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thegreatkidney
Hello I'm New here!
Joined: 20 Sep 2010
Posts: 4
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 1:08 am |
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Moving to Des Moines, Iowa was a painstaking task- my girlfriend and I having virtually NO FUNDS whatsoever after we had paid up for our new apartment (the first month's rent and the security deposit combined). I needed to find substantial work as soon as could be considered humanly possible.
I got hired as a manager some place- but the start date was too far off- we still needed cash. So I went looking for work on Craigslist. Yes. Stupid, stupid me. I could literally bitch-slap myself right now for being so ignorant and naive! Anywho, turns out some guy claiming to operate "The London Magic Store" (there's a seemingly legit website for this thing) was seeking a "personal assistant"- someone who would get checks in the mail, purchase products, and ship things off to distant locations. I thought, "Great! I could now afford to put some food on the table!" I thought wrong.
So I get some check in the mail for $4,800. Yeah- I was shaking just looking at the thing! I also received an e-mail informing me that I was to cash the check as soon as possible, keep $300 for my first week of pay, and wire the rest to a couple of sources via Western Union. Being SO desperate for cash, my logical brain shut down completely. I walked to the nearest bank- and the nightmare continued...
I get to the bank and attempt to cash the check. Wrong move, fly-boy! Turns out I needed to have a seat with the bank manager (great guy, by the way). Here's where TERROR begins to grip both my heart and soul. Turns out the check was FAKE and that I was a victim in a carefully crafted con. My logic starts returning to me. I was no longer concerned over whether or not my girlfriend and I could eat this particular evening, but rather whether or not I'd be able to eat with her again in the coming years.. because I may just find myself in prison eating crumbs off of big-black bubba's nipples instead.
The bank manager informed me that I wasn't in any kind of trouble and that people are conned like this all the time. He's right- IDIOTS are conned all the time. But me? NO WAY!
Despite the bank manager's assurances, I'm still a bit frightened as to what comes next. I mean, they took my photo I.D. and made a copy for fuck's sake! IF I land in prison for this I'll be EXTREMELY disheartened.
Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks. |
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Tom Terrific
Not quite a Newb
Joined: 23 Mar 2010
Posts: 25
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 1:20 am |
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Don't worry about it. You can contact your fake employer and let him know you got busted. Check with the police first. I doubt if they want to pursue this being as how it is difficult to track, but, give them first shot. Either way, I would just be straight forward with Mr. Rip-off and quit! |
_________________
"Send money now or I do voodoo on you and make die!" |
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lakeside77
A chaff in the USA
Joined: 11 Jul 2008
Posts: 2700
Location: Out there in the cold, getting lonely, getting old
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 1:30 am |
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Welcome to the Eater.
I think the bank manager did you a huge favor and you are not in any trouble. If the bank wanted to press charges you would have been detained by bank security and you would have walked out wearing stainless steel bracelets.
Have no further contact with the scammer. And stop being so hard on yourself, you are not alone. Check out the sister site http://www.scamwarners.com/ and you will see how much company you have. Even the smartest people get conned.
Stick around and learn how to get even. |
_________________ ls77
x26 x3 x2
Father Frank
I must let you know that am sick and tired of all this whole bull sheet do you know my ass is on the line - Jonh Raymund
i want to say i am very sorry for the Mother that gave Barth to you -- Jim Ovie
. . . it is disrespectful,malicious, an ILEDAN EYE,to our corporation and embarrassing to my secretary as he was messed up by your action. I thought I was assisting a true American gentleman without knowing that I am trying to help one of the most chaffs in the USA. --Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh
. . . I hate you with all my Live, you may not understand the Laval of hatred I have in you -- Dr. Lambert |
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Amigwyn
Master Baiter
Joined: 03 Aug 2010
Posts: 106
Location: Corner booth in the shadows ...
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 1:34 am |
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All kinds of people get conned. These people are good at preying on desperate individuals. They dangle chocolate instead of carrots. And who can resist chocolate?
The great news is you found out before you were obliged to pay back $4,800 as well as deal with possible jail. Good on the bank manager for catching it and informing you! At least now you're armed with some good information to pass along to other possible victims before it is too late.
