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View Full Version : Just got Scammed; want you to know 'bout it



Bill Stearns
04-10-2018, 3:06 PM
Hi All -
Be on the Alert, all! ‘Got an e-mail today - someone asking “can you do plaques?” - I wrote back ‘n told ‘em to glance at my web site for types, sizes ‘n pricing. And, to provide me with his full contact information.
I received a following e-mail; the guy (Terry Thomas) trying to place an order for one-hundred 12” x 15” Alder plaques @ $59.95 ea. with the wording: “Thanks be to God”.
He gives me his name ‘n address; goes on to say: “I will make full payment together with shipping charges with my credit card.” - instructing me to ship ‘em from Minnesota to his furnished address in the Virgin Islands. - went so far as to give me the shipping company to use. (Success Shipping Company.)
I Googled this shipping company’s site - apparently, a legit company? - but, directly below I found the “scam alert” information. (Guess they’ve been pulling this stunt on small, to midsize, businesses for quite some time; and, apparently many fall for it!)
“Red Flags” - lousy spelling ‘n punctuation - an out of the country shipping address - no questioning his paying “full individual price” for 100 plaques ? - the site I found went on to say that these creeps typically use stolen credit cards! So, anyway, I’ve deleted the information, and won’t be further responding. Just wanted you all to know!

Bill

Chase Mueller
04-10-2018, 4:05 PM
Didn't go through with the order right? I can't tell you how long this scam has been happening. It was even more common when the economy had its most recent slump, they targeted many small struggling businesses that were just happy to have the business, until the scam part took to play.

Tim Bateson
04-10-2018, 5:22 PM
I verify all large orders, even if prepaid through my website. Even then, if I've had a bad feeling, I'll delay shipping for a week or two to do additional validation.

John C Cox
04-10-2018, 6:10 PM
Glad to hear you didn't get taken on it... Unfortunately enough people do get taken to make it a problem...

My guess is the most common modus operandi is to place the large order and then pay in full. Come back and ask to be refunded (via check or bank transfer) for part or the entire order with you keeping some setup fee for the trouble... Then a month passes and the credit card company notifies you of the fraud and backs the money out of your account...

Kev Williams
04-10-2018, 6:20 PM
So, this scam involves 'stealing' engraved plaques and having them shipped to a US territory? Is there a shortage of 'Thanks God' plaques in the islands?

The reward for the risk seems a little thin, what am I missing?

Mike Turner
04-10-2018, 9:00 PM
I had a similar situation.They "wanted" an item I had listed on Craigslist.They said they couldnt pick it up but would have their "shipper" pick it up..(Odd word "shipper").In the meantime they would send me a western union check .They told me to keep a certain amount for my trouble and just send them the balance back after taking out for the item.....been so long I can't remember specifics...They sent the fake western union check but I sure wasnt going to send them anything. I guess they get one to take the bait every now and then so that makes it worth it to them! A bunch of crooks!!!

Malcolm Schweizer
04-11-2018, 1:41 AM
So, this scam involves 'stealing' engraved plaques and having them shipped to a US territory? Is there a shortage of 'Thanks God' plaques in the islands?

The reward for the risk seems a little thin, what am I missing?

I agree, and I LIVE in the US Virgin Islands! I have never heard of "Success Shipping Company," and I work in the shipping industry. This prompted me to google it, and it seems the scam is the shipping. They want you to send $x to the shipping company as a money order and add it to their bill. They actually are stealing the shipping money. Probably the "Thanks be to God" is just to make them look more honest. Funny thing- it's a very common saying here, but I guess everywhere.

I would like to know the address they were sending it to, because our addresses are not like US addresses. We don't have street names and numbers except immediately downtown, but even then we use the Danish "Gade" instead of "Street." The only exception is Main Street, which is really Norre Gade, but became known as Main Street. Beyond that, typical VI addresses are going to be an estate name and number, like "10 Estate Freydenhoj."

Michael Henriksen
04-11-2018, 5:50 AM
We don't have street names and numbers except immediately downtown, but even then we use the Danish "Gade" instead of "Street."

Interesting, didn't know that. Can we have the islands back please. It's too bloody cold here in the winter (I live in Denmark).

