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	<title>Comments on: AskSunday &#8211; Not the right virtual assistant for me</title>
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	<link>http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/2009/10/asksunday-not-the-right-virtual-assistant-for-me/</link>
	<description>Technology, Entrepreneurship and Anything Else of Interest</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sun, 09 May 2010 19:21:51 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>By: Mon</title>
		<link>http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/2009/10/asksunday-not-the-right-virtual-assistant-for-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1007</link>
		<dc:creator>Mon</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:02:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/?p=126#comment-1007</guid>
		<description>I got my email on February 26, 2010 from Jamie M. Bountries with the same information as Carlo.  My red flag went up first I saw the salary $31,200 per month, 2-3 hours a day.  Unrealistic figure, regardless of how much he would be getting from his client.  It went up again when I looked at the application he sent for me to complete and send back, nothing to be desired for a job of that expectation; again when I looked at his email there were many grammatical errors and finally the email with my first assignment just did him in.  I spoke with him and he hastily got me off the line saying he was busy and I should review the website and call him immediately I was done.  In less than 10 mins I called back, he did not answer the phone.

Guys, although we are desperate to get a job, let us be careful.  There are many scammers out there.  I think they out-number legit person these days.  I get as much as 5 per day.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I got my email on February 26, 2010 from Jamie M. Bountries with the same information as Carlo.  My red flag went up first I saw the salary $31,200 per month, 2-3 hours a day.  Unrealistic figure, regardless of how much he would be getting from his client.  It went up again when I looked at the application he sent for me to complete and send back, nothing to be desired for a job of that expectation; again when I looked at his email there were many grammatical errors and finally the email with my first assignment just did him in.  I spoke with him and he hastily got me off the line saying he was busy and I should review the website and call him immediately I was done.  In less than 10 mins I called back, he did not answer the phone.</p>
<p>Guys, although we are desperate to get a job, let us be careful.  There are many scammers out there.  I think they out-number legit person these days.  I get as much as 5 per day.</p>
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	<item>
		<title>By: Bridgett</title>
		<link>http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/2009/10/asksunday-not-the-right-virtual-assistant-for-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1001</link>
		<dc:creator>Bridgett</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:30:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/?p=126#comment-1001</guid>
		<description>Hi All!

I was sent a email from 5Star Concierge Inc, &quot;Jamie M. Bountres&quot; as well!! I was working on my 1st assignment and decieded to look up &quot;Jamie M. Bountres&quot;, and low and behold, I find you guys and this 
 wonderful information.... 

Thanks Everyone for taking the time to report this scam!!!! What a butthead!!!!!

Don&#039;t worry everyone, where he is going trust me he will be &quot;Bubba&quot; personal assistant..</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hi All!</p>
<p>I was sent a email from 5Star Concierge Inc, &#8220;Jamie M. Bountres&#8221; as well!! I was working on my 1st assignment and decieded to look up &#8220;Jamie M. Bountres&#8221;, and low and behold, I find you guys and this<br />
 wonderful information&#8230;. </p>
<p>Thanks Everyone for taking the time to report this scam!!!! What a butthead!!!!!</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t worry everyone, where he is going trust me he will be &#8220;Bubba&#8221; personal assistant..</p>
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		<title>By: Guido Appenzeller</title>
		<link>http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/2009/10/asksunday-not-the-right-virtual-assistant-for-me/comment-page-1/#comment-994</link>
		<dc:creator>Guido Appenzeller</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:14:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/?p=126#comment-994</guid>
		<description>tam: There is definitely a scam going on where the scammer uses the name 5starconcierge. There also seems to be a web site FiveStarConcierge that may be legitimate. I&#039;d definitely be skeptical and not give them any personal information unless you can verify that they are real.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>tam: There is definitely a scam going on where the scammer uses the name 5starconcierge. There also seems to be a web site FiveStarConcierge that may be legitimate. I&#8217;d definitely be skeptical and not give them any personal information unless you can verify that they are real.</p>
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	<item>
		<title>By: tam</title>
		<link>http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/2009/10/asksunday-not-the-right-virtual-assistant-for-me/comment-page-1/#comment-993</link>
		<dc:creator>tam</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:10:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/?p=126#comment-993</guid>
		<description>Hi I just received an email from 5concirge so are they a scam too? i just received my first assignment. but i dont want to waste my time.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hi I just received an email from 5concirge so are they a scam too? i just received my first assignment. but i dont want to waste my time.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>By: tlt</title>
		<link>http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/2009/10/asksunday-not-the-right-virtual-assistant-for-me/comment-page-1/#comment-991</link>
		<dc:creator>tlt</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:22:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/?p=126#comment-991</guid>
		<description>Brian&#039;s new last name is &quot;Serafini&quot; now. There&#039;s also someone named &quot;Jamie M. Bountres.&quot;

