OT A Week In The Life Of A SCAMMER! (long)

Posted by GeorgeW on August 19, 2005 at 17:03:21 from (205.188.117.6):

OK guys and gals, let me give you a quick run down. As we all know, the scammers are everywhere out there, and they really love Ebay. I was bored one day recently so I wrote to one of them who had a non existant JD listed for sale and a super low price. As you read through the Email, note that I am playing the part of Larry and the scammer is using a name of Jason. I kept it up for about a week until I got tired of it and just quit writing the crook. Here is a copy of all our conversations via Email, although I have removed the fake name and address I used to draw him into my trap. Notice the poor spelling, and my silly way of keeping this crook interested. Yes, it was all a made up story. Actually the name and phone numbers I used are real, and they belong to a cop in California and the phone numbers were his home phone and his work phone. Obviously the scammer never really tried to call. Needless to say, this was fun playing this idiot along for a week or so, too bad real people get taken by these crooks. Oh, also this character sent me 3 different forged Emails from BidPay, I must admit they looked quite real but they originated from an address at Yahoo. I'm pretty sure BidPay doesn't use Yahoo as their server! By the way, the auction vanished from Ebay about an hour after I reported it to their fraud department. Take note the scammer claims he pulled the auction himself!
OK, here is the string of Emails:

8/9
Where is this tractor located? I want to buy it now, and have cash in hand.

8/10
Hello Hudson,
I'm glad that you're interested in my John Deere 6400. Let me tell you all about this transaction. Vehicle is street legal and accurate. No rust, no damage, no hidden defects. Kept it in a warm garage, comes with all the documents needed for registration, has a clear title and it can be registred into your name at any time.The buy it now price is US $3,500.00. This buy now price does not include the shipping and insurence fees.I'm in Southampton, United Kingdom, this is also the location where the tractor will be shipped from ( for local buyers or for cash payments vehicle inspection / pick up is also available at anytime during 10:00AM - 19:00PM ).I've done some research and the best and fastest way I can ship it is using Hemisphere Freight Services which takes between 7 to 10 days to arrive at your door and costs about US $ 900 (door to door handling and shipping insurance fee included).To insure a safe transaction I have subscribed to BidPay's online transaction services and have opened a purchase protection account for US $ 4,500.00 with them so that they will supervise this transaction.This service alows us to complete this transaction in a manner that is quick and safe for both of us since it acts as a third party between seller and buyer to insure that both parties comply to transaction requirements.
If this is ok with you please reply with your complete name, address and shipping address in your next email and let me know if you are interested in knowing more details about this purchase so that I initiate a new transaction case with BidPay and move forward with this deal.
The ebay listing is closed now however the tractor is still for sale.I included the sale ad below which should contain all the pictures and details you may need.
Thank you,
Jason

8/11
Jason,
Who is Hudson?
And yes I am still interested in the tractor, but I need to know more about you. I didn't know it was overseas, I am in the US. Can you give me a phone number where I can talk to you about the tractor? Also, why is it no longer listed on Ebay now?
Larry

8/11
Hello Larry,
I ended the listing early for an european buyer but it will take too much time until he will get the loan from his bank and he somehow forgot to mention this little detail when I agreed to cancel the auction and sell him the tractor, of course I still reserve the right to cancel our transaction and sell it to another buyer if I receive a better offer or faster payment before we agree that we have a deal or if it takes you more than three days to complete the payment for it but for now it is still available if you have funds avilable in cash and you're able to complete payment in max three days or so.
I won't be able to speak to you over the phone, (I lost my hearing in an accident five years ago and it's a lot easier for me to comunicate by fax or email), I have a phone number which is used as a fax machine mostly.
Will be shipped as a gift for a friend (similar to a donation) along with all the neccesary paperwork which means that it has no comercial value so its tax free, the total cost would be US $4400 including shipping, shipping insurance and customs tax, there will be no other taxes to be paid by you when you will receive it besides registration . The tractor will be delivered to your address along with all the neccesary paperwork (including the transfered title, an odometer disclosure as well as the donation documents "me vouching for it being a gift" signed by me). The unit will be delivered along with all the neccesary paperwork including title, original invoice, service records and manuals. A UK copy of the title will be included aswell, it was required for registration here but is useless outside UK, altough I assume that you won't need it this one will be sent along aswell, just in case you may need it. As I previously said the tractor is accurate, it needs no repairs and no immediat attention besides the ussual general and cosmetic maintainance. I will need your complete name and address to initiate a new transaction case at BidPay, please reply with your purchase & shipping details (name and address "shipping address aswell if different from your address"). After I receive your details I will be able to initiate a new transaction case at BidPay and they will contact you with the complete details of this transaction.
Thank you,
Jason

