Jan 25, 2008
An interesting Art scam that just happened to me..
Idea!!
I was listening to this american life and they mentioned a way to fight back, and that is to find ways to waste the person's time on the other end. Send them on a wild goose chase if you will, while knowing that it is a scam. How do we waste their time so they can scam less people? Any ideas?
UPDATE!! (8/3/2008)
Received another scam! Similar in that they named the artwork on my site. This one came from Oceanic Artwork. Hopefully posting this address will warn people like the previous exchange.
Mr. Paul Simon
FOR: Oceanic Artwork
E-mail: oceanic.artwork@yahoo.com
Or writing us at:
Address:
Suite 031, Wuse phase 2,
Behind New Market central
Area FCT Abuja.
Calling us at: 09-7821850,
+234-802-525-8946
UPDATE!! (6/17/2008)
Apparently the FBI cannot do anything about this -- somebody said they called back and said "Australia is out of their jurisdiction."
What a strange time this internet phenomenon. So what do we do? Team up with the Knitting shop that is actually at this address? Keep sending the information to the FBI, regardless of antiquated structures of "jurisdiction?"
It baffles me that this still is going on.
UPDATE!! (4/28/2008)
This person has tried to pull one over on too many people! We are now encouraging everyone who has dealt with this scammer in some fashion to forward their emails and experience to the FBI.
https://tips.fbi.gov/
Apparently, one of the recent emails has an IP address that originates from Vietnam
---------------------------------------------------
So I went through an interesting internet interaction this month. It all started with this email.
I did initially think it was spam, mainly because of the broken english. I responded:
I suppose I was optimistic. He responded
What was wild was that he named artworks of mine! I should have searched for that address at this point, but I needed to put up a print store anyway. So I went to imagekind and did that.
He wrote back:
I was starting to get confused. Yet, always wanting to believe in people, I wrote:
The curt response re awoke suspicion.
I searched for the address and found out it was actually a knitting store in Australia owned by 2 nice ladies. I wrote them:
They wrote back, confirming our suspicions
Kind of funny! It's a niche scam that I came close to believing! I have to say that is a first. I used to wonder who believed these scams, but when it tunes into a particular desire of your own, you tend to gloss over the inconsistencies.
As a result however, I've posted some work at noelhefele.imagekind.com, where you can buy prints of my paintings. Not a bad development in the end!
I was listening to this american life and they mentioned a way to fight back, and that is to find ways to waste the person's time on the other end. Send them on a wild goose chase if you will, while knowing that it is a scam. How do we waste their time so they can scam less people? Any ideas?
UPDATE!! (8/3/2008)
Received another scam! Similar in that they named the artwork on my site. This one came from Oceanic Artwork. Hopefully posting this address will warn people like the previous exchange.
Mr. Paul Simon
FOR: Oceanic Artwork
E-mail: oceanic.artwork@yahoo.com
Or writing us at:
Address:
Suite 031, Wuse phase 2,
Behind New Market central
Area FCT Abuja.
Calling us at: 09-7821850,
+234-802-525-8946
UPDATE!! (6/17/2008)
Apparently the FBI cannot do anything about this -- somebody said they called back and said "Australia is out of their jurisdiction."
What a strange time this internet phenomenon. So what do we do? Team up with the Knitting shop that is actually at this address? Keep sending the information to the FBI, regardless of antiquated structures of "jurisdiction?"
It baffles me that this still is going on.
UPDATE!! (4/28/2008)
This person has tried to pull one over on too many people! We are now encouraging everyone who has dealt with this scammer in some fashion to forward their emails and experience to the FBI.
https://tips.fbi.gov/
Apparently, one of the recent emails has an IP address that originates from Vietnam
---------------------------------------------------
So I went through an interesting internet interaction this month. It all started with this email.
Hello
my name is jack tom I want to place an order in your store, and i will like to know if you ship to Australia? and my method of payment is credit card so i need you to kindly get back to me with the link to your webpage where your products are listed so that i can see more of your works after which i will place my order to you and we can go from there i will await your prompt response,
Regards
Jack tom.
I did initially think it was spam, mainly because of the broken english. I responded:
Pardon my frankness, but can you elaborate on what you are talking about?
Where did you get my email? What webpage did you see?
My artwork is @ noelhefele.com. I've shipped to australia before, so I am sure we can work something out. Is it paintings you are interested in? I will have prints of artworks available in a month or so.
Thanks for your interest!
Noel
I suppose I was optimistic. He responded
Hello Noel Hefele,
Thank for your fast response and i want you to know that i came across your store information via Google and here is what i will like to order for,
Margate Mural Progress photos...............qty:2
Julie's Sycamore.............qty:2
It's 4:14. (Whey Fo Me).............qty:3
I will like you to get back to me with the total cost and the shipping cost.and here is address for you to the shipping cost via ups or fed ex.and please kindly get back to me if this items is in stock because i do not want any delay on this.
