So close to being a victim until I checked here. Double SCAM

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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 2:44 pm

Well, this is my first post here, but I found this site about six months ago while researching a suspicious email I received from what turned out to be a scammer. Like many, I spent hours enjoying the articles and content here.

Fast forward to last week. I use www.craigslist.org to generate business for my accounting business. I posted my ad under services like I always have, except this time I received the following:

Quote:

From: Mark Smith <[email protected]>
To: me
Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 7:22:32 AM
Subject: Re: Versacheck Software (part time job offer)

Hello,

How are you doing?It's good to hear from you,i'm sure you understand my posting and know how to use a check printing software,i'm a civil engineer and also a business man,i'm a very busy man so i find it hard handle my whole job alone,especially the payment aspect,paying clients and workers within the states so i have decided to find someone to occupy the job position,Someone who knows how to use a check printing software,he/she will be printing and dispatching payments to clients and workers respectively.

I would like to ask some few question before i continue with my introduction and explanation.

Do you have a check printing software?

Do you have a printer?

Do you have a yahoo messenger and id?

Have you ever worked printing and dispatching checks?

Kindly get back to me as soon as possible,thanks.

Mark

Tags fixed - use quote not code - RC

Well, I must say I fell for it. I really thought it was a legitimate so I replied and he sent me his yahoo messenger Id. He was contacting me at 3am my time. I went out and bought the checks and contacted UPS about airway bills and I even sent him a sample check. The sample check was written out to him from him because I did not want to risk anything. Even though I fell for it initially I had my doubts. I felt really happy that my business was picking up and that he would be paying me 500 a month for such a simple task of writing checks.

We exchanged information and a few messages on Friday when my checks that I ordered were delayed. He was very patient with me. Well this morning I'm ready to get to work for him when I asked him to repeat the story he told me about how he was a busy civil engineer and a business man. Well, because he was using yahoo messenger instead of email and the history had been erased, he could not recount exactly what he told me so I began to question him about his work and the process and asked him to give me his web site address. Well, the usual quick response was delayed so I came here and found the same email I received using the versacheck software and I knew I was being duped. I did not send any personal info to him other than my email and phone number he got from my online ad. I have not heard from him since. Thanks to all here at 419 for saving me.

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 2:47 pm

Please don't double-post -- just edit your previous message -- JMR

I checked the header and the email originated from nigeria

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 2:58 pm

I am sure he is fuming now. Good job on catching it before you did anything illegal.

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 3:08 pm

yeah, I just wish I could have baited him into something

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 4:42 pm

why not just set yourself up with a new safe email addy and reply to his original job offer as if you'd only just discovered it i.e. your new self has been on holiday and just found the offer in your inbox.
Chances are he'll pick you up and off you jolly well go

have fun

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 5:09 pm

He was looking to set you up as a 'mule' working for him supplying cheques to defraud money from innocent people, and that would likely have put you in jail.

You'd have been easy meat for the police/FBI as you probably wouldn't have known to hide where the chequeswere coming from and everyone who lost money would have been reporting you to the police, and you'd have been the only person they could trace.

This is one of the most despicable scams going, though it's hard to choose much between them, purely because you face the real risk of jail, with a charge of counterfeiting against you.

Some people think we should be nice to scammers - what do you think ?

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 5:59 pm

GomerPyle wrote:

Some people think we should be nice to scammers - what do you think ?

I think it's time for somebody to bait this scumbag.

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 6:10 pm

Well, well I just realized that another one of my so called "new customers" is also a scammer and may be the same guy!!

Check it out:

Quote:

Hello,

Thanks so much for your reply.The job has being finally offered to you and you will have the funds soon. It is a check of $2500.

Once you have it. You are required to cash it deduct the $100 for the software and you will have the remaining funds sent to the shipping agent that will be getting the Laptop and other office equipment to you as soon as they get the funds, And also need your full name, address and telephone number that would be written on the check.

Please I also need to know how long the check will take to clear in your bank and just to know how fast you are with disbursement of funds.

Please get back to me and I will tell you when the check will arrive.

Regards,

M Robinson

Subject: Re: Interview Mail
To: [email protected]
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 2:30 PM

Hello,

My answers are below.