Oh - and welcome! Hopefully you'll be able to get your revenge! |
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Tsnerd
Not quite a Newb
Joined: 14 Jul 2005
Posts: 41
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 1:34 am |
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I will second Lakeside - go to http://www.scamwarners.com
I would encourage you to get help from there before you decide to start baiting. |
_________________
Fakers: many, many, lots; an SSL and a couple of Resellers.
x 6
AH, AH, AH! Two little ! |
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Corona
Baiting Guru
Joined: 21 Sep 2006
Posts: 8809
Location: On ya left!
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 1:39 am |
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thegreatkidney
Hello I'm New here!
Joined: 20 Sep 2010
Posts: 4
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 1:43 am |
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Hey, thanks to all. I feel now I have the necessary "fire in my belly" to combat these low-lives.
Very interesting how one mistake can lead to a discovery of an entire community devoted to tearing down global fraudsters.
I may just join your ranks and seek the revenge I feel I'm entitled to..
Onward! And great job, everybody. Really. |
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Tuco
Elite Baiter
Joined: 08 Aug 2007
Posts: 1098
Location: On a desert safari.
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:00 am |
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Ride with this posse here and within a month or two you will have caused the scammers a lot more trouble than they ever caused you. |
_________________ "My broda. i like ur guts it shows u are a full guy." - Williams H0lm
"you should understand my brain problem." - R0se Br0wn
"you are a very ungreatful and wicked person." - Veronica K0ffi
"Thanks for giving me a nauthy number that preys unit like a hungry lion." - Alise Kar1m
"I have called you more than 20 times but non of the calls went through." - Williams C0ker
"I've said in my previous mail that I do not understand English." - Cabinet Bad0u
"PLEASE MY CHAIRMAN, I AM NOT GREEDY, I LIKE TO WORK WITH YOU, I HAVE LOST MANY OF MY JOBS , PLS PLS PLS, I WILL WORK HARD WITH U." - Dr. Lui$ James
"There are two kinds of people in the world, my friend."
x8 (Thanks Corona) |
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Dramaqueen
Juan's stalker
Joined: 28 Aug 2008
Posts: 1423
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:20 am |
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So sorry this happened to you thegreatkidney.
So many people in this economy are falling victim to scammers because they are so desperate for work just like you.
You are not in anyway stupid or an idiot and I agree you need to stop being so hard on yourself.
I don't think the bank is going to do anything to you and actually the bank teller and manager really saved you.
I wish more banks would watch as carefully for this to save people just like yourself having to pay back a huge amount of money and possible jail time.
I hope things get better soon for you and your girlfriend and keep your chin up. Welcome to Eater by the way. |
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Click here to support 419Eater.com |
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Vampiremerchant
Baiting Guru
Joined: 01 Nov 2009
Posts: 3227
Location: Scotland
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 3:25 am |
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Quote: |
IDIOTS are conned all the time. But me? NO WAY! |
NO you are not an Idiot, read some of the stories on here or over on Scamwarners
http://www.scamwarners.com
These people can be very plausible, I think your Bank Manager did a great job, and don't worry I do not think that you will end up in jail over this.
Welcome to Eater... |
_________________ * Help Keep Eater Running - Click here to donate
x 35
x 100
(with thanks to Nigel Tuffnel)
My dear Brother , if I have to you to scam you, May the WROGHT of GOD be upon me and my generation |
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Ima Baeder
Baiting Guru
Joined: 03 May 2007
Posts: 18313
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 3:39 am |
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Welcome, thegreatkidney. I'm very sorry to hear what has happened to you.
As others have said, please do check out our sister site which provides information on scams and victim support. This is the informational topic there on Employment scams like the one you were victim to: http://www.scamwarners.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3230
You're not very likely in trouble as you were definitely a victim and the check was caught before it was processed.
Please do read at ScamWarners to familiarize yourself with other types of scams. If you decide to bait scammers, don't bait the one that scammed you (but post his info so we can bait him!) and please read here to make sure that you do so safely. |
_________________ 348 Fake Sites killed
x 100 2 Years |
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jose_cuervo
Baiting Guru
Joined: 01 Mar 2006
Posts: 8175
Location: Packing Vaseline in my frilly boots, I can’t help if it gets in other places.
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 3:44 am |
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Hi thegreatkidney, and welcome here.