9 Marian Street
Killaria 2071AUSTRALIA
hone: 61 2 9498 6830
Do this on time so that i can be able to give you my credit card information and complete my order for me
Best Regards
Jack tom.
What was wild was that he named artworks of mine! I should have searched for that address at this point, but I needed to put up a print store anyway. So I went to imagekind and did that.
Noel Hefele to Jack
show details Jan 23 (2 days ago)
Reply
Jack!
Thank you for your patience.
Please take a look at my store -
noelhefele.imagekind.com/
I wanted to find a solution for you because I don't deal overseas frequently. I have been selling at festivals, but not much over the internet. Mostly just ebay!
Since you will be my first customer through imagekind, I am selling them to you at what the cost would be for me. I.e. no markup for me. If you do order and are happy with it, let me know!
Unfortunately I can't sell a print of the margate mural. That is a photo of a mural I completed for a family over the summertime and I don't have a photo to make prints from.
Please check back at the store over the next week as I will add more paintings!
Thank you again Jack!
Let me know if you have any questions...
He wrote back:
Hello noel,
thanks for the mail, what about the ???
Julie's Sycamore.............qty:2
It's 4:14. (Whey Fo Me).............qty:3
are they available in stock now?? if not let me know i can change my order if that will b ok by you and i will be ordering the margate mural in my next order so kindly get back to me asap so we can proceed with this transaction
await your reply.
I was starting to get confused. Yet, always wanting to believe in people, I wrote:
Hi Jack,
You can order both of those today at the web address below...
http://www.imagekind.com/GalleryProfile.aspx?gid=741ec70f-9bfe-4f1f-8ec1-be0e6473e57a
or if that doesn't work, go to
noelhefele.imagekind.com
They are in stock!
Thank you kindly...
Noel
The curt response re awoke suspicion.
Hello noel,
i want to place my order to you directly cause i believe its not secure for me to order online so get back to me with the quote asap
I searched for the address and found out it was actually a knitting store in Australia owned by 2 nice ladies. I wrote them:
Hello Crewel Gobelin -
I thought you might be interested in this... Your address is listed in what increasingly looks like a scam...
kindly,
Noel Hefele
They wrote back, confirming our suspicions
Hello Noel,
Thank you for your email with further information of this scam. You are the 8th person to contact me, that they have been targetted by Jim Scott, John Carter and now a new one, Jack Tom.
I have looked into what can be done from the Australian end, but nothing if a fraud has not been carried through.
I have a disclaimer on my Home Page for the first 2 criminals and will now add Jack Tom.
Thank you again and have a lovely day. Kind regards, Margaret
Kind of funny! It's a niche scam that I came close to believing! I have to say that is a first. I used to wonder who believed these scams, but when it tunes into a particular desire of your own, you tend to gloss over the inconsistencies.
As a result however, I've posted some work at noelhefele.imagekind.com, where you can buy prints of my paintings. Not a bad development in the end!
Comments:
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This is a bit weird because that is very near where I lived in Australia. I've even walked by it when I went to the Killara train station by mistake!
I've "just" received the same email from John Carter. I'm glad I found your blog post by googling part of his email to me.
I am disappointed, but glad I found you're blog site. I have been dealing with John Carter, and thought his order was legit. Jack tom's email was almost word for word the same as John Carter's. I found your blog site by googleing his home town. Thanks for posting this info, It saves us artists a lot of grief. Jim
I was suspicious of this and I found you by googling his phone number. HERE IS SOME OF MY CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIM:
Hello,
Thank for your fast response and i want you to know that i came across your store information via Google and here is what i will like to order for,
MARC JACOBS-ELIZABETH 5 Pc Setting (142584
qty :6
I will like you to get back to me with the total cost and the shipping cost.and here is address for you to the shipping cost via ups or fed ex.and please kindly get back to me if this items is in stock because i do not want any delay on this.
9 Marian Street
Killaria 2071
AUSTRALIA
Phone: 61 2 9498 6830
Do this on time so that i can be able to give you my credit card information and complete my order for me
Warmest Regards
John
AND NOW GOING FOR THE KILL:
Hello,
Thanks for the total quote of my order.The total cost of my order is quite correct and okay by me and I'm ready to pay the bills . Also want you to help me Charge another $800 USD to a shipping agent who is going to pick up my ordered items from you.