Thank you

From: Mark Robinson <[email protected]>
To: xxx xxx <[email protected]> [personal info snipped -ghost]
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 5:34:26 AM
Subject: Interview Mail

Hello,
Thank you for providing us with the necessary information requested. Before we finally employ you as the company's Payroll and Data Entry Clerk.
I need you to provide answers to these Interview questions.

Just for us to test your abilities and IQ.

*So why do you want this Job?
I would like the opportunity to provide my skills to your company. I have completed this type of work before for other companies and provided improvements.
*Do you have professional Reference which I can go through?
Yes, they are available upon request.
*Have you worked as an account assistant before?
Yes
*Privacy and code of conduct....explain the phrase?
Privacy is extremely important as it protects sensitive company information. Code of conduct refers to how one conducts himself or how a company expects an associate to conduct oneself.
*What do u understand by petty cash?
Petty cash is a small amount of cash available to the company for quick expenses allowed by the generally accepted accounting principles.
*Have you ever worked from home?
Yes, I currently work from home.
*How would you describe your self?
I am a self starter with a proven track record in process improvement, efficiency and accuracy. I have 15 years of finance and accounting experience, from working for a fortune 500 company to working for a sole proprietor.
*Do you know your clerical speed?what is it?
57 wpm and 88% accuracy. Clerical speed assesses aptitudes for routine clerical work.
*Do you have an idea of how to use ms excel?
I am certified in MS Excel for visual basics.
Funds will be sent to you to set up a mini office and to purchase an
accounting software(BS/1 Professional)

In addition a Laptop will be sent to you from a shipping agent,and you will have to send funds to him from the funds that will be sent to you. Just to know how good you 're at disbursement of funds.

Looking forward to hear from you soon.

fill the form below:
******************************************
Name:----------------me
Full contact Address:(no p.o.box):--------------------
City-----------------
State:----------------
Zip code:-----------
Cell....................
number(s)......................................
Home Number(s):---------------------
Age:--------------33
Sex:--------------M
Current job:-----Bookkeeper
Email:---------------------

Regards.
Personal Manager
M.Robinson

Subject: Re: Job Description
To: [email protected]
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2009, 10:55 PM

Hello Mr. Robinson,

Thank you for contacting me. I have included some answers to your questions below in red. I am very efficient and great with deadlines.

Thank you,
me

From: Mark Robinson <[email protected]>
To: me
Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 1:48:21 PM
Subject: Job Description

Hello, Thanks for the response. Below are the necessary information required of you before being approved by the management. And I will also love to know if you will be able to carry the mentioned activities below , if your capable of doing it then write me back. Requirements :

{1}Extensive experience in dealing with the public
I have worked with the public for 15 years in numerous industries including: retail, service and financial services.
{2}Computer literate in Microsoft Office
I am an expert in MS Office products with a certification in visual basics for MS Excel.
{3}Experienced in working with money
Worked as an accounting manager for over 10 years. I dealt with billions of dollars and have a proven track record.
{4}Excellent communication skills
I have worked with all levels of management and an able to communicate well with others.
{5}Highly organized
Highly organized and able to handle multitasking.

Duties and functions to be carried out by you:

{1}Answer phone calls and take messages
{2}Audits Checks and payment slips for accuracy
{3}Enter into the Cashiering computer system all cash received and disbursed for each day transactions
{4}Review and process travel expense vouchers for accountability and proper authorization
{5}Processed payroll in the Managers absence
{6}Customer transactions and reception

I also have a few questions to ask you.
*Do you have office Equipment at home i.e Fax Machine,Scanner,Computer and Internet and a phone Line?
Yes
*Do you have another Job? And if yes, Is it a full time job? Or a part time job?
Yes, part time.
*Will you be able to dedicated at least 2 hours per day between the hours of 8:00am-8:00pm.
Yes and more if needed.
Contact me if you 're still interested in working for the firm and have the necessary knowledge and equipment. And if you do not meet with the stated requirement,
Please let me know and we will see what we can do.
I 'll look forward to hear from you soon.