8/12
Hello Jason,
I had really hoped you could supply me a phone number as I had some questions concerning the tractor. But since your unable to due to your hearing loss, I'm afraid I won't be able to continue with this transaction which is a shame as I have cash in hand ready to purchase a tractor for my recently acquired land that was left to me by my recently deceased uncle. He also left me cash, but not enough to buy a tractor new from a local dealer which is why I was shopping for one on Ebay at a better price. Possibly you could supply a telephone number of a close friend or associate you know to help translate and could continue with the transaction?
I am looking forward to your response.
Larry

8/12
Hello Larry, You can call on my wife mobile phone +***********, her name is Jane.
Jason

8/12
Hello Jason,
Thank you for writing me back with a phone number to call to contact your wife. I tried to call yesterday evening, but I guess I am doing something wrong. I have never called overseas before, so I'm sure I don't understand the amount of numbers needed to be dialed. I sure hope I don't get a giant phone bill for the attempts I made calling. I apologize, but I tried. I have lived on a farm all my life and have not experienced all these things. As a matter of fact if it wasn't for my grandson, I wouldn't have any idea how to use a computer. Daniel may only be 9 years old, but he's so smart with a computer and real good to his Grandpa Larry.
Anyway, since I can't figure out the phone number you gave me could you have your wife Jane call me? I can be called anytime during the day if she can. My phone number where I can be called is ***-***-****. My name is Larry *****. I am in California USA so please ask her to call during the daylight hours here. I look forward to hearing from her so we can get this deal set up as quickly as possible.
Thank you again,
Larry

8/13
Hello Larry,
My wife called you but did't answer.Mail me when you will be at home.
Jason

8/13
Hello Jason,
I apologize that your wife was unable to reach me, what time did she try to call? I have been quite busy attending to my Uncles affairs this week, so I have not been near the phone at all times. I am supposed to go to his residence tomorrow again to finish up some other business with the estate attorney so I'm not real sure when I will be home. Possibly your wife could call my voice mail (answering machine) and leave a message that would include a phone number where I could call her back. Please ask her to be specific on the number as I'm still not real sure on how to dial an out of the country phone number. You know, like the exact numbers I need to dial. I did not understand the numbers you gave me last time, and the plus sign (+) was very confusing. Maybe when my grandson comes back over he will know how to dial this kind of number. Anyway, if your wife could please leave a voice message with the correct number to call that would be very helpful. I will call her back as soon as I return home. My answering machine number is ***-***-****. She can try the other number again if she wants to, but again I'm not sure if I will be there at the time she calls as I am trying to tidy up the rest of my Uncles affairs.
Thanks again, and I look forward to speaking to your wife about the tractor. I'm guessing she is knowledgeable about the tractor? No matter, as long as she leaves a number where I can call her back I will discuss it with her then. By the way, I assume the tractor is still available? If so, I hope to have it here in California within the next few weeks. Thank you again.
Larry *****

8/13
Larry in your next email send me your complete name and address to initiate a new transaction case at BidPay, please reply with your purchase & shipping details (name and address "shipping address aswell if different from your address"). After I receive your details I will be able to initiate a new transaction case at Square Trade and they will contact you with the complete details of this transaction.
How does it work?
1. Buyer and Seller Agree to Terms
Both parties agree to terms of the transaction, which includes a description of the merchandise, sale price, number of days for the Buyer's inspection.
2. Buyer Pays
The Buyer submits a payment proof, money transfer. BidPay verifies the payment.
3. Seller Ships Merchandise
Upon payment verification, the Seller is authorized to ship merchandise and submit tracking information. BidPay verifies that the Buyer receives the shipment.
4. Buyer Accepts the Merchandise
The Buyer has a set number of days for an inspection and the option to accept or reject the merchandise.
5. BidPay Pays the Seller
BidPay relase the payment info to the Seller. The transaction is complete.
This is the transaction steps.
After you send me your info. I will contact BidPay and open a transaction case with you so they should contact you with the complete details of this transaction shortly. I will wait for BidPay's valid payment confirmation to proceed with shipping.
You must understand that I have some financial problems and I need the money fast so please read my email's carefully and let's close this deal. If you still want to speak with my wife please call her at **************. I hope that you understand me and hopefully we will close this deal in the next days.
Best Regards,
Jason