The &quot;Apply Now&quot; button on both their emails clicked through to AOL or Hotmail addresses. They&#039;re not even trying very hard to cover the fact that they&#039;re bogus.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Brian&#8217;s new last name is &#8220;Serafini&#8221; now. There&#8217;s also someone named &#8220;Jamie M. Bountres.&#8221;</p>
<p>The &#8220;Apply Now&#8221; button on both their emails clicked through to AOL or Hotmail addresses. They&#8217;re not even trying very hard to cover the fact that they&#8217;re bogus.</p>
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	<item>
		<title>By: tlt</title>
		<link>http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/2009/10/asksunday-not-the-right-virtual-assistant-for-me/comment-page-1/#comment-990</link>
		<dc:creator>tlt</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:15:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/?p=126#comment-990</guid>
		<description>I was *that* close to falling for this today. Thanks.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I was *that* close to falling for this today. Thanks.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>By: Tweety</title>
		<link>http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/2009/10/asksunday-not-the-right-virtual-assistant-for-me/comment-page-1/#comment-969</link>
		<dc:creator>Tweety</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:35:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/?p=126#comment-969</guid>
		<description>I had 5 Star Concierge. But I know tht when you click on a legit email that comes through CareerBuilders it takes you straight to careerbuilder login page and this email did not and this is how I knew it was a duplicate. At the bottom it said to apply now and I clicked the button and it opened for a new email. Careebuilder does not work like that. Thankfully Ive been on Career builders for years and I know how their emails come in. Evryone be careful and always investigate before giving away your information or doing something that appears unlikely.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I had 5 Star Concierge. But I know tht when you click on a legit email that comes through CareerBuilders it takes you straight to careerbuilder login page and this email did not and this is how I knew it was a duplicate. At the bottom it said to apply now and I clicked the button and it opened for a new email. Careebuilder does not work like that. Thankfully Ive been on Career builders for years and I know how their emails come in. Evryone be careful and always investigate before giving away your information or doing something that appears unlikely.</p>
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		<title>By: Guido Appenzeller</title>
		<link>http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/2009/10/asksunday-not-the-right-virtual-assistant-for-me/comment-page-1/#comment-938</link>
		<dc:creator>Guido Appenzeller</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:15:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/?p=126#comment-938</guid>
		<description>@Carlo: Great post, thanks. It seems like the scammer again uses the name of another (I would guess legitimate) site (&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.fivestarconcierge.org/&quot;  rel=&quot;nofollow&quot;&gt; Five Star Concierge&lt;/a&gt;) and an old rip-off of the AskSunday site. It would be great to hear from Five Star Concierge if they are aware of the scam and if they are doing anything about it.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>@Carlo: Great post, thanks. It seems like the scammer again uses the name of another (I would guess legitimate) site (<a href="http://www.fivestarconcierge.org/"  rel="nofollow"> Five Star Concierge</a>) and an old rip-off of the AskSunday site. It would be great to hear from Five Star Concierge if they are aware of the scam and if they are doing anything about it.</p>
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		<title>By: Carlo</title>
		<link>http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/2009/10/asksunday-not-the-right-virtual-assistant-for-me/comment-page-1/#comment-935</link>
		<dc:creator>Carlo</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:27:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/?p=126#comment-935</guid>
		<description>I also was contacted about a position, but it was with 5 Star Concierge LLC, web site is 5 concierge.com. The text of the email also stated that Ask Sunday was a bonded, blah, blah company, but it didn&#039;t mention that 5 Star was a subsidiary. Below are the questions they listed as most common and the answers, and this was from Jamie Bountres, HR.....sure sounds like the same scam, but now using 5 Star......