Regards,
M Robinson

From: me
Subject: Accounts Payable Accountant
To: [email protected]
Date: Friday, January 16, 2009, 5:15 PM

So I respond and get this:

Quote:

Hello ,
The Money Orders will be delivered to your house today by UPS, the package is form our client . here is the tracking number of the package 1Z9W158E1397545737
The M.O is for $1740 as you know,you are expected to get it deposited into your account and get it cashed out.
Once you have the money deduct $200 for the software and send the rest to our agent that will be getting your other office equipment.

Here is the agent information again.

Name : Tena Abernathy
Ads : 27 mast cir
Dover
DE.
19901
United States

Once the funds has been sent via Western Union Transfer.A 10 digit # will be given to you which is called the MTCN.Please email that to me so I can forward it to the agent.

I hope you quite understand this. Please get back to me asap will all this information today.

Regards,

M .Robinson

Subject: Re: Companys Background
To: [email protected]
Date: Friday, January 23, 2009, 7:19 AM

Yes I am still interested.
From: Mark Robinson
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:04:40 -0800 (PST)
To:
Subject: Re: Companys Background
I understand why you asked the questions,i just want to know if you are still interested for us to proceed further on the 1st assignment..Kindly get back to me as soon as possible for further instructions..

Regards

M. Robinson

Subject: Re: Companys Background
To: [email protected]
Date: Friday, January 23, 2009, 5:48 AM

Hi Mr. Robinson,
Sorry to ask questions like this, just a bit surprised someone would send me a check for $2500 so easily.

From: Mark Robinson <[email protected]>
To:
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 12:53:08 PM
Subject: Companys Background

Hello

FALKLAND PRESS COMPANY is a family run business based in Dorset, England. We are a leading distributor of high quality goods specialising in bankrupt and liquidated stock, supplying to both the trade and public. Our success is defined by our ability to provide an ever changing range of unique and interesting products. We are continually introducing new and innovative products ranging from clothes, electrical, bikes, toys, jewellery, and much more.... *FALKLAND PRESS COMPANY, a company limited by guarantee.

*Registered in England and Wales number 5506494
* The registered office address is 292B Wallisdown Road, Wallisdown, Bournemouth, Dorset BH11 8PN
* Telphone number +447023061960

Company's Objectives:

To provide products, services and solutions of the highest quality and deliver more value to our customers that earns their respect and loyalty. We provide friendly and efficient customer service, with quick processing and dispatch of orders. You will be delighted by the high quality and affordability of the goods and services we offered.

Employee Commitment:

To help FALKLAND PRESS COMPANY employees share in the company's success that they make possible; to provide people with employment opportunities based on performance; to create with them a safe, exciting and inclusive work environment that values their diversity and recognizes individual contributions; and to help them gain a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment from their work.

Jobs at FALKLAND PRESS COMPANY and its Benefits:

At FALKLAND PRESS COMPANY, we believe in the power of ideas. From cutting edge personal digital equipment to the most powerful IT solutions, we use ideas to put technology to work for everyone. And we believe that ideas thrive best in a teamwork culture. That is why everyone at every level in every function is encouraged to have original ideas, to express them and to share them. We believe anything can be achieved if you really believe in it, and we will invest in your ideas to change lives and working practices. The company website is under construction.

Regards,
M.Robinson

-
Subject: Re: 1st Assignment
To: [email protected]
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2009, 2:49 PM

Hi Mark,

May I get a bit more information about the company, before I accept the offer?

Thanks,

From: Mark Robinson <[email protected]>
To: me
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 3:28:34 AM
Subject: 1st Assignment

Hello,

Thanks so much for your reply.The job has being finally offered to you and you will have the funds soon. It is a check of $2500.

Once you have it. You are required to cash it deduct the $100 for the software and you will have the remaining funds sent to the shipping agent that will be getting the Laptop and other office equipment to you as soon as they get the funds, And also need your full name, address and telephone number that would be written on the check.

Please I also need to know how long the check will take to clear in your bank and just to know how fast you are with disbursement of funds.

Please get back to me and I will tell you when the check will arrive.

Regards,

M Robinson

tags fixed - use quote, not code - RC

notice how the website is under construction

Trophy Videos · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 6:53 pm

@huckleberry - I'm glad you caught yourself before you actually started working for this scum. This may or may not be the same guy. There are tons of check lads out there, and they steal each other's scripts all the time. Just the names and emails change a bit. The only way you can tell is from looking at the originating IP.