8/13
Hello Jason,
1. I am still unable to get that phone number for your wife to work, I have tried several times but I can't get it to ring or do anything. Possibly it's because I have a rotary dial phone and it overheats dialing so many numbers. Anyway, I did still want to talk personally to someone concerning the tractor as I had a few questions and would feel better if I actually got to talk to a human instead of just having conversation by Email. I did not know that you were having financial problems, so I guess I will go ahead and get the process started so you can get your money in hand as quickly as possible and of course I can get my new tractor as quickly as possible too.
Can you tell me how the tractor will ship to me? Does it come on a truck, or some other way? Also, can you supply me with the serial number on the tractor so I can contact my insurance agent so I may go ahead and put coverage on it while it's in transit. I was also curious what your last name is, I don't recall that you ever said.
OK, here is my information:
Larry *****
1444 ******* Drive
******** ****, California USA 9****
My phone number is ***-***-****
If you can't reach me there, you may call my office at ***-***-**** and tell the receptionist that you want the voice mail for Larry ***** and leave me a message there.
I want the tractor shipped to the same address as above, **** ******* Dr. ******** **** California USA. If the shipper will call one of the numbers I have given you, I will be sure and be there when it arrives to assist in unloading and to sign any necessary paperwork.
Thank you again for all your help, and I certainly hope my BidPay payment helps get you out of your financial trouble. I look forward to hearing from you again, and of course look forward to receiving my tractor soon.
Best wishes,
Larry *****

8/13
Hello Larry,
The tractor will be shipped crated by Hemisphere Cargo Shipping Ltd, this is a door to door delivery service not coast to coast so the tractor will arrive at your address, you won't have to worry about picking it up from a dock. The shipping cost for delivering it to US is US $ 900, this cost includes door to door handling, insurance and custom tax. Will be shipped as a gift for a friend (similar to a donation) along with all the neccesary paperwork which means that it has no comercial value so its tax free, the total cost would be US $4400 including shipping, shipping insurance and customs tax, there will be no other taxes to be paid by you when you will receive it besides registration and road tax. The tractor will be delivered to your address along with all the neccesary paperwork (including the transfered title, an odometer disclosure as well as the donation documents "me vouching for it being a gift" signed by me).
The tractor will be shipped at your address and will arrive in eight days from departure date. The tractor will be delivered along with all the neccesary paperwork including title, original invoice, service records and manuals. A UK copy of the title will be included aswell, it was required for registration here but is useless outside UK, altough I assume that you won't need it this one will be sent along aswell, just in case you may need it.
You will need to sign the shipping documents when the tractor gets there so make sure that you will be available and that the shipping address and recipient name are correct.
After you complete the transfer don't forget to send the money transfer receipt to BidPay for verification and please remember to write down the transaction # 637120065 on the money transfer receipt before you submit it to BidPay. Please remember that after you receive the tractor, if the tractor is as you expected it to be, you will have to fax confirmation to BidPay and to confirm them that the tractor that you received is ok so that I will be able to receive my payment.The Serial Number is 134067. My name is Jason Gore and my address is 22 Millbrook Road East SO15 1HY, Southampton, UK. Iwill tell my wife to call you again.
I contacted BidPay and opened a transaction case with you so they should contact you with the complete details of this transaction shortly. I will wait for BidPay's valid payment confirmation to proceed with shipping.
Best Regards,
Jason

8/14
Hello Jason,
OK, I now have the $4400 cash in hand but the only Western Union offices that are available here in ******** **** are closed on Sundays. I went to my bank yesterday just before it closed to retrieve the cash but never had the time to get to the Western Union office until today. That is when I discovered they are closed until tomorrow. What should I do? Should I wait until tomorrow, or is there another way I can send you the money faster? I have an account with PayPal that I could use right away if that would work for you. Please advise me as quickly as possible as I need to get this done promptly. I am very uncomfortable carrying around this much cash. I will be very busy at work on Monday so I really don't know what time I will be able to get away to make this cash transfer. Sunday is my only day off work and I have already used up my days off work taking care of my Uncles affairs. Please let me know what to do as quickly as you can and thank you again.
Larry *****

