posted
I got a call, followed by this e-mail today:
Hello Thank You and this is the artwork i need on the banners and the size is 3 x 8.I need 50 banners of the same artwork and size so get back to me with the total cost including the Surcharges for using a Master or Visa card.
Thank You and looking forward to hear from you soon Rev Jackson.
I quoted the job (knowing that it seemend weird), I am located in Portland, Maine, this "customer" is in Atlanta, GA. and wants the banners shipped to his father (Chris Brown) in Ghana. I called the Dalton, GA police, the address of his "church" did not check out. He is supposed to be e-mailing me with a Credit Card number now, at that point I was told by the Georgia police to call my local law enforcement. I could be off on this, but the second I quoted him, he replied that he wanted to e-mail me his CC number. And to ship to Ghana, he sent me a G-Mail e-mail address that was the shipping company. Maybe I am paranoid, but this doesn't seem ligit to me, and I don't want to see it happen to any of you!
-------------------- Devin Fahie Sebago Signworks Rt. 302, Raymond, Maine 207-655-6622 devin@sebagosignworks.com Posts: 96 | From: Raymond, Maine | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've heard of this one on other sign forums. Usually from a reverend needing several banners. The credit card numbers you'll be given will come back bad, then they'll send you new numbers. Then I think they stop. Luckily this has not happened to me! ...yet... Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks Guys & Girls. I have nerver heard of this. I guess I should stay on these forums more, I havent posted here in years! I will get the CC number, and call the police. Thank you for confirming my post.
posted
Devin..Anything to do with a "Rev" and anything to do with an African country..ignore.
Dunno how many millions of dollars I have missed out on because I refuse to respond to e-mails like that.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted
This scam has been used everywhere, from business' and the antique collectibles industry.
If it sounds to good to be true, it's not!
Beware, use common sense when you read these opportunities, read between the lines.
-------------------- Len Mort Signmaker1.com 11 Juniper Drive Millbury, MA 508-865-2382 "A Good Business Sign, is A Sign of Good Business"(1957) Posts: 811 | From: Millbury, Ma | Registered: Dec 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
The most common form of this scam that I am aware of has been to use the internet relay service, which is a service for deaf or mute people & I believe our tax dollars provide funding for operators to accept typed emails, then call us on the phone, & read the "deaf" persons email, listen to, & type out our response to facilitate the communication.
I had one of these guys, "Rev. Wilson" try to get 100 banners from me last month.
I believe what they usually do is give a stolen CC number for a deposit on items they don't want anyway. They often imply they will pick up the order in person, but when it's done, they want them shipped out of the country through a private shipper requiring a western union payment. If the sign company sends the payment thinking they can add it to the clients card, but by now that card proves stolen, and the "Rev" gets the money order, which is all he wanted. You get to keep your 100 banners
posted
yea sounds fishy to me reminds me when I tryed selling my 58chevy panel ..wow lol if only one would have been true ... but I knew better so off the web it came lets see how it go ..I get a big check from rep... rep would take care of the rest 58 pannel ends up anywhere ..about that time I'd find out ck was phony lol
posted
Devin, thanks for sharing this. I got a similar e-mail from a guy for 50 3' x 8' banners. Something about Feeding Hungry Children. Specified white banners with blue lettering. Said to send him the invoice for prompt payment but specified NOT to include any shipping charges. Replied to his e-mail to call me in person to discuss. He did, and was so very difficult to understand (and I can understand some real broken english). Told him I couldn't do business with him and he sent me another e-mail to continue the deal. I figured it was a scam and dropped it. Now I'm relieved that my "gut feeling" was right. I thought of asking our Atty General to investigate this...but I never had any luck in getting our lawmakers to respond to me. I sent our senator a specific letter two weeks ago on a matter with our State licensing procedures/policies and have not had any reply. Our government can set up sting operations and nail crooks when they want...but apparantly they are too busy to deal with the internet scammers who continue to run the "I will send you $$$$$ if you just help me transfer $$$$$$$$ into the US"
-------------------- Tony Lucero Eagle Graphics Waterford, MI www.eaglegph.com Posts: 305 | From: Waterford, MI, USA | Registered: Apr 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
"Gut instinct" has saved my butt many many times over the years.
Including just yesterday.
Currently in a holding pattern on a largish job.
Time will tell.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted
This guy tried this very scam on me last month. He initially called via internet phone and then made subsequent contact via email. He said his name was "Reverend John Smith." Another red flag was when I asked for his shipping address and he said he would pick them up. I quoted the banners and when he asked to use a credit card I told him that I would only accept a cashier's check (even though I normally accept credit cards.) Never heard back from him.
posted
I just got an email from someone using a very similar sounding premise: 50 banners, some nondescript copy, one color on white. Wants to pay with "Valid Master Credit Card Account" (sic). When I read this email (with tortured syntax and numerous spelling errors) it rang a bell of this suspected scam I read about here on this BB.
I'm not sure I would have fallen for it because it just sounds so fishy but, anyway, thanks for the heads up, everyone.
-------------------- Brian Oliver Paxton Signs Fort Collins, CO paxton@peakpeak.com www.paxtonsignsofcolorado.com Posts: 237 | From: ft. collins, colorado,usa | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Ohmygosh...i've had the same thing happen to me. The Rev. Jackson guy. He's called me on the phone several times, emailed me and did the internet relay thing. For some reason, i've avoided giving him any prices. You don't know how relieved i am to have seen this thread.
-------------------- Kathy Lowry Lowry's Sign Shop 2004-B W. Pinhook Rd. Lafayette, LA 70508 337-233-4412 signs@lowrysprinting.com
RIP Pvt. Mark Graham, US Army 7/26/1984 - 3/7/2007 Posts: 20 | From: Lafayette, LA | Registered: Feb 2007
| IP: Logged |
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic