Posted by Curtis Knight on August 27, 2007 at 5:28 PM
I'm almost embarrassed to post this story, but I think it's good for everyone to be aware of how stupid some people think we are.
I was contacted about a week and a half ago by a woman wanting to buy 4 large prints. I had a funny feeling about it from the get-go, but nothing really seemed out of line, so I went with it to see if it was legit.
We had a few email exchanges, still nothing was out of line. Then when I got home last night, there was a message waiting in my inbox from her, stating that her husband would like to "transfer the funds into my credit card". Holy crap, did the Red flags ever go up! I kept reading and she wanted all the right information about my credit card. Right information so she could use it herself that is!!!
I did not reply, and simply reported her email address and the text of the email to the FBI. Probably nothing will come of it. the email address was a yahoo.co.uk address. Probably out of their jurisdiction.
Anyway, I'm just glad I'm not a complete idiot. I'm also glad I didn't come bounding into the forum and joyfully announce that I'd sold my first print
For the record, she go zero financial information from me.
Posted by Darren White on August 27, 2007 at 5:36 PM
Way to be on the defensive Curtis!!!!! Have a dram of Scotch and relax knowing you still have your money!!!
Posted by Hans Hibbard on August 27, 2007 at 5:38 PM
That's frustrating Curtis. Obviously, you weren't going to be suckered when they tried to hook you but, teasing you about buying prints...that's just too low-down. Scumbags.
Posted by David Schoen on August 27, 2007 at 6:17 PM
Watch out for similar scams when buying or selling used photo equipment. There are lots of 'em out there on the WWW...
There are also scams that involve the "buyer" sending a check that exceeds the amount agreed upon for the print, and then requesting that the seller send the difference back to them. If the seller is stupid enough they'll send the difference check and the large check the buyer sent them will obviously bounce. A scammer tried to get my friend with this method.
Posted by Bryan Swan on August 27, 2007 at 10:27 PM
If this ever happens to anyone, one fun option is to reverse bait them and start messing with them. Anyone ever gotten one of those "I am the deposed Prince of Nigeria" emails where they ask you to assist them in transfering a large sum of money by lending them money? Well the guys at www.419eater.com have set up an enjoyable read about people turning around and scamming (for fun, not money) the scammers. Definitely the most creative way of dealing with these dumbtards.
Posted by Adrian Klein on August 27, 2007 at 11:19 PM
I am glad you did not loose any funds Curtis. Those people doing these scams suck, plain and simple.
Since I do weddings and such as well I get at least one email every couple months from the "bride's dad in London that wnts to resrve services for me take prety images of daughter at wedding" and that was probably typing it out nicely. The last one was full of spelling errors and poor grammar.
Anyway, yes everyone watch yourself out there. Can't be too careful in this cyber world.
Geez, Curtis, how frustrating. Makes just furious to hear about these lowlife people. GOOD for you for reporting them! And way to pay attention to the details. Glad you came out of it okay. Really super of you to tell us all about it, too. Helps us (me!) be more aware and careful.
Posted by Erik Lundh on August 28, 2007 at 3:50 PM
I've never been scammed and never will be. I don't trust anybody on the internet when it comes to any kind of currency transaction. Thanks for the post Curtis.
Discussion
12 repliesI was contacted about a week and a half ago by a woman wanting to buy 4 large prints. I had a funny feeling about it from the get-go, but nothing really seemed out of line, so I went with it to see if it was legit.
We had a few email exchanges, still nothing was out of line. Then when I got home last night, there was a message waiting in my inbox from her, stating that her husband would like to "transfer the funds into my credit card". Holy crap, did the Red flags ever go up! I kept reading and she wanted all the right information about my credit card. Right information so she could use it herself that is!!!
I did not reply, and simply reported her email address and the text of the email to the FBI. Probably nothing will come of it. the email address was a yahoo.co.uk address. Probably out of their jurisdiction.
Anyway, I'm just glad I'm not a complete idiot. I'm also glad I didn't come bounding into the forum and joyfully announce that I'd sold my first print
For the record, she go zero financial information from me.
Darren, great idea, I'll pull out the Dalmore when I get home!
Hans, yeah... ain't that just the lowest!
Since I do weddings and such as well I get at least one email every couple months from the "bride's dad in London that wnts to resrve services for me take prety images of daughter at wedding" and that was probably typing it out nicely. The last one was full of spelling errors and poor grammar.
Anyway, yes everyone watch yourself out there. Can't be too careful in this cyber world.