Scam I've never seen before.

[NWPhotog]

Originally Posted by Cornerstone Technologies

Just because someone is using an operator because they are handicapped, does not always equal a scam. Quite a few blind and deaf people in this area, and occasionally they do call. I never blow them off.

True, unfortunately the scammers have started using the TTY operators en mass.

[pceinc]

Wasn't there a Sal and Richard phony phone call that used an operator relay service?

[Cadishead Computers]

Although this may of been a scam, my ex missus was deaf, and used this kind of service all the time.

She would ring an operator, who would ring me, or who ever she was ringing, and it was all done via a texting type service on the phone. I would reply via voice to the op, who would type it on the machine, and the x would see the reply, the entire conversation was done via typing (on their end).

Brilliant service, they could even type convo's to others who were deaf, and had the same equipment.

[Xander]

I was going to add to my previous but, hours later, I'll keep it separate:

If there is a medium that can be used for scams, expect that it may be used. Sadly, TTY is no exception.

[gikstar]

How did they find you?

We always ask this question of anyone calling us that isn't already a client.

If the caller is some distance away and can not give us the name of the person who referred the caller, we will not do business with them.

[Parkwaytech]

Got these a few times at the shops I used to work at. I think I got one since I've been in business. Quite common.

I remember the first time I got a call like this, my boss finally asked why I was still on the phone. Told him the situation. He took the phone from me, hung up, and explained it to me.

I'm not saying that actual handicap people don't use this, as I know they do, but I've only ever had it happen as a scam.

[Boston Pro Comp Serv LLC]

Dunno how they found me, ultimately the CC info was from Cali, yet the phone call traced to North of Boston, which is where I am. I think the operator made it seem more legitimate, at first until flags starting flying all over the place.

[colonydata]

i had something similar but by way of text message. NYC number, but they wanted it shipped to texas, dodged me when i asked who referred them to me.

documented in this thread

just ignore the unrelated bits and threadjacking.

[JRDtechnet]

Of course it's a scam. If they know enough to know exactly what they are looking for in laptop, why the hell would they be calling a local computer repair shop on the other side of the country when they can order right online from amazon or dell or take a ride to the store.

[twincountycomputers]

Originally Posted by Boston Pro Comp Serv LLC

I did wonder if it was legit, I probably should have included all the details. I didn't blow him off just gave him a really high price. Of which he's sent me the CC info and asked me to complete the order. If it wasn't more of a security problem I'd post the info, which has everything but scam written all over it.

It's not legit, I have received the same call 3 times in the last 3 months.

It's bogus and if you went as far as running whatever credit card they give you I bet the police will be visiting you..... of course it will take a day or two, by then you would have already shipped the laptop as the credit card had cleared.

I have no problem dealing with people with disabilities, however I have to agree that email would be the better way, especially with people in our business. I have one person I have dealt with repeatedly over the past 8 years that is deaf and they still insist on using the TTY service though.