Malcolm Schweizer
04-11-2018, 8:35 AM
Interesting, didn't know that. Can we have the islands back please. It's too bloody cold here in the winter (I live in Denmark).

We love our Danish visitors. People here still treat the Danish as one of our own. It is common to see the flag of Denmark flown alongside the US and VI flags. You may not own the place, but you can still come visit. :-)

Marshall Harrison
04-11-2018, 9:19 AM
So, this scam involves 'stealing' engraved plaques and having them shipped to a US territory? Is there a shortage of 'Thanks God' plaques in the islands?

The reward for the risk seems a little thin, what am I missing?

Yeah, I don't really see the rewards there. Must be simply a numbers games. Hit up enough people you will find a few who fall for it.

But this one since it involves CNC work seems rather targeted and not worth the reward.

Malcolm Schweizer
04-11-2018, 9:59 AM
Yeah, I don't really see the rewards there. Must be simply a numbers games. Hit up enough people you will find a few who fall for it.

But this one since it involves CNC work seems rather targeted and not worth the reward.

The scam is in the shipping. They get you to make the item, then they want you to pay the shipper directly, and add it to their bill. They are using a stolen credit card to pay, and really the shipping company is fake, and they ask you to send the shipping company a money order to pay the shipping. They get the money order, and you get nothing because the card is stolen and eventually Visa takes back the money. They really don't care about the item. I believe the "Thanks be to God" is just trying to make them look Christian and win your trust. I saw a similar one where they posed as a church ordering something. It's all part of winning your trust, and the scam is the money they have you send to the fake shipping company.

Marshall Harrison
04-11-2018, 10:19 AM
That makes sense. Buy with a fake credit card is just part of the setup. The real money is in the shipping costs wrapped up in the legit money order you buy and cant get reimbursed on since they pay it with the fake credit card. Probably just discard the product people send them or garage sell it.

These people would be rich if they spend as much effort and ingenuity in a legitimate enterprise.

Anthony Rowley
04-11-2018, 12:11 PM
Hi All, just a note about the name Terry Thomas, he was an English actor who main roles were to play Cads (people who cheat at everything). I think the scammer has a sense of humor but no morals.

Chase Mueller
04-11-2018, 12:35 PM
That's kinda funny. Messed up, but comical

Bill Stearns
04-11-2018, 1:10 PM
Hi again -
The idea that any business, large or small, would pursue this type of obviously fictitious “order” blows me ‘way! - but, apparently, some do.The consensus seems to be that the scammer’s money is made, somehow, from the “shipping charges” ‘n their use of fake checks and/or stolen credit cards.
When I Googled “Success Shipping Company” - the freight company provided to me - below their site I found the “scam alert” information I mentioned earlier. - might be worth your reading. I'm including the link: https://glassmagazine.com/glassblog/warning-fake-shipping-company-scam
To Malcolm in the Virgin Islands - what’ a small world, uh? - was kinda interesting learning how your roads are named ‘n all. The scammer did e-mail me a “delivery address”, but I don’t feel I should publish it; I don’t want’ a carry this any further. Just hoping there’s a special place in Hades for the people who do this type of thing! All disgustingly sad, ‘cause I could use a (legit) order for 100 plaques ‘bout now! Stay on your toes, everybody!

Bill

Chase Mueller
04-11-2018, 1:22 PM
Best of luck to ya Bill! Hope you get some REAL orders flowing soon!

John C Cox
04-11-2018, 1:36 PM
The scam is in the shipping. They get you to make the item, then they want you to pay the shipper directly, and add it to their bill. They are using a stolen credit card to pay, and really the shipping company is fake, and they ask you to send the shipping company a money order to pay the shipping. They get the money order, and you get nothing because the card is stolen and eventually Visa takes back the money.

That's really sneaky and subtle - because you would not suspect the shipping company of drumming up fake business.... And everybody knows the shipping company always gets paid every time because they are just an intermediate service....

You ship the "buyer" the item and the shipping company gets paid... Then the "buyer" returns the stuff and the shipping company gets paid again.... You end up with your stuff back less 2 rounds of shipping... The credit card company intervenes and takes the money back...

You are now stuck with a bunch of useless engraved placques... But you would never in a million years consider blaming the shipping company - because that's just part of business.... In the end - you got shafted on shipping costs...