The $800 US that will be sent to the shipping agent is for the shipping of my order plus other items i ordered from different countries which will be deduct from my credit card.Also, I'm compensating you with the sum of $250 US for the transfer fee and for your efforts. Please note that i should have given the shipping agency my credit card for him to deduct the shipping funds but he told me that he doesn't have the facilities to charge or debit credit card , so that's why i bring my vote of confidence in you and i don't want you to betray the vote of confidence i put in you, so i want you to transfer the funds to him after you have make the charges and the money charged from my credit card is in your account,then you can now make the transfer to the agent via western union.i will have love to do this my self but there no western union here around me,So the charges you'll make on my credit card will be:
Order Fee ($864.00)
Agent fee with shipping fare ($800 US)
Transfer Fee plus Your Compensation ($250 US)
Total:($1914)
right now so that i can forward my credit card detail
Note that my credit card will be charged for the amounts above . Please do get back to me if you are in the offices to you , then you can charge full amount and transfer the agent funds to him via western union.
Warmest Regards
John
Hello,
Thank for your fast response and i want you to know that i came across your store information via Google and here is what i will like to order for,
MARC JACOBS-ELIZABETH 5 Pc Setting (142584
qty :6
I will like you to get back to me with the total cost and the shipping cost.and here is address for you to the shipping cost via ups or fed ex.and please kindly get back to me if this items is in stock because i do not want any delay on this.
9 Marian Street
Killaria 2071
AUSTRALIA
Phone: 61 2 9498 6830
Do this on time so that i can be able to give you my credit card information and complete my order for me
Warmest Regards
John
AND NOW GOING FOR THE KILL:
Hello,
Thanks for the total quote of my order.The total cost of my order is quite correct and okay by me and I'm ready to pay the bills . Also want you to help me Charge another $800 USD to a shipping agent who is going to pick up my ordered items from you.
The $800 US that will be sent to the shipping agent is for the shipping of my order plus other items i ordered from different countries which will be deduct from my credit card.Also, I'm compensating you with the sum of $250 US for the transfer fee and for your efforts. Please note that i should have given the shipping agency my credit card for him to deduct the shipping funds but he told me that he doesn't have the facilities to charge or debit credit card , so that's why i bring my vote of confidence in you and i don't want you to betray the vote of confidence i put in you, so i want you to transfer the funds to him after you have make the charges and the money charged from my credit card is in your account,then you can now make the transfer to the agent via western union.i will have love to do this my self but there no western union here around me,So the charges you'll make on my credit card will be:
Order Fee ($864.00)
Agent fee with shipping fare ($800 US)
Transfer Fee plus Your Compensation ($250 US)
Total:($1914)
right now so that i can forward my credit card detail
Note that my credit card will be charged for the amounts above . Please do get back to me if you are in the offices to you , then you can charge full amount and transfer the agent funds to him via western union.
Warmest Regards
John
Wow, has your blog just saved me a hugh headache. I got an email from Jim Scott last night wanting to order 15 pieces of my work. The correspondences I've had are almost identical to everything I've read here. I started to be suspicious when he responded immediately to the email I sent from the States at 7:00am to Australia. Either he's up at all hours, or is lying. I see now which it true. Thanks so much for your post. I'd gotten to the points in my email about "his agent coming to my store to pick up items, therefore I didn't need to figure shipping charges." Also, he seemed overly eager to give me a credit card number. He mentioned it in three different correspondences. I googled his name and address and was brought to this site. THANK YOU!
# posted by 
: 8:31 AM
: 8:31 AM
So glad you guys searched and found this post. I had hoped it would help prevent this from happening to someone else. I was amazed at the
specificity of the scam and how many people contacted me regarding it! I was certain it would be the "over pay" technique, however that is supposed to work.
It makes you feel weird when they target a particular hope/dream you may have!
specificity of the scam and how many people contacted me regarding it! I was certain it would be the "over pay" technique, however that is supposed to work.
It makes you feel weird when they target a particular hope/dream you may have!
Same thing here-only not artwork but rather a $4500.00 Waterpillar. I found you by googling the address. Thanks for explaining how they could profit.
Thanks for posting the info. It helped when I googled the intro line of the scam and it exactly matched yours. Mine was from "Brenda". Not for art goods, but rather a ridiculous quantity of video programs we had produced.
Goofy, but sad......
Goofy, but sad......
Jack tom sent me a request for my art as well. Now i know not to bother responding. Thanks everybody!
Andrew- Toronto, Canada
Andrew- Toronto, Canada
# posted by : 9:47 AM
: 9:47 AM
It's April of 2008 and this scam is STILL going on. Thanks for documenting your experiences for others.
April 20, 2008-Scam is still going on. I knew it was suspicious but couldn't figure out where the scam was. Now I know. Thanks for posting!
Thank you so much for your post - I work for a book publisher and received an e-mail just like the ones above from "John Carter."
You saved me a lot of bother and headaches! Those poor owners of the knitting store... I hope the scam gets shut down soon.
You saved me a lot of bother and headaches! Those poor owners of the knitting store... I hope the scam gets shut down soon.