Below are most frequently asked questions:  PERSONAL ASSISTANT POSITION


Q: What exactly will I be doing? 
A:  Personal Assistant is a home-based part-time job. You must have Internet access, phone number, and be available to receive assignments during the day.  Our clients are our most important asset and are held in the highest regard.  Big or small, every customer Request needs to be done quickly, correctly, and on time. 
- Make other arrangements over the phone/Internet (research, arrangements for VIP or out-of-town guests, planning, organizing, booking, shopping and acquisitions). 
Attached you will find a typical research/data collection assignment and report.   
- Make all pre-arrangements for our customers and provide assistance with requests if customers stay in your area.  
PS: Feel free to study our corporate website www.5concierge.com/hire.htm  and  watch video to find out more about this employment great employment opportunity for you!


Q: How much and when am I paid?
A: 
- $31,200 Annual salary (weekly payments) You may also be receiving additional bonuses directly from our clients up to their opinion. 
- Automatic pay increases at six-month intervals.
- We start with two week approbation/test period. It is also paid ($1,200.00 fixed compensation). Upon successful completion of the test period you are suggested a long term contract.
- You can either be paid by check or a bank transfer to your account.

Q: Where is this job located? Will I need to move somewhere? 
A: Most assignments are handled from home on the phone/internet or by visiting places and meeting people in your locality. You do not need to move anywhere. There are open positions in your state. 


Q: What&#039;s my schedule? How much time a day would I be spending?
A: Personal Assistant is a part-time position.  Your working schedule looks as follows: 
- Assignments from home: 2-3 hours, flexible schedule. 
- Assisting customers while they stay: in average 2-3 hours a day 


Q: What are primary communication means? 
A: Due to a large number of applications, it is not possible to arrange an interview with every applicant.  The primary communication means are Internet and/or telephone.


Q: I am interested. What next, how do I apply? 
A: 
1) Fill in and send your APPLICATION FORM (please return it in the same Microsoft Word format as received)
2) Attach your personal photo (optional)
3) Feel free to attach additional information you consider useful (CV, Cover letter etc). 
4) Our Hiring department representative may call you to perform a phone interview or to ask some additional questions.

Q: Why do you need my personal photo?
A: It was not possible to arrange an interview with you, so your photo is appreciated.   It is not necessary to attach your photo, of course. However, applications with personal photos are preferred. You personal information is received by our HR department and will never be disclosed.  

Q: When will I be able to start?
A: This position is for the immediate employment! You must be ready to start within couple next days. 
Please do not apply if you cannot start within next 7days.


Q: Am I responsible for paying taxes? 
A: When you fill out the W-4, make sure you are withholding enough money. Federal taxes should account for at least ten percent of your income. Specific rules differ for each state, but you can find complete federal information by visiting http://www.irs.gov/.


Q: What education and experience is required to apply?
A: 
- High School, College or University Diploma
- Previous Experience as Concierge, Customer Care Rep., RND, PA / EA is well appreciated.  


Q: Is there any interview required?
A: There&#039;re no fixed arrangements of the interview procedures for this type of hiring program. Our HR Department receives over 1,000 applications daily. We are not able to meet with everybody in person. Upon successful completion of the test period you will be required to meet with our agent in your state or visit our corporate office for an interview. 


Q: How does this &quot;test period&quot; work?
A: There is a test approbation period. It lasts for a two week period and this time is also paid ($1,200 for two weeks). 
- You will be assigned a supervisor to help you perform incoming assignments. This period is  required for you to understand if this is the type job you have been looking for and also help our supervisor determine if you fit all requirements to continue part time employment as a personal assistant as 5Star Concierge LLC. 
- To make it simpler, you will be receiving all assignments directly from your supervisor. All requests are from our customers directly, or for our company internal needs (such as local infrastructure research).
- Upon successful completion you will be suggested to sign a long term contract, granted access to our online client area, and issued a corporate card to cover customer expenses if required. 

Q: If I need to order certain service(s) or pay for something on behalf of the customer - how does it work?  I mean, do I have to pay out of my pocket in advance? 
A: You do not have to pay for anything in advance. 
- Every spending during your approbation period (list of items, travelling expenses, shipping, additional expenses, total cost etc) must be confirmed with our customer first. Once confirmed, the required amount is transferred to your credit card or bank account so you can take care of everything. 
-Upon successful completion of your approbation period, you are provided with a credit card to cover all required expenses. Make sure to provide all receipts before 25th every month. 