8/14
Alright Larry, it's ok for me on Monday, notify me when you have completed payment so that I will make the shipping reservation in advance for the next day. After you complete the transfer don't forget to send the western union payment receipt to BidPay for verification.
Another thing, when you transfer the money western union require information about the purpose of this transaction (business or personal transaction), now, if they ask you is best to tell them that the money are for a friend or a relative and not for a purchase, this should cut about $200 from the transfer fee, this service is mostly for personal use not for business and if you tell them that the payment is for a purchase they will either apply additional fees, some kind of business transfer fee or refuse your transfer, the usual transfer fee is about 4,5% but lately I've heared that they apply some kind of business transfer fee of about 8,5% for amounts over $2000 if you tell them that the transfer is for a purchase payment.
Thank you,
Jason

8/15
Hello Jason,
I have a big problem, and I'm hoping you can resolve it. As promised I went to my local Western Union right after I left from work tonight to send you the $4400. I had cash in hand as that is what I understood I needed to pay with. The clerk at the Western Union store informed me that I can only send up to a maximum of $1000. I explained that I needed to send all $4400 but she tells me I can't. I then asked her if I could send the money in 5 different checks or how ever they do it, you know...$1000 four different times and then $400 the fifth time but she tells me the maximum I can send is $1000 no matter what. I argued with her, but she won't let me do it. She gave me a piece of paper that explained the policy and also gave me an internet address to look at so I would understand. I did find it on the internet and here is what it says:
17. What is the largest transaction that BidPay handles?
Currently, we are limiting our transactions to purchases of $1000.00 (including the seller's shipping fee), regardless of the number of orders submitted.
BidPay - Online Auction Payment Services–Pay For Auction - FAQs
She also asked me if you would want a Sterling check or something like that since your in the UK, but I didn't know what that was. I looked at this same site she gave me the address to and it says this:
4. How does BidPay pay for purchases on my behalf?
BidPay pays for your purchase on your behalf by sending a Western Union® branded money order issued by Integrated Payment Systems Inc. to the Seller. If the registered seller is located in the U.S. and has selected the Direct to Bank option, BidPay may also send a payment directly to the seller's U.S. checking account. Sellers in the U.K. may have opted to receive a Pound Sterling cheque.
So now I am really upset. I hurried over there after work, and then spent almost an hour arguing with this girl trying to get my money sent to you for the tractor and I still have not been able to accomplish anything. I feel very uncomfortable carrying $4400 in cash in my pocket and just want this taken care of as quickly as possible. If you don't have a solution on how I can get the money to you, I suppose I will just have to put the money back into my bank account. I keep feeling that I will get robbed, and that's a very scary feeling. I have not told anyone but you that I have the money with me, but now that I was at the Western Union I'm sure some of the other customers that were there tonight know it now. I'm afraid I may not be able to sleep now, this really worries me. Please advise me what to do now as I am afraid you will sell the tractor to someone else if I can't get the money to you soon.
Larry *****

8/15
Hello Larry,
I will sell this tractor to you, when you transfer the money, western union require information about the purpose of this transaction (business or personal transaction), now, if they ask you is best to tell them that the money are for a friend or a relative and not for a purchase.
If you send the money for a friend or a relative the total amount that you can send is about $10000. If you told them that you send this money through BidPay they will now
that is for a purchase, so the only thing that you say is that is for a relative and you will have no problem.I will wait your email.
Best regards,
Jason

8/17
Larry what is going on? No sign from you,I hope you are ok.
Mail me asap.
Jason

8/19
I never wrote him again after the 15th. I thought about requesting a picture of him in front of the tractor holding a sign with my fake name on it to show he really had the tractor, but I decided to let a dead dog lie. It was fun while it lasted though! If this keeps just one person from getting taken by these crooks, it was all worth my effort to post it here. BE CAREFUL!
George, Tip Of Texas.

Follow Ups:

• Re: OT A Week In The Life Of A SCAMMER! (long) BobinKY 16:08:47 08/22/05 (0)
• Re: OT A Week In The Life Of A SCAMMER! (long) Joe in IN 22:31:53 08/19/05 (0)
• Re: OT A Week In The Life Of A SCAMMER! (long) Jeff Oliver 20:47:49 08/19/05 (2)
  • Re: OT A Week In The Life Of A SCAMMER! (long) mrg00fy 08:37:29 01/31/06 (0)
  • Re: OT A Week In The Life Of A SCAMMER! (long) announmous 14:36:11 01/23/06 (0)
• Re: OT A Week In The Life Of A SCAMMER! (long) Bob 19:23:32 08/19/05 (0)

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