# posted by : 3:16 PM
: 3:16 PM
I too had a feeling this was a scam, but as my art was mentioned by name I thought well maybe its legit, I will give it a cautionary ok. The name I was given was Tugay Bentley, ordering over $2000 in prints of my work. I even ordered more prints to complete the order, just in case it was legit. It got to the stage of having a carrier pick up the order. At this stage I googled the address and found your blog THANK YOU. it was just about word for word. I did have my suspicions but you are always hopeful. hope this helps others.
# posted by : 8:46 AM
: 8:46 AM
folks! for the moment let's try and direct each instance toward the fbi @ https://tips.fbi.gov/
In the meantime, let's look for hackers!
uh.,.. or something?
In the meantime, let's look for hackers!
uh.,.. or something?
We are in the process of dealing with him right now, we are just waiting for another email to "seal the deal" not sure if having current contact with him will help catch him or not but we haven`t shut him down yet, going to see where it leads.
tmay2624@hotmail.com if you have any ideas or advise
tmay2624@hotmail.com if you have any ideas or advise
I am corresponding with "Jack TOm," too. He wants 150 of my hand-made soy candles. SAME wording on initial email as others have received.
I have worked "traditional" retail before, and the red lights glared at me from the first message: new, overseas client; credit card; weird quantity; doesn;t mind shipping costs; and wants product immediately.
I just asked the guy if he would be willing to wire transfer the purchase amount. Haven't received a reply yet...(grin)
My report has been forwarded to the FBI.
Clint Bradford
http://www.soytives.com
I have worked "traditional" retail before, and the red lights glared at me from the first message: new, overseas client; credit card; weird quantity; doesn;t mind shipping costs; and wants product immediately.
I just asked the guy if he would be willing to wire transfer the purchase amount. Haven't received a reply yet...(grin)
My report has been forwarded to the FBI.
Clint Bradford
http://www.soytives.com
Thank you for this information - just started receiving emails from John Carter this week and was suspicious due to the grammer with a name like John Carter from Australia - the emails we've received were exactly like yours only listing specific prints of my husbands.
# posted by : 10:20 AM
: 10:20 AM
Thank you for posting this in your blog, Noel.
Like the others we had been 99% convinced by the poster (ours is called 'Joe Marcus' btw) because he knew exactly what items he wanted to order.
We do not sell art but have a retail shop in England selling tools for working with stained glass, and the item he wanted to order is one that as far as we know we are the only shop in UK (and maybe the world!) selling them online. So had he ordered just one item I might have taken his card details and shipped it off happily.
I have just spent 30 minutes or so working out the best way to ship the 15 items and calculating shipping/insurance costs.
With him ordering a large number of them I even went as far as checking with our bank as to the safest way of getting paid that would meen a scammer would have had a hard time reclaiming the dosh if he had sent it to us by bank transfer.
Then in an idle moment I thought I'd google his town and postcode and found your blog entry!!
Thanks again for being public spirited and posting your cautionary tale for others to find and be warned!!
I shall definitely send copies of the correspondence we received to the FBI.
Thanks again for the heads-up!!
Like the others we had been 99% convinced by the poster (ours is called 'Joe Marcus' btw) because he knew exactly what items he wanted to order.
We do not sell art but have a retail shop in England selling tools for working with stained glass, and the item he wanted to order is one that as far as we know we are the only shop in UK (and maybe the world!) selling them online. So had he ordered just one item I might have taken his card details and shipped it off happily.
I have just spent 30 minutes or so working out the best way to ship the 15 items and calculating shipping/insurance costs.
With him ordering a large number of them I even went as far as checking with our bank as to the safest way of getting paid that would meen a scammer would have had a hard time reclaiming the dosh if he had sent it to us by bank transfer.
Then in an idle moment I thought I'd google his town and postcode and found your blog entry!!
Thanks again for being public spirited and posting your cautionary tale for others to find and be warned!!
I shall definitely send copies of the correspondence we received to the FBI.
Thanks again for the heads-up!!
# posted by : 12:29 PM
: 12:29 PM
>>...red lights glared at me from the first message: new, overseas client; credit card; weird quantity; doesn't mind shipping costs; and wants product immediately...
ADD to that list - using a free email address. Not that there's anything inherently wrong with Hotmail, but when added to the list of other "red light" items, it all spells, "fraud."
Clint Bradford
http://www.soytives.com
ADD to that list - using a free email address. Not that there's anything inherently wrong with Hotmail, but when added to the list of other "red light" items, it all spells, "fraud."
Clint Bradford
http://www.soytives.com
Oh boy, it's April 28 that this guy contacts me using "Andy Moore"
Andy Moore [andystoreshome@gmail.com]
His initial contact hasn't changed much either:
Hello,
Greetings from Merit consultant ltd.
We have one of our numerous customers worldwide interested
in purchasing some products from you. We want to
place the order and should be shipped by you Australia. We will pay via Credit Card for the
payment . Kindly Acknowledge this offer and get us your
website for us to give you the items
needed include your phone numbers for constant communications.