As others have said, you should go to www.scamwarners.com and read for a while. There are literally thousands of variations of advance fee fraud scams. The one you should be concerned with now is a recovery type scam. While you did not lose any money, you did fall for the scam.
The scammers will likely use your anger against you by contacting you as police officers, judges, attorneys etc. and saying that they have caught the scammer and need your assistance in bringing him to justice. You may be asked to pay some court costs, document fees and attorney fees.
The best defense against these types of scams is knowledge. That's where scamwarners is an invaluable resource. |
_________________ ~
“I guess a man is the only kind of varmint sets his own trap, baits it, and then steps in it.” ~ John Steinbeck |
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conga22
Baiting Guru
Joined: 08 Jul 2009
Posts: 2097
Location: Look Behind You
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 8:41 am |
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as others have said don't be hard on yourself, it can happen to the best of people. Post the headers here and i am sure one of our "fake cheque" specialists will give these lowlives some attention |
_________________ PLEASE,WE DO NOT WANT ANY URGLY SITUATION IN THIS TRANSACTION
There is a lot of spaces in the receipt for them to put their stamp, so why do they put the stamp on the 10 digital codes, and you know that without the correct number ,western union here cannot issue out the payment. (I know )
When i tell you how to do things well you will do the opposite Why?-Joseph D1ar4
X60 X3
watch video here Lagos to Cotonou - thanks Mr. Grant
x4 |
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ChoppaOfDolla
419Eater is my life
Joined: 22 Jan 2010
Posts: 329
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 9:34 am |
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Not much more I can really add, the pros have already given out all the advice.
All I can say is that like everyone else, I'm sorry this has happened to you.
If at some point you wish to join our ranks and bring the pain back to these scum, however, be my guest! |
_________________ do you think that you are dealing with an ungry person here?
u got 12 hours to send the money remember no game u fuck face
If you like you can send $1 Billion to any person. But I want to tell you that I did not get even $1 from you.
x2 |
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manbiteslion
Baiting Guru
Joined: 12 Dec 2007
Posts: 4816
Location: Connecting my chair and keyboard
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 9:58 am |
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I'd say you were very lucky and should buy the bank manager a pint! Now you're angry and red-faced, but you're not in legal trouble and you're not $5000 overdrawn. Seriously, that bank manager deserves a pint.
And the scam was more realistic than many as your 'fee' was only $300 for a month's worth of forthcoming 'work', not like 20% of every cheque, or something silly.
Chalk this to experience, and if you're short of cash in the meantime, maybe ask the same bank manager about a loan against your future work, or see if you can get a small advance from the new company, or take a temping job for a few weeks, or mow lawns, etc... And enjoy your liberty
As for 'will things get worse for you?' with the scammer having your ID, etc - no. The scammer will not chase you down in any meaningful way (as they know they're committing a crime and are hardly going to place themselves somewhere the police can catch them), maybe a couple of bullying emails, but that's it. If you want to make one last email back to them, just say 'You f*ckers nearly cost me police trouble, never contact me again you lowlife scum' or similar, get it out of your system, then NEVER respond to any other emails/calls from them - they'll vanish pretty quickly to screw someone else over.
So, what next? Learn from this, but also get VOCAL! You were brave enough to own up here that you were nearly taken, so take it to the next level, talk to your local church/newspaper/book club/schools/wherever you know circles of people. Your story can stop others getting caught the same way, and is absolutely the most valuable thing you can do now for your community. Get vocal, and you save your local community AND starve the scammers of victims. |
_________________ Premium Wimp Convincer - Click Me! |
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FAR CUBE ITCH
Hello I'm New here!
Joined: 30 May 2009
Posts: 14
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 10:22 am |
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Hi there Kidney. I was a Bank Manager for over 8 years with a major bank in Australia (only left last year) and saw this sort of thing many times. You WILL NOT go to jail. The only time you put yourself at risk is when you actually cash a real cheque (obtained by fraudulent means) and take your percentage, or accept a direct credit (again , from money that has been stolen or laundered) and take your percentage. This is against the law. Fortunately , the cheque was fake in your instance and could not be cashed. I have had instances where people bank these fake cheques into their accounts and the scammer requests their cut from the victim before it bounces. This NEARLY happened to a young kid I knew well whos parent was a solicitor ! I once managed to save a transfer of about $12,000 from a middle aged business man to a scammer account in China. (I'm not tooting my own horn here , just want you to understand that all people from all walks of life can fall victim to these scumbags). Having seen the effects financially that these parasites can cause to people and families , I have no hesitation recommending 419 eater as a means of fighting these people. Once again for the record , YOU WILL NOT GO TO JAIL. You have done nothing wrong and your bank manager has effectively and rightly so , stopped you in your tracks. Sleep easy and good luck with your new job mate.