Malcolm Schweizer
04-11-2018, 4:01 PM
Hi again -
The idea that any business, large or small, would pursue this type of obviously fictitious “order” blows me ‘way! - but, apparently, some do.The consensus seems to be that the scammer’s money is made, somehow, from the “shipping charges” ‘n their use of fake checks and/or stolen credit cards.
When I Googled “Success Shipping Company” - the freight company provided to me - below their site I found the “scam alert” information I mentioned earlier. - might be worth your reading. I'm including the link: https://glassmagazine.com/glassblog/warning-fake-shipping-company-scam
To Malcolm in the Virgin Islands - what’ a small world, uh? - was kinda interesting learning how your roads are named ‘n all. The scammer did e-mail me a “delivery address”, but I don’t feel I should publish it; I don’t want’ a carry this any further. Just hoping there’s a special place in Hades for the people who do this type of thing! All disgustingly sad, ‘cause I could use a (legit) order for 100 plaques ‘bout now! Stay on your toes, everybody!

Bill

I agree- not good to post the address publicly in case it is a real address they used at random. Well- next time you get a VI address I am happy to check it out for ya. Glad you were wise. There is a guy here that I only know through another friend- they bought a car on Craigslist and sent him a money order on his promise to ship the car. I think scammers go through hundreds of wise folks before they find that one person who agrees to send the money. Often times these are elderly folks that are taken advantage of. Karma soon come.

Funny thing- I found this thread by accident. Was thinking about some laser engraving and browsed by curiosity. Small world indeed that it was our tiny islands. I always say- “It’s a small island, and an even smaller world.”

Trey Tull
05-27-2018, 9:21 AM
I’ve got one going right now where the guy wants me to engrave “Happy Birthday Ethan” on 150 beer mugs and 250 plates for his 51 birthday. Wants to pay with CC and wants my address and what bank I’m going to process the card through......yea, ok.

I told him no CC’s, b/c I know it’s a scam, but he insists on CC. His English and punctuation is terrible. Also, he only responds at night.

I guess since the plaques weren’t getting the job done, they moved on to plates and cups.

Kev Williams
05-27-2018, 4:01 PM
how many 51 years olds know 250 people who will bother to come to their birthday party? ;)

Scott Marquez
05-28-2018, 2:32 AM
how many 51 years olds know 250 people who will bother to come to their birthday party? ;)
Kinda my thoughts.
50 is one of the big birthdays with lots of celebrations, 51 is just another nail in the coffin. LOL
Scott

Doug Fisher
05-28-2018, 11:16 AM
This has been a good thread about paying attention to "red flags". With that said, what do people do to try to protect themselves for large orders that don't put up obvious red flags and are from unknown customers? Tim mentioned, "I verify all large orders, even if prepaid through my website. Even then, if I've had a bad feeling, I'll delay shipping for a week or two to do additional validation." Rich mentioned, "I told him no CC’s, b/c I know it’s a scam". What steps are you doing as additional validation besides looking up addresses and matching to submitted phone numbers or declining rush orders? If you don't take a credit card for an order, what payment gives you more confidence? Surely not a check since those are easy to fake and some banks can claw back funds 30 days or more out from when a check is cashed. Direct bank transfers are expensive in the US and can be clawed back to some degree. PayPal has their seller protection policy which many credit card processors don't offer but PayPal takes a higher chunk in fees. Customers hate the time and hassle of getting a money order.

Matt McCoy
05-28-2018, 12:23 PM
I would make sure credit card billing and shipping address are the same. If they have provided a CC number, you can verify all pertinent info with the bank the card is issued from.

Kev Williams
05-28-2018, 12:57 PM
Paypal can be your friend here :) --

Speaking of scammers and Paypal, I'll be putting this theory to work shortly... to wit:

About 10 days ago a guy calls me, states his name, says I've done work for him- I remember him, and we have a common friend of over 30 years... The prior work I did was a few name tags, probably less than $25.00...
He's all excited, as his patent has just come in, he has a bunch of product near finished, and he needs serial numbered stainless ID tags, logo,model, etc, 1x3, he's sent logo and text layout, he needs a dozen prototypes followed by 500 plates to start, and go from there.