Regards,
Andy Moore.
and thing is that his address:
20 Marian Street
Killaria 2071
AUSTRALIA
Phone: 61 2 9498 6830
is literally a few kilometers from where I live, correct post code and everything.
He signed his second email Andy Mac though - stuff up on his part?
Anyway, he ordered $2,200 worth of items from me and insisted he use his credit card. I sent him a paypal invoice to use his credit card and received this:
we make payment only thru creditcard.
thanks
So I pointed out he didn't have to actually sign up with Paypal to use his credit card. =)
Then I called my bank to see what they thought and it was suggested I call him on the contact phone.
This number does not work in Australia! So I've just done a google of the phone number and found Noel's blog.
Have to admit, devious little scheme but clever.
He got my suspicion on the "only use credit card" email.
Andy Moore [andystoreshome@gmail.com]
His initial contact hasn't changed much either:
Hello,
Greetings from Merit consultant ltd.
We have one of our numerous customers worldwide interested
in purchasing some products from you. We want to
place the order and should be shipped by you Australia. We will pay via Credit Card for the
payment . Kindly Acknowledge this offer and get us your
website for us to give you the items
needed include your phone numbers for constant communications.
Regards,
Andy Moore.
and thing is that his address:
20 Marian Street
Killaria 2071
AUSTRALIA
Phone: 61 2 9498 6830
is literally a few kilometers from where I live, correct post code and everything.
He signed his second email Andy Mac though - stuff up on his part?
Anyway, he ordered $2,200 worth of items from me and insisted he use his credit card. I sent him a paypal invoice to use his credit card and received this:
we make payment only thru creditcard.
thanks
So I pointed out he didn't have to actually sign up with Paypal to use his credit card. =)
Then I called my bank to see what they thought and it was suggested I call him on the contact phone.
This number does not work in Australia! So I've just done a google of the phone number and found Noel's blog.
Have to admit, devious little scheme but clever.
He got my suspicion on the "only use credit card" email.
Apparently, he's taken up fishing and changed his name to Mark Worenberg. Same address and phone number, though. He tried to order several expensive items of fishing tackle from us today.
The EXACT same scam just happened to me!!!! Thank you so much for making this site!!!!
I was literally 2 seconds away form sending them out when i decided to look up the address!!! Thank you! who should i tell!!
-Emily
I was literally 2 seconds away form sending them out when i decided to look up the address!!! Thank you! who should i tell!!
-Emily
# posted by : 3:18 PM
: 3:18 PM
Wowzers!!!! I just got an email from the same Jack Tom...this is what he/she wrote:
Hello Kristin,
please find the attachment for the items needed 1 of each is needed asap kindly get back to me with the cost of my order asap
SHIPPING ADDRESS:
9 Marian Street
Killaria 2071
AUSTRALIA
Phone: 61 2 9498 6830
await your reply
jack tom.
Pretty sad that someone would try to pull such a scam.....especially since we all work so hard at what we do:(
I will forward all this info to this website:
https://tips.fbi.gov/
thanks again for all you artists out there!
~kristin davis
http://www.kristindavis.info
Hello Kristin,
please find the attachment for the items needed 1 of each is needed asap kindly get back to me with the cost of my order asap
SHIPPING ADDRESS:
9 Marian Street
Killaria 2071
AUSTRALIA
Phone: 61 2 9498 6830
await your reply
jack tom.
Pretty sad that someone would try to pull such a scam.....especially since we all work so hard at what we do:(
I will forward all this info to this website:
https://tips.fbi.gov/
thanks again for all you artists out there!
~kristin davis
http://www.kristindavis.info
# posted by : 12:26 AM
: 12:26 AM
Hey
Thanks for the info. I got the same email, I wrote back that I accept cash only (in a big box...)
Paz
http://paz-art.com
Thanks for the info. I got the same email, I wrote back that I accept cash only (in a big box...)
Paz
http://paz-art.com
# posted by : 2:00 PM
: 2:00 PM
Just had a mail from
Mark Worenberg [quarries2007@live.com]
same address, wants to order £1,700 worth of goods from my site. So glad I found this blog before I ordered the stock in.
Thanks all
Julie
Mark Worenberg [quarries2007@live.com]
same address, wants to order £1,700 worth of goods from my site. So glad I found this blog before I ordered the stock in.
Thanks all
Julie
# posted by : 6:27 AM
: 6:27 AM
I was just contacted by Mark Worenberg to buy some of my art. I live in Ottawa, Canada and it is June 3, 2008. Thanks!!!
# posted by : 2:43 PM
: 2:43 PM
Thanks so much for having this blog! I, too, got email from "Mark Worenberg."
What a jerk! He didn't even read my reply to him about what he could order ... just wanted to order some very expensive stuff.
