Being a small business owner, I am always looking get the word out about my company and the services offered. One tool to use is Craigslist which is perfect for pulling local customers. I regularly post an ad for my company on Craigslist. I offer computer repair and technical consulting. From Craigslist I get a quote request to image 7 laptops with a specific software configuration. I reply back with a quote of $150 for the initial build plus $50 per cloned PC. ($450)
The scammer replies back with their approval and asking for my name and address so they can cut a check. Now this is where my bullshit alarm goes off. In the United States, payment is rendered after the service is performed for small orders. Now I know this is a scam. I am going to waste this person's time and string them along in defense for the the people that have already been scammed. Normally when I get this kind of name and address scam, I just give them the address of our nation's capital. Most people just add the person to their junk sender's email list. I say reply back! The scammer sends out several emails to bait chumps. If everyone replies back with bogus info, the scammer has to spend time reading and sorting the messages. If the scam is too time consuming they may consider a new line of criminal behavior like purse snatching. Now there's a real crime our coppers can pursue. You'll appreciate my sarcasm later on in this story.
Now all through the email communications the scammer tries to build a sense of urgency and comfort. The scammer will frequently use words like trust, reliable, ASAP, promptly, and urgent. You may also notice broken English in the emails. The scammer may tell you the shipper is ready. The scammer may even complain that the shipper is charging them money for waiting . The Scammer may ask you to do them a favor by paying the shipper out of your funds while you wait for the check to clear or the deal will drop. Don't fall for it. During this relay you will also notice that none of the names line up. There are a couple of elements needed for the scam to work.
1. The scammer usually has a Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL or Live email address. Frequently the name on the email address will not match the name used inside the email.
2. The scammer mails you a fake check. The person who sends the check is a different person.
3. The check you receive is from a third unique person or entity.
4. The person you are supposed to issue a check from your account minus your sales\service fee is a fourth unique person.