Regards
FCI |
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Inspector Gadget
Angel of unrealistic meetings
Joined: 20 Feb 2007
Posts: 6259
Location: Trumpton
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 2:07 pm |
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Welcome TGK. You mentioned the London Magic Store as seemingly a legit website.
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/London-Magic-Store
This one maybe?
What the lad is doing here we call 'piggy-backing'
The lad supplies links in his emails to a legit website in order to make his stance seemingly more 'real'
It happens a lot, there are also lads that copy sites and create a fake version to suck people in.
Hope you stick around and come join the fight. |
_________________ x2 Co bait with Rumbero Sao Tome island to Gabon van donation
Co bait with Jayhawk and VJD. Stanley's bottle tour Aba to Lagos
Team Hector, airport in installments and St Louis to Kayes
Halil, Cotonou to Accra
+ Precious 10/08/11
x8 x34 x 73
grown up man like him, still doing all this shit games - Stanley, (he doesn't like Parcel Direct)
You again do the strange reflections stuffed with drugs? - Natalia
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x 2Mick Ole 11th Sept 2014-16 Asare Akuffo start 4th Aug 2014 |
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thegreatkidney
Hello I'm New here!
Joined: 20 Sep 2010
Posts: 4
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 3:38 pm |
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http://www.londonmagicstore.co.uk/
This was the website the scumbag claimed he was in charge of. He said his name was "Wayne Johnson".
Here's one of the actual e-mails sent over...
"Hello,
This is to confirm to you that payment of $4800 has been issued in favour of your name and sent to the address you provided from one of our clients. The payment will be delivered today via UPS.
As soon as you receive it, take it to your bank and cash it immediately, deduct $300 for your first week payment and the balance should be sent to the 2 Electronics Store Accountant through Western Union Money Transfer:
Accountant Information:
(1)
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Gahagan
Amount: $2250 minus $125 fees = $2125
Address
106 Saint Paul's Close,
Zip Code: W5 3JY
City: London
State: England
Country: United Kingdom
(2 ) Second Accountant Information:
First Name: Tony
Last Name: phillips
Amount: $2250 minus $125 fees = $2125
Address
615 Garratt Lane
Zip Code: SW18 4SU
City: London
State: England
Country: United Kingdom
I am aware that you would be charged to have the money sent through western union, kindly deduct western Union charges from the money you are sending. After sending it through western union, a number will be given to you called CONTROL NUMBER (MTCN) send the control number to me through my mail. I will await you reply containing the MTCN number and the amount sent.
Thank you."
Total loser, right? |
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bethc8
Master Baiter
Joined: 24 Mar 2009
Posts: 128
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 4:11 pm |
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You are so fortunate that the bank manager saw that it was a forged check BEFORE you cashed it and were then told that the checked bounced and that you would have to pay the bank back!! The scammer guy told you to go to the bank immediately and cash said check and send it out to them right away!!! He knows he only has so many days to get it done and for them to get you to send the money to them!! He is going to be so sad when he finds out that the gig is up, his fake check was exposed and he is not going to get any money at all!! They have to pay someone to print out those checks, you just got over on the crooks, so no, dont think that you are dumb, as you are the winner in this one!!! |
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thegreatkidney
Hello I'm New here!
Joined: 20 Sep 2010
Posts: 4
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 4:41 pm |
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Hey all,
the guy's e-mail address is as follows: [email protected]
Thanks again for your tips, suggestions, and advice! |
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Roycropper
Baiting Guru
Joined: 14 Nov 2005
Posts: 7992
Location: Luxury Coffin
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 5:01 pm |
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Classic check scam, your bank manager did you a real favour - normally you end up in debt and legal trouble.