May he receive some very nasty karma for trying to swindle people!
What a jerk! He didn't even read my reply to him about what he could order ... just wanted to order some very expensive stuff.
May he receive some very nasty karma for trying to swindle people!
# posted by : 4:05 PM
: 4:05 PM
Hello, this happened to me and I run their credit card and send them the transfer for shipping, what can I do now????
Please help.
Please help.
# posted by : 10:29 AM
: 10:29 AM
Hey, thanks for posting this.. I got the same type of e-mail at my art store except he used the name Andy Moore.... I thought it sounded fishy - always trust your gut!
# posted by : 11:54 AM
: 11:54 AM
Hello
i deal with import and export of cosmetics and got a message from someone named Grant James with the following info:
Visa card 4465685000707644
Grant james
Card number:
Exp date: 06/09
Cvv:865
========================================
Visa card
Grant james
Card number 4465685000707529
Exp date: 06/09
Cvv:342
========================================
Visa card 4465685000707545
Grant james
Card number:
Exp date: 06/09
Cvv:765
========================================
BELOW IS HOW I WILL NEED YOU TO SEND THE SHIPPING FUNDS VIA WESTERN UNION
Shipping Agent DETAILS
Receiver's Name: Mrs Tammy Lewis
907 old highway
City: Crossville, State:
Tennessee(TN)
Zipcode:38555
Email:pacificshippersusa@yahoo.com
He has placed a huge order and stopped sending emails only after i informed that i do accept wire transfer only.
Sfter he stopped messaging me i searched his email address on the net and it appeared that he did the same to many people and his name is among the scam email addresses.
I was wondering if there is such a site where we can place the names and email addresses of such people and that would be very helpful for those who are doing online businesses?
BTW, i also had such a bad experience with a Romanin company offering mobile phones.
Lilit
brandswholesale@yahoo.com
i deal with import and export of cosmetics and got a message from someone named Grant James with the following info:
Visa card 4465685000707644
Grant james
Card number:
Exp date: 06/09
Cvv:865
========================================
Visa card
Grant james
Card number 4465685000707529
Exp date: 06/09
Cvv:342
========================================
Visa card 4465685000707545
Grant james
Card number:
Exp date: 06/09
Cvv:765
========================================
BELOW IS HOW I WILL NEED YOU TO SEND THE SHIPPING FUNDS VIA WESTERN UNION
Shipping Agent DETAILS
Receiver's Name: Mrs Tammy Lewis
907 old highway
City: Crossville, State:
Tennessee(TN)
Zipcode:38555
Email:pacificshippersusa@yahoo.com
He has placed a huge order and stopped sending emails only after i informed that i do accept wire transfer only.
Sfter he stopped messaging me i searched his email address on the net and it appeared that he did the same to many people and his name is among the scam email addresses.
I was wondering if there is such a site where we can place the names and email addresses of such people and that would be very helpful for those who are doing online businesses?
BTW, i also had such a bad experience with a Romanin company offering mobile phones.
Lilit
brandswholesale@yahoo.com
# posted by : 1:50 PM
: 1:50 PM
I just received this email today from John Carter (jccnext@gmail.com). Very disappointing. I filed a report at tips.fbi.gov
# posted by : 9:34 PM
: 9:34 PM
My company corresponded with the same people, and an online search yielded only this blog post. thank goodness for this page, or we may have been scammed. also, the name of my customer was Mario Hernandez.
# posted by : 6:39 PM
: 6:39 PM
Thanks for this Web site! I was just conacted by "Mark Worenberg" about purchasing some motor homes from me. He wants me to ship them to Dubai. I suspected it was a scam and I searched the we and found this site. Thanks for the info!
# posted by : 9:29 AM
: 9:29 AM
August 27, He's still on the prowl, I received an email from Jim Scott.. when I googled the phone number this blog came up.. Another artist friend of mine had the same email, she suggeted I google his name to find the scam info.. His emails were exactly the same wording to each of us & the broken english is a red flag...
My friend had someone else do this type of thing. & the credit card went through, then the credit card company pulled back the funds it was a stolen card number.. She was suspicious this time!
thanks for your blog, I won't be fooled by him. Joanne
his email is jimscott1980@gmail.com
My friend had someone else do this type of thing. & the credit card went through, then the credit card company pulled back the funds it was a stolen card number.. She was suspicious this time!
thanks for your blog, I won't be fooled by him. Joanne
his email is jimscott1980@gmail.com
I've just had an enquiry from a 'Nikky James" using the Marian Street address and a quick google turned up this blog. Thank you for confirming my suspicions.
# posted by : 5:03 PM
: 5:03 PM
Sept 9 '08
Phew! Thank you Noel for exposing this scam! I'm in Toronto and I received an email from a new name "Marthins Kyle" on Sept 5th. Same address and phone number. I found your blog after checking the phone # and address.