Q: I do not meet one of the requirements (age, or no internet access). Can I still apply? 
A: Every applicant should meet all requirements specified in the job offering.  

I am looking forward to receive your application and guide you through the employment process.

Sincerely, 
Jamie M. Bountres
HR manager
5Star Concierge - Personal Assistant &amp; Concierge Services
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.5concierge.com
info@5concierge.com 
Phone ((347) 394-2727 /please contact us 9AM - 2PM Mon-Fri EST/
Fax (661) 554-1524 
245 Park Ave, Manhattan, New York City, 
New York 10167</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I also was contacted about a position, but it was with 5 Star Concierge LLC, web site is 5 concierge.com. The text of the email also stated that Ask Sunday was a bonded, blah, blah company, but it didn&#8217;t mention that 5 Star was a subsidiary. Below are the questions they listed as most common and the answers, and this was from Jamie Bountres, HR&#8230;..sure sounds like the same scam, but now using 5 Star&#8230;&#8230;</p>
<p>Below are most frequently asked questions:  PERSONAL ASSISTANT POSITION</p>
<p>Q: What exactly will I be doing?<br />
A:  Personal Assistant is a home-based part-time job. You must have Internet access, phone number, and be available to receive assignments during the day.  Our clients are our most important asset and are held in the highest regard.  Big or small, every customer Request needs to be done quickly, correctly, and on time.<br />
- Make other arrangements over the phone/Internet (research, arrangements for VIP or out-of-town guests, planning, organizing, booking, shopping and acquisitions).<br />
Attached you will find a typical research/data collection assignment and report.<br />
- Make all pre-arrangements for our customers and provide assistance with requests if customers stay in your area.<br />
PS: Feel free to study our corporate website <a href="http://www.5concierge.com/hire.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.5concierge.com/hire.htm</a>  and  watch video to find out more about this employment great employment opportunity for you!</p>
<p>Q: How much and when am I paid?<br />
A:<br />
- $31,200 Annual salary (weekly payments) You may also be receiving additional bonuses directly from our clients up to their opinion.<br />
- Automatic pay increases at six-month intervals.<br />
- We start with two week approbation/test period. It is also paid ($1,200.00 fixed compensation). Upon successful completion of the test period you are suggested a long term contract.<br />
- You can either be paid by check or a bank transfer to your account.</p>
<p>Q: Where is this job located? Will I need to move somewhere?<br />
A: Most assignments are handled from home on the phone/internet or by visiting places and meeting people in your locality. You do not need to move anywhere. There are open positions in your state. </p>
<p>Q: What&#8217;s my schedule? How much time a day would I be spending?<br />
A: Personal Assistant is a part-time position.  Your working schedule looks as follows:<br />
- Assignments from home: 2-3 hours, flexible schedule.<br />
- Assisting customers while they stay: in average 2-3 hours a day </p>
<p>Q: What are primary communication means?<br />
A: Due to a large number of applications, it is not possible to arrange an interview with every applicant.  The primary communication means are Internet and/or telephone.</p>
<p>Q: I am interested. What next, how do I apply?<br />
A:<br />
1) Fill in and send your APPLICATION FORM (please return it in the same Microsoft Word format as received)<br />
2) Attach your personal photo (optional)<br />
3) Feel free to attach additional information you consider useful (CV, Cover letter etc).<br />
4) Our Hiring department representative may call you to perform a phone interview or to ask some additional questions.</p>
<p>Q: Why do you need my personal photo?<br />
A: It was not possible to arrange an interview with you, so your photo is appreciated.   It is not necessary to attach your photo, of course. However, applications with personal photos are preferred. You personal information is received by our HR department and will never be disclosed.  </p>
<p>Q: When will I be able to start?<br />
A: This position is for the immediate employment! You must be ready to start within couple next days.<br />
Please do not apply if you cannot start within next 7days.</p>
<p>Q: Am I responsible for paying taxes?<br />
A: When you fill out the W-4, make sure you are withholding enough money. Federal taxes should account for at least ten percent of your income. Specific rules differ for each state, but you can find complete federal information by visiting <a href="http://www.irs.gov/" rel="nofollow">http://www.irs.gov/</a>.</p>
<p>Q: What education and experience is required to apply?<br />
A:<br />
- High School, College or University Diploma<br />
- Previous Experience as Concierge, Customer Care Rep., RND, PA / EA is well appreciated.  </p>
<p>Q: Is there any interview required?<br />
A: There&#8217;re no fixed arrangements of the interview procedures for this type of hiring program. Our HR Department receives over 1,000 applications daily. We are not able to meet with everybody in person. Upon successful completion of the test period you will be required to meet with our agent in your state or visit our corporate office for an interview. </p>
<p>Q: How does this &#8220;test period&#8221; work?<br />
A: There is a test approbation period. It lasts for a two week period and this time is also paid ($1,200 for two weeks).<br />
- You will be assigned a supervisor to help you perform incoming assignments. This period is  required for you to understand if this is the type job you have been looking for and also help our supervisor determine if you fit all requirements to continue part time employment as a personal assistant as 5Star Concierge LLC.<br />
- To make it simpler, you will be receiving all assignments directly from your supervisor. All requests are from our customers directly, or for our company internal needs (such as local infrastructure research).<br />
- Upon successful completion you will be suggested to sign a long term contract, granted access to our online client area, and issued a corporate card to cover customer expenses if required. </p>
<p>Q: If I need to order certain service(s) or pay for something on behalf of the customer &#8211; how does it work?  I mean, do I have to pay out of my pocket in advance?<br />
A: You do not have to pay for anything in advance.<br />
- Every spending during your approbation period (list of items, travelling expenses, shipping, additional expenses, total cost etc) must be confirmed with our customer first. Once confirmed, the required amount is transferred to your credit card or bank account so you can take care of everything.<br />
-Upon successful completion of your approbation period, you are provided with a credit card to cover all required expenses. Make sure to provide all receipts before 25th every month. </p>
<p>Q: I do not meet one of the requirements (age, or no internet access). Can I still apply?<br />
A: Every applicant should meet all requirements specified in the job offering.  </p>
<p>I am looking forward to receive your application and guide you through the employment process.</p>
<p>Sincerely,<br />
Jamie M. Bountres<br />
HR manager<br />
5Star Concierge &#8211; Personal Assistant &amp; Concierge Services<br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br />
<a href="http://www.5concierge.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.5concierge.com</a><br />
<a href="mailto:info@5concierge.com">info@5concierge.com</a><br />
Phone ((347) 394-2727 /please contact us 9AM &#8211; 2PM Mon-Fri EST/<br />
Fax (661) 554-1524<br />
245 Park Ave, Manhattan, New York City,<br />
New York 10167</p>
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		<title>By: Fabien</title>
		<link>http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/2009/10/asksunday-not-the-right-virtual-assistant-for-me/comment-page-1/#comment-597</link>
		<dc:creator>Fabien</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:07:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guido.appenzeller.net/wordpress/?p=126#comment-597</guid>
		<description>To respond to your question Sarah, the money was not withdrew back from my account, and the weird thing is that even Bryan suggested me to withdraw the money in cash from my bank account, and to go then to a Western Union office to process the wire transfer! I just recently closed my account and reopened one the same day with my bank to be safe. 
By reading your post Sue, it looks like the scamers keeps on going and contact people who obviously seek legitimacy a job online (I would advise to remove any profile on Monster. com, Career Builder, etc., because the only companies really contacting you directly will either ask you for money, make you work on commissions or even scam you like Ask-Sunday has done to so many people).</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>To respond to your question Sarah, the money was not withdrew back from my account, and the weird thing is that even Bryan suggested me to withdraw the money in cash from my bank account, and to go then to a Western Union office to process the wire transfer! I just recently closed my account and reopened one the same day with my bank to be safe.<br />
By reading your post Sue, it looks like the scamers keeps on going and contact people who obviously seek legitimacy a job online (I would advise to remove any profile on Monster. com, Career Builder, etc., because the only companies really contacting you directly will either ask you for money, make you work on commissions or even scam you like Ask-Sunday has done to so many people).</p>
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