From dnsstuff.com:
Quote: |
Domain name:
londonmagicstore.co.uk
Registrant:
Dario Lopez
Registrant type:
UK Individual
Registrant's address:
The registrant is a non-trading individual who has opted to have their
address omitted from the WHOIS service.
Registrar:
Fasthosts Internet Ltd [Tag = LIVEDOMAINS]
URL: http://www.fasthosts.co.uk
Relevant dates:
Registered on: 14-Nov-2009
Renewal date: 14-Nov-2011
Last updated: 02-Jun-2010 |
The site sounds a bit dubious to me, but according to the website their adress is:
Unit 1 Gateway Business Centre
Tom Cribb Road
Royal Arsenal
London
SE18 0EZ
And the company is AIODistribution Limited, Company Registration number: 06173420. VAT Registration No.: GB 919 3241 24
The VAT number checks out to that company and adress
Not sure if its a real company but scam website, but our site killers may shed more light.
I also found http://www.aiodistribution.com/
Registrant:
Sudip
26 Inverine Road
Charlton
Greenwich
London, UK SE7 7NL
GB |
_________________ the European Union has bounced on our freckles
COULD YOU IMAGINE WHAT HAPPENED WHEN I WENT TO THE BANK
our Agent is Completely broke, pocketless and stranded
I WLL SEND AN AFRICA WITCH TO ATTACH YOU BASTARD
You go die like bird
i started shouting HALLELUJAGOBBLE but none of them notice me immediately police arrested me due to the shouting
f*ck u asshole ur damn mother will loose ur fcuking skull brain ur brain is nothing to compare with rat f*ck ur u
MY FRIEND ALEX WAS DETAINED IN POLICE STATION
I am not happy due to the question i answered at money office. Let me tell you do not play with me ok.
x4 6Yrs x6 |
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TheFae
Baiting Guru
Joined: 15 Jun 2009
Posts: 14295
Location: Playing Space in the Street - DECENT!
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Posted:
Mon Sep 20, 2010 5:52 pm |
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Something's not adding up here, but it could be just shoddy websites.
From AIO Distribution's website:
Quote: |
AIODistribution was formed in 2003. |
From Companies House:
Quote: |
Name & Registered Office:
AIODISTRIBUTION LTD
95 SAMUEL STREET, WOOLWICH
LONDON
LONDON
SE18 5LF
Company No. 06173420
Status: Active
Date of Incorporation: 20/03/2007
Country of Origin: United Kingdom |
But a 5-year registration?
Quote: |
Domain Name: AIODISTRIBUTION.COM
Registrar: TUCOWS INC.
Whois Server: whois.tucows.com
Referral URL: http://domainhelp.opensrs.net
Name Server: NS1.DNS-SYSTEMS.NET
Name Server: NS2.DNS-SYSTEMS.NET
Status: clientDeleteProhibited
Status: clientTransferProhibited
Status: clientUpdateProhibited
Updated Date: 18-jun-2010
Creation Date: 18-jul-2006
Expiration Date: 18-jul-2011
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Probably my raging case of finely-honed Eater paranoia, but it doesn't all fit. In any case, it's probably a piggy-back as suggested, a lad citing a legit site in his email to give him cred. I notice his reply email is gmail (untraceable).
As for London Magicstore, I'm leaning toward legit. It has stores on both ebay and Amazon.
Opinion subject to change, of course.
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x 3,000+
GO GOLD! **CLICKY**
"This is really bad"
"my account has been disable and can not sell anymore and this is all i live on" |
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TheDane
Baiting Guru
Joined: 13 Aug 2010
Posts: 5194
Location: Meanwhile, somewhere else...
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Posted:
Wed Sep 22, 2010 10:25 pm |
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Don't feel bad. You've only acted as humans do. If there wasn't low lifes like your lad around, it'd never be a problem. It's not your fault - it's the fault of these creeps.
Welcome to Eater, mate! |
_________________ x122 x3 x2 x2 x13
Trafalgar Square 2013
Goat Milk Lad 2012-13:
Lagos-Ouagadougou-Arbinda Warri-Yaoundé
I AM A FOOL AND I AM SO DISAPPOINTED - Brother Okei AKA Goat Milk Lad
I do not wish my enemy what I have experienced and this humiliation you are putting me through - Rushforth (on behalf of Dharma & Dr Mike) |
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