Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Sir SCAMS-alot

I got this wonderful email last month from a Betty Davies saying she wanted to purchase 2 pieces off my website.  She said she's in London right now but moving to Johannesburg.  She wanted to have her shipping/moving company take care of the transport (STRIKE #1).  I didn't hear from her for weeks, which is not a big deal a lot of time sales never go through.  Then she emails me again saying she's been in the hospital but she still wants the work.  Several emails later she said her husband has sent the check via Royal Mail, something about her twin sister helping her... she has some disease.  Usually it's not this convoluted, sales either go through or they don't.

SCAMMER!
After the check's in the mail I get constant emails from her asking me if I've gotten the check yet.  Most people aren't so eager or worried.  I got said check a week later for almost 3 times the amount due in a fishy envelope without a return address (STRIKE #2).  The post mark was crude... really anyone can buy a UK stamp and Par Avion sticker.  There was a piece of white paper folded with the check that had some ink traces on it.  They could wait for the ink to dry?!  SRLY, stop being so eager guys and go back to Scamming 101.  I give your efforts a -D.

SCAMMER!
The check was shit-tastic to say the least, with ink rubbing off where it was folded (look at the "B" in Bank).  Real bank checks will never do this.  This was done on your average laser printer.  You can get these blanks at any stationary/office supply store.  There was no watermark or hologram, although I wouldn't trust those either.  It's just more expensive to fake.  This was a real low-budget, bottom feeder, unsophisticated effort.  Also note how the word "Cashier's Check" is crooked and off-center.  I hate to see such low standards, next time reprint the check. 

Scam Email 2
Seeing the check was STRIKE #3.  I knew it was a scam, but their follow up email to me confirmed my findings.  They wanted me to cash the check and give the moving guy the "leftovers" with was double the amount due.  I hardly call that leftovers.  I had a good laugh... I was going to string them along a bit and try to find out as much as I can, but I'm too busy right now... no time for fun.  I've included some info below of names, contact info and other aliases they've used.  I did some quick digging on the internet.  If I find out more I'll continue to update this post.

I have to say it's really low trying to scam artists.  It's like robbing from an orphanage.  POST AWAY internet posse!  Leave no RAT HOLE unturned!  If you get their emails play with them a bit, let them chase those wild geese.  You're not a victim, this is good free entertainment.   Tell them you didn't get the check and have them send you another one.  See how many checks they'll send you before they figure it out.  Mail them a rock as your art piece.  Send them their own checks in the mail.  Or better yet, stop responding to their emails for a few days and let them sweat it out.  So many tricks, so little time.

DO NOT CASH THE CHECK!  It's a fake and won't go through.  The bank will charge you a fee as well.

These are posts about the same scammers:
http://stopartscams.blogspot.com/2010/06/artist-experience-barbara-santos-scam.html
http://lyndatouart.net/2009/12/artists-beware.html

NAMES THEY USE:
Betty Davies
David James
James Carter
Dolphin Movers
Vonnie Taylor
Jeff Harrison
Susan Davies
Fabrice Simmons

This is their contact infos:
David James dolphinsmovers1@yahoo.com
Betty Davies bet.dav001@mybestmail.com
**look for similar emails with other numberings i.e. bet.dav002@mybestmail.com

Jeff Harrison
7301 6th Ave
Tacoma WA, 98406

James Carter
Dolphins Movers
The atlantic House
48 Caledonian Road, Kings's Cross
London D47 BT
UK
Agent No..206-338-3153

743 Passaic Ave
Clifton, NJ 07012

12 Dennis Street
Nelson Mandela SQUARE
Joannesburg, 4005 JB
South Africa

15 comments:

Victoria Takahashi said...

thanks for the info Diem,
what abunch of effholes.
i just do not get why people need to get thier money by intentionally hurting and directly being decietful, WHY!!??
It really makes me sad.

Erika Lee @ A Tiny Rocket said...

HAHA! The same thing happened to me but the check they sent me was like for 10k over the asking price. I kept thinking- Shouldn't they at least try and make it believable? like maybe 500 over asking price? Glad to see you weren't scammed. :)

Diem Chau said...

To Vic & Erika
Totally right? How stupid do they think we are?!?!

Grace Willard said...

Thanks for sharing Diem!
If you haven't done so already, I recommend sharing this information with the police. I hope they catch these scammers!

Sarah@Dolls And Daydreams said...

Some people are really crummy .... shame ....

well done for spotting it and passing on the info!

Leah said...

That's so crazy! There is a special hell for people like this. I can't believe how sloppy the are either. I guess if they were smart they wouldn't have to scam people for money huh? Bleck.

Diem Chau said...

Thanks Guys,
Crazy is right...

paula nerhus said...

Yes this is a famous scam.... I have a pretty check too... I get a email like the first one you got about once a week on etsy. I called the F.B.I. they said there is so much of this going on they can't help there is just too much. They use really Banks and band addresses too. I turn people in to esty all the time they always are contacting me. I hope you know these people do this for a job. Its a whole work place with desk and people sit there all day and do this....your not alone....sorry> the bad part is if you cash one of those checks you have committed band fraud.....people have lost their life savings in these scams

Diem Chau said...

Paula-
yes... I realize this isn't new. From all the addresses involved I guessed it was a ring and yes I know no one cares. The police/FBI have better things to do... the banks get their fees out of you for cashing a bad check and you're left holding the bag of poo.

I deal with scammers now and then, but not that much. Lucky for me I guess.

Diem Chau said...

p.s. saw your dolls on Flickr? Love them!

Anonymous said...

I am going through this same thing right now. The envelope and check are almost identical. It seemed to good to be true but, I am so naive and hopeful that I wanted it to be real. Thanks for this post!

Unknown said...

Wow- just wow! Definitely a solid D-

Anonymous said...

I just got a BIG check, more than twice the amount I asked for a sculpture from a Diana Thobela, very similar tactics, sob story about sister, etc., and her local address was listed as 743 Passaic Ave., Clifton, NJ 07012. My bank just called me back saying the check is a fake, AFTER I responded to her anxious email about said check. I told her my bank was examining the check, so probably will never hear from her again. Thanks for posting this which I found googling 12 Dennis Street, Nelson Mandela Square. Watch out artists!

Anonymous said...

Yes, thank you so much for posting. I was suspicious and also googled their addresses and found your blog. My check is from "wells fargo" and looks a little better crafted. It's unbelievable! Thank you.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad I found this blog! I should be receiving my "check" today! It all sounded way too good to be true, but I thought, hey, I won't proceed with anything until the money is in the bank. I can't wait to see what this check looks like. What a bunch of losers!