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[allmimsy]

I was recently invited to review projects by the "Romanian National Council for Development and Innovation". I have no idea how they got my info. How can I find out if this is legit?

My concern is that they pay you by wiring money into your personal bank account... I think that is standard in much of the world (?) but I was always taught never to give out my bank account info. Anyone have any insight?

[thisisme]

I received the same invitation recently but believe I know who recommended me. That is someone well respected in my field who has done the same thing for a longer time and has had also appointments and collaborations that involved travelling to Romania. So I haven't had any doubt that it may be legit.

As for the money transfer, I don't know. I personally have no problem with giving away the information, but I know many people do. Maybe just email back the person who contacted you and share your concern?

Or maybe someone else here will have experience with different ways of international money transfer.

[allmimsy]

That's helpful, thanks. Just knowing that someone else believes it to be a legitimate invitation is reassuring.

I would welcome any other thoughts on the bank transfer issue, but I think I feel confident enough to go ahead with it.

[mingus]

I was recently invited to review projects by the "Romanian National Council for Development and Innovation". I have no idea how they got my info. How can I find out if this is legit?

My concern is that they pay you by wiring money into your personal bank account... I think that is standard in much of the world (?) but I was always taught never to give out my bank account info. Anyone have any insight?

Other than superstition, what is the problem with giving your bank account number?  As a matter of fact, if you lead a normal life, quite a few people already have it.

[monsterx]

Your bank account number is only useful to someone who wants to put money into your account.  They can't use it to take money out.  As far as I'm concerned, anyone who wants to deposit money into my bank account is welcome to do so. I'd be surprised if you feel differently.   I'd post my account number here, in case anyone wants to make a deposit, but some people might perceive it as tacky.

[mingus]

It's a real shame to see an academic refuse to use his/her head and insist on "I was always taught ..."

[totoro]

Americans in general seem to be suspicious about wire-transfers. US universities and agencies always seem to reimburse me with a paper check instead of a wire-transfer which is what everyone else does. Even when I send them my details.

[secretlistener]

Your bank account number is only useful to someone who wants to put money into your account.  They can't use it to take money out.

Not quite true: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_debit

[mingus]

Yes, but you'd still have to authorize the direct debit.

[cresskit]

In my experience, Europeans find it quite standard to wire money in this manner. I strongly suspect that in Romania this is simply the default. In fact, as far as I can tell, Americans may be the last group of people in the world who still think that paper cheques are the "normal" way of getting paid.