Hey, I love Cermark and stainless, and I love jobs of an ongoing nature, and with semi-retirement looming, this is good news! What could possibly go wrong!?

-- Common Friend calls, and after asking if 'he' has called me yet; yes-- "Do yourself a favor. Get Paid First". The remaining conversation was to WHY...

Aggh... sad when your 'friends' may be out to take advantage... SO, I'll be using the 'once we establish a working relationship' talk, and see if he's willing to COD via Paypal for the first few orders...

Gary Hair
05-29-2018, 9:26 AM
For a first time customer, even a friend of a friend, I'll always ask for payment up front on anything that I need to order materials/supplies to do the job. At a minimum, I'll ask for 50% if it's over $500, 100% if below that. If that puts them off? Then I'll take that as the answer to "am I going to get screwed on this job" and move on to the next one.


Paypal can be your friend here :) --

Speaking of scammers and Paypal, I'll be putting this theory to work shortly... to wit:

About 10 days ago a guy calls me, states his name, says I've done work for him- I remember him, and we have a common friend of over 30 years... The prior work I did was a few name tags, probably less than $25.00...
He's all excited, as his patent has just come in, he has a bunch of product near finished, and he needs serial numbered stainless ID tags, logo,model, etc, 1x3, he's sent logo and text layout, he needs a dozen prototypes followed by 500 plates to start, and go from there.

Hey, I love Cermark and stainless, and I love jobs of an ongoing nature, and with semi-retirement looming, this is good news! What could possibly go wrong!?

-- Common Friend calls, and after asking if 'he' has called me yet; yes-- "Do yourself a favor. Get Paid First". The remaining conversation was to WHY...

Aggh... sad when your 'friends' may be out to take advantage... SO, I'll be using the 'once we establish a working relationship' talk, and see if he's willing to COD via Paypal for the first few orders...

Rodne Gold
05-29-2018, 10:45 AM
We just insist on a 100% eft payment up front... for any customer... except our largest ones we have been dealing with for years who have account facilities.
Prior to that we ended up with thousands of $'s in uncollected and unpaid for goods every year

John C Cox
05-29-2018, 10:54 AM
It's a shame this is the world we live in - but it has been for a long long time. Your ability to get paid for a job is only as good as your ability to collect from your customer...

Which is why the vast majority of business is assumed to be conducted as arm's length transactions. And as such - Cash on the Barrel Head or some variation of that was the assumed payment... And for good reason...

It's critical to put "skin in the game" of the buyer... Invest them in the decision... And having to pay money up front invests them in the rest of their decision making process.....

So for example - the equipment ID tags... Prototype development costs some $$$ as it often takes a lot of time... And once he gets the tags sorted out by you - he will likely shop them out with other vendors.. Or he may never bring future sales - he may sell the patent once he gets a few working models to shop around..... So charge him a fair price to do the work - then you don't have to worry about "Rolling it into" future business which may never materialize...

Carlos Alvarez
05-29-2018, 1:53 PM
My business has nothing to do with woodworking or making things. We provide phone service for small-medium businesses. To sign up with us, customers pay for the phones, we program them, and they arrive ready to go. We used to do net 30 on the phones, but after a couple of very slow pays and then one no-pay, we get payment first. There are a few partner businesses who send us customers they know well, and in those cases we don't worry about it. But everyone else pays up front. With credit cards easily handled online, there's no excuse. If a business can't even float a few thousand on a card, they are not a good customer.

Bill Stearns
06-04-2018, 5:59 PM
Hi Gang - I'm the one who started this thread. Just thought I'd let you know, I just got 'hit-up' again this afternoon! This time with an e-mail attachment that I DID NOT OPEN!
- another one of those "Thanks be to God" plaque requests. - no contact information other than the guy's e-mail to me. I've pasted his e-mail directly following ... 'n have trashed the inquiry ... STAY VIGILANT! - Bill

Attention,
My name is Jacob Turkson.I will like to order some plaque,below is the specification of my inquiry:

Product name :Aluminum or bronze plaques
Size: 8" x 10" x 3/8
Quantity:400 pis
Text Engraving:Thanks be to God

I want you to quote me the total pick up prices plus tax and also advise me the method of payment you do accept.If you don't have this size or type available,email me with the sizes you have available.Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.Hope you have a pleasant day.