Seems they're branching out, as I'm a Scrapbooking/Stamping business. They wanted to purchase ridiculous amounts of product which made me wonder why they weren't just using a wholesaler. The rest of the scam is word for word, like described in the comments here; they wanted $1500 transferred via western union after the cc was processed. I'm about to tell them off and let others know about this so THANK YOU!
OH!! And your art is fantastic! Jan :-)
Phew! Thank you Noel for exposing this scam! I'm in Toronto and I received an email from a new name "Marthins Kyle" on Sept 5th. Same address and phone number. I found your blog after checking the phone # and address.
Seems they're branching out, as I'm a Scrapbooking/Stamping business. They wanted to purchase ridiculous amounts of product which made me wonder why they weren't just using a wholesaler. The rest of the scam is word for word, like described in the comments here; they wanted $1500 transferred via western union after the cc was processed. I'm about to tell them off and let others know about this so THANK YOU!
OH!! And your art is fantastic! Jan :-)
I also received such a scam. Thanks for the post to confirm my sketpicism. Thanks.
# posted by : 9:37 AM
: 9:37 AM
We received an identical email from Lola John samba75gsmpartner@gmail.com Thank you for this blog... i knew something did not feel right and although it was a smaller order than we are used to, it saved my company money and integrity!
# posted by : 4:39 PM
: 4:39 PM
Yeap, Lola John in australia is still scamming. Just was informed by my cc company that I was at risk. So grateful that they did a reversal in time. I did howe3ver waste time and money lining up my 2000.00 order with of course the 600.00 shipping fee to be western union..the approach and wording were all the same as the above folks experienced. I even double checked the cc machine company to make sure the number that called to alert me was not a part of the scammers. I've heard of one case of that happening. In these troubled times we are all going to have to get alot smarter. Thank you for this blog.
# posted by : 7:37 PM
: 7:37 PM
I am a new business too. I have had four people contact me with the same exact inquiry. The names were Kyle Marthins, Paul Williams, Ron Kay and Jon David. After I requested a wholesale company information form, they don't respond. I also have my store set up to accept credit cards thru paypal, maybe that helps deter the scam. It's a bummer that the first possible clients and it's a scam.
Thank you for this information. It seems that we are yet another victim of this scammer. He is still doing his thing (oct 2008), only now he is using the name Lloyd Wayne , the email shopinawarness@gmail.com
And the adress: 20 Marian Street
Killaria 2071
AUSTRALIA
And the adress: 20 Marian Street
Killaria 2071
AUSTRALIA
# posted by : 11:07 AM
: 11:07 AM
All emails are the same. All have some kind of free email account. I've had Briget Kritty from Tiawan, Jon David from South Korea, and Kyle Marthins, Paul Williams and Ron Kay from Austrailia. All inquiries were pretty much the same. Always ask for more information. They stop responding when you ask for their company info.
I am an artist. I got an email from Jim Scott jimscott1980@gmail.com. I knew it was a scam because I dont even have a website. I do shows and festivals, but I have no "store". More aretist need to be up on this type of scam.
C.L. Whitehead
C.L. Whitehead
# posted by : 7:54 PM
: 7:54 PM
Add Mary Smith to the list of names. 'She' wanted to order $2000 worth of our skincare products. I was suspicious from the start when the products requested were the 3 highlighted on our home page (www.gingiskincare.com). The broken English didn't help either and 'she' would not order from our online store and insisted on the most expensive means of shipping. I googled the Australian address 'she' sent and landed here. Thanks to everyone for posting their experiences.
Joel
Joel
Yep just got an email from John Carter thanks for the post helps everyone out. jeff
Hello,
Thank for your fast response and i want you to know that i came across your store information via Google and here is what i will like to order for,
Second and Ann
Oil on Canvas
14" x 11"
qty:1
Fourth Street
Oil on Canvas
16" x 14"
qty:1
I will like you to get back to me with the total cost and the shipping cost.and here is address for you to the shipping cost via ups or fed ex.and please kindly get back to me if this items is in stock because i do not want any delay on this.
200 GROTE STREET
ADELAIDE, 5000
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Phone: 61 2 9498 6830
Do this on time so that i can be able to give you my credit card information and complete my order for me
Warmest Regards
John
Hello,
Thank for your fast response and i want you to know that i came across your store information via Google and here is what i will like to order for,
Second and Ann
Oil on Canvas
14" x 11"
qty:1
Fourth Street
Oil on Canvas
16" x 14"
qty:1
I will like you to get back to me with the total cost and the shipping cost.and here is address for you to the shipping cost via ups or fed ex.and please kindly get back to me if this items is in stock because i do not want any delay on this.