Welcome to Eater. You might want to go over to our sister site, scamwarners.com and report the same thing you told us here. It might help save another potential victim. Smile

EDIT: @huckleberry - Also, please give a Mod by PM the details of the person who was supposed to send you the money orders from Delaware. If you have a phone number for them, it would be great. She could be a victim of this guy as well. Thanks.

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Posts: 12

Wow! Personal details snipped - RC Research shows there is a Tena Abernathy on that street but at a different street number. She does not own the property according to property records. I can scope it out if you want.
Thanks to the mod for the edit!

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:30 pm

You may want to delete your personal info from the post (Done - Roy) but you just provided us with a wealth of info that can be used against this scumbag.

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:40 pm

As you have seen huckleberry it's impossible to know who's a scammer and who's been duped. It's difficult to know who#s doing what to whom without some investigative spadework which the Mods can handle.

You could have turned up on our lists as someone supplying counterfeit cheques. In these economic circumstances it's easy for anyone to fall for the chance of earning some easy cash, without ever catching on that they are assisting a scammer to dupe people.

The scammers ? - personally I'd gladly push them face first into an automated lemon juicer - which is about what I did to Shorty - and he'll be getting seconds. Twisted Evil

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 10:34 pm

will do all you guys say, once I get off of work. thanks

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 12:06 am

ok guys, I have posted on the sister site and let a mod know all the bank details I was given. thanks to all and thank God I did not get duped all the way

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Posts: 12

pm's sent to Huckleberrry and Sir Scam ALot

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 5:37 pm

The scammer has contacted me again. What should I do? Noob here

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 5:46 pm

Just tell him you changed your mind and you got a better gig. If he persists, block him from your personal address. He'll go looking for someone else.

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 5:52 pm

Give him a short and no-nonsense message - you are not interested in corresponding with him further. Then ignore any further replies you get from him.

edit: I guess sir scam alot beat me to the punch. Basic idea here is that most scammers will expend most of their effort on promising leads. If you tell him NO and then stop replying to him, he has no chance of getting through to you. The recommendation to block his messages is a good one as it removes the temptation to continue some kind of correspondence with him.

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 8:03 pm

Help! I received 2 money orders in the mail from this scam. I don't want to be tied to this. What can I do?

Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 8:14 pm

Go ahead and PM a mod for help. The money orders are fake, no doubt. Filing a police report probably wouldn't hurt, even though you haven't committed a crime, it does show you are being proactive.

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 12:07 pm

Huck ...You have a PM from me

Edit >>>>

it looks like his craigslisting is still up and running.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lab/994037875.html

I'll post it here before flagging it ...can a few of you flag it as well ?????

(this looks like a cut and paste of the mail he spams out) ...

Quote:

Versacheck Software (part time job offer)
Reply to: [email protected] [?]
Date: 2009-01-15, 10:22AM PST

Do you have a versacheck printing software and would like to work from home,Kindly get back to me for more information,thanks.

* Compensation: $500
* Telecommuting is ok.
* This is a part-time job.
* This is a contract job.
* This is an internship job
* OK to highlight this job opening for persons with disabilities
* OK for recruiters to contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

PostingID: 994037875

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:21 pm

// Removed full quote from above, it's still up there OD

I flagged this same posting days ago when I realized it was a scam. I contacted him from a fake email address and he responded with the same crap he sent me.

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:54 pm

I mentioned that I thought that this was one of the worst type of scams.

Quote:

OK to highlight this job opening for persons with disabilities

This sentence puts him right at the bottom of the **it heap.

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:37 pm

Scammer called my home and cell phone today. What should I tell him?

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:49 pm

Tell him the bank confiscated the money orders/cheques as the police want to see them.

Then put the phone down.

He won't keep ringing for long.

No need to be rude - no need for a conversation.

Sound confident and don't listen to anything he says. Put the phone down after you've said that, even if he's still talking.

It'll make you feel good and he'll give up after a couple of tries.

So close to being a victim until I checked here. Double SCAM	View next topic View previous topic