter in college. I don't know if your
opportunity is limited to one assignment but I would
be interested in more work if you can use my services.

I have been an athlete all my life and still run,
bike, play tennis, kayak, play hockey, ski, etc. My
criminal history consists of one speeding ticket in
1978. I have a law degree and a police license.
Sorry, I don't read braille.

I have attached my resume for your review. Thank you
for your consideration.

Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXX

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Enthusiastic gumshoe here...

I'm a law student in Minneapolis who semi-stalks people for fun (nothing illegal, just amusing). I can't read Braille.

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To whom it may concern, you've "peaked" my interest, so to speak! I
too, am an investigator [of sorts] I'm a freelance writer and prop
hunter. I spend my days culling information and making something out
of nothing, if you know what I mean...
I am very interested in doing the research you need and am sending my
writing resume' for your perusal. I also have a comedy/theater
background and my communication skills [written & verbal] are
excellent. Feel free to contact me for further information and any
questions you may have.

Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXX

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*I even got a few from investigative firms*

Lets discuss the request. Email me at this private email address and we can discuss your requests for service.

We are a MN licensed P.I. agency since 1989.

XXXX X. XXXXX-Chief Investigator/President
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, Inc.
P.O. Box XXXX
Saint Paul, Minnesota XXXXX
Office: 651-XXX-XXXX
Fax: 651-XXX-XXXX
LICENSED--BONDED--INSURED
MN License XXX

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Please feel free to check out our website, xxxxxxxxxxxxx.com for
all the information you'll need about us. I hope that we can be of
service.


XXXX X. XXXXXX
Managing Partner
XXXXX XXXXXXXX LLC
XXXXXXXXXXXXX.com
XXXX Cleveland Ave South Suite XXX
St. Paul, MN XXXXX
612.XXX.XXXX

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I called back one of the people, and the recording of me trying and not getting him is posted (which, actually, I think is him). I also tried to record (via the sf0 phone) the entire interview, but it maxes out at 2:00 minutes, I posted it but it doesn't get to the meat-and-potatoes of the interview.

But, during the interview, I actually had him answer a quick personality assessment test... a standardized personality assessment test.. the NEO-PR-I. The actualy assessment is about 240 questions, I only asked him about 20 questions. The answer options are strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree or strongly agree. Here are some of the questions I asked:

"I am a worrier."
"I believe that economic interest should never supercede human wellbeing."
"I sometimes cheat at solitair."
"I like to dabble in theories and abstract thoughts."
etc.

After my 'rigorous' questionairre, we got down to brass tax... sure wish I could've recorded it, but lets just say he wasn't expecting any of it... it was really hard to not laugh at how he dealt w/ some of the things that got thrown his way (especially why he needed to know braille).

I was also sortuv in disbelief regarding the amount of bullshit that was coming out of my mouth... he kept asking me things about the person I'm looking for, and I talked sooooo much but in the end said nothing.

It's kind of hard to summarize because we spent a good chunk of time on the phone, but overall I just can't believe he stayed on there with me. I was sure at one point he would see through my farce.