200 GROTE STREET
ADELAIDE, 5000
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Phone: 61 2 9498 6830
Do this on time so that i can be able to give you my credit card information and complete my order for me
Warmest Regards
John
# posted by : 3:57 PM
: 3:57 PM
Well this Mr. Jim Scott really gets around doesn't he?
He could at least change his words up a bit........!
Sent us the same spew almost word for word. We've reported this also but looks like nothing can be done.........?
dr
He could at least change his words up a bit........!
Sent us the same spew almost word for word. We've reported this also but looks like nothing can be done.........?
dr
# posted by : 6:03 PM
: 6:03 PM
This guy just tried to buy some books from us. I got suspicious and Googled some of the words in his email and found this blog. Here's the address and phone he's using now:
200 GROTE STREET
ADELAIDE, 5000
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Phone: 61 2 9498 6830
That's a Beaumont Tile store.
WH
200 GROTE STREET
ADELAIDE, 5000
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Phone: 61 2 9498 6830
That's a Beaumont Tile store.
WH
# posted by : 11:12 PM
: 11:12 PM
I have had the same kind of story from Briget Kritty in Taiwan. All the flags were there, odd quantity of product, credit card, etc etc. When I tried to get a technical explanation fo the need for so many of the 3 types of connectors and no products that they connect too, I got a simply "I want them" response. I explained that we accept on 100% Advance Payment of Proforma Invoice via Wire Trnasfer for all international customers. I have not heard anything back. The address given for shipping was
MY DELIVERY ADDRESS
42 Pa Te Road
Sec. 2 Taipei
105 Taiwan
TAIWAN
using the "private shipping company" oceanfreightforward@yahoo.com
hope they get this guy!
Dave J
MY DELIVERY ADDRESS
42 Pa Te Road
Sec. 2 Taipei
105 Taiwan
TAIWAN
using the "private shipping company" oceanfreightforward@yahoo.com
hope they get this guy!
Dave J
I also got the request from Bridget Kritty in Taiwan. Exact same info as Dave J above.
Thanks for posting this. Helped head off a scam before I spent too much time with it.
Thanks for posting this. Helped head off a scam before I spent too much time with it.
# posted by : 11:47 AM
: 11:47 AM
My company just received an email from the same scammer.
-----Original Message-----
From: Mallcom Gibson. [mailto:mallcomgibson@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008 5:52 AM
To: barb@aspenware.ca
Subject: Order Enqiry
Hi,
We browsed through your web page and we are interested in ordering some of
your products,we are located in australia,we will like to know if you have
the items in stocks,so kindly get back to me with the right contact person
email,phone # and confirmation of website so that we can place our order
quickly, and i want to know if you have your own personal shipper or can the
order be picked up at your store,please advise so that we can proceed by
going ahead to place the order.
Regards
Purchasing Manager
Mallcom Gibson.
I'm so glad that I googled his address and found your site. I was made suspicious when I received a reply from him signed as Mark Williams rather than Mallcom Gibson. I have replied back to him that we only use Wire transfer for payment from International orders (evil grin)
-----Original Message-----
From: Mallcom Gibson. [mailto:mallcomgibson@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008 5:52 AM
To: barb@aspenware.ca
Subject: Order Enqiry
Hi,
We browsed through your web page and we are interested in ordering some of
your products,we are located in australia,we will like to know if you have
the items in stocks,so kindly get back to me with the right contact person
email,phone # and confirmation of website so that we can place our order
quickly, and i want to know if you have your own personal shipper or can the
order be picked up at your store,please advise so that we can proceed by
going ahead to place the order.
Regards
Purchasing Manager
Mallcom Gibson.
I'm so glad that I googled his address and found your site. I was made suspicious when I received a reply from him signed as Mark Williams rather than Mallcom Gibson. I have replied back to him that we only use Wire transfer for payment from International orders (evil grin)
# posted by : 1:25 PM
: 1:25 PM
IT IS NOW NOVEMBER 25TH & SCAMMERS ARE STILL TRYING. SAME EXACT EMAILS AS SOME OF THE ONES LISTED IN THE BLOGS. I BELIEVE THE NAME HAS CHANGED TO PROTECT THE CRIMINAL - THIS IS THE NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION FROM OUR EMAIL WE RECEIVED. THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR A HEADS UP ON THE SCAM! AT LEAST IT WAS ONLY TIME SPENT EMAILING AND NOT OUR MONEY.
EMAIL: amarthins4@gmail.com
NAME:ANDREW MARTHINS
COMPANY NAME:AMARTHINS CO LTD.
ADDRESS
20 Marian Street
Killaria 2071
AUSTRALIA
Phone: 61 2 9498 6830
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EMAIL: amarthins4@gmail.com
NAME:ANDREW MARTHINS
COMPANY NAME:AMARTHINS CO LTD.
ADDRESS
20 Marian Street
Killaria 2071
AUSTRALIA
Phone: 61 2 9498 6830
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