Beware of this one (Sure you've seen it before)

[Carl]

Got an E-mail Yesterday - Since it smells like a con job to me I figured I'd play a little bit... It Might help the newbies avoid a scam.

Hello good day,

I have some issue with some HP laptops that needs to be fix below are
the things needed to be done one on each:

1. Format Hard Drive
2. Install Window XP with Service Pack 3
3. Microsoft Office Package
4. AVG Virus Software (Free Lifetime Updates)
5. Adobe Acrobat
6. Diagnostics of the entire system

The Laptops are ten 6 in number and i want you to give me quote per
each also the windows CD' s are licensed and i have all the other
software's mentioned available. So the question is can you really
carry out this task from your place presently? Get back to me with
your total cost for the services of 6 units.

Regards.

(unsigned - from **********@gmail.com - Why was it unsigned? Why isn't there a company name? - No Contact info besides an E-mail? And a Gmail account vs a xyz.com e-mail account? Suspicious eh? How many unites are there? the number "TEN" precedes "6" - looks like a form letter they didn't edit properly)

My Answer:

Hello and good day,

Yes, we can carry out this task as described in your inquiry.
If you supply the software - It will come to $225 per unit for a total of $1,350 for all 6 units.

Based on our current work load it will take 3 days between pickup and delivery of your units. (locally)

Since we are talking about servicing 6 units, we will waive the $100 house call fee for picking up the units.
Payment in full is due upon completion of the work.

Where and when can we pick up the units?

Thank You for your inquiry,

Their Second E-Mail:

Thank for your prompt response, It would be better if you help us with
the new Microsoft antivirus / anti malware i we have the license keys
for the laptops with the CD and Windows XP Service Pack 3, MS office,
and AVG are licensed and i have licensing for adobe professional..

As for the price i will assume with $1000 for the 6 unit we are taking
care of shipping and handling you don't need to bother about that do
not bother to write me back if you are not okay with this.

Perhaps i collected this from someone and wanted to subcontract it to
you and i want all the laptops to be done perfectly ready before
ending of this month, All you need to do is to send your full name and
address so shipper could able to locate you with the laptops, He asked
me if you accept credit card for payment? hope to read from you

Regards
West Carlos

(Notice how they changed the price, added more software, and this joker doesn't know he has his name backwards - Now today's the 27th and he wants them delivered by Sunday the 30th? - Whats the Rush? If it was important that they be done by the end of the month he'd have started this 3 weeks ago... If it was That important couldn't he find someone local? - Why does he want to ship them to me???? Why does he want me to accept Credit Card unless there is something wrong with the cards - Again Its a Rush Job!)

My Second Response:

Greetings,

1) The price quoted is $1,350 Not $1,000 as your response indicates.
2) The addition of Microsoft antivirus / anti malware adds an additional $30 per unit bringing your total to $1,530.
3) There will be an extra $50/unit fee For "Rush Work" for the privilege of jumping ahead of existing work. (Bringing your total to $1,830)
Even with this, we Will not guarantee anything by the end of the month (Today being 9/27); If you were local and we had the units today, it might be possible for them to be delivered by 10/4. However since shipping is involved and you do not indicate where the units will be shipped from or to - It is unrealistic to repair and return the units to by 10/1.
4) How are you are paying the shipping? (Fedex account?) Does this include insurance? We will not be responsible for damage caused during shipping.
5) We Do Not Accept Credit Cards.
6) We will accept a Cashiers Check in the Amount of $1,530.00 (without Rush) or $1,830 (with Rush Processing) issued from a major bank (Chase, Wells Fargo, Boa) and will ship once the check has cleared.
7) Please print out and sign the attached agreement for each unit to be serviced, this is required before service can begin.

Best Regards,

Think I'm gonna hear back from them?

 

[austen395]

I always get these messages when posting to craigslist. Its too good to be true because that would be an awesome job for some easy money lol Its a good thing your smart enough to catch scammers and pick up on social engineering schemes instead of falling for them.

 

[14049752]

I don't understand why people waste time replying to these...just delete/spam it and move on.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Yup this e-mail scam comes through all the time...gets posted here every few months. Can't be too smart of the con-men....who would ask for AVG to be installed...LOL.

Chase down the headers in the e-mail to see where it came from?

 

[Magic Miguel]

I don't even bother replying anymore.

 

['putertutor]

On a slow day I might bait them along, just for kicks and giggles. Its amazing what you can get them to agree to just so long as you let them handle the shipping (which is key to their scam).

 

[Carl]

I don't get these all that often - (I stay off of Craig's list)
I would normally delete them - thought this one was cute. was curious to see what the response was.

I have to admit that I like to see the con jobs come in - I can watch the evolve.
Its always too good to be true, and a rush job. People are like fish, they look at the bait not the hook.

Interesting first contact - need a price on "quantity"
Second contact "Its Now a Rush" - Why wasn't that mentioned in the first?
(Because I gave them a price and they figure I already spent the money - so I'll agree to anything to get the job).

(No, didn't chase down the headers - figuring eastern Europe going by grammar)

Figured I'd post it for the new guys (and some of the old guys who get excited too easily). Think - Don't get your fingers burned...

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

I don't get these all that often - (I stay off of Craig's list) .

I don't use Craigs spam list at all...and my inbox gets 'em.

Lotta members here have gotten that spam..only variations I've seen...some of them ask for XP service pack 2.

Here are a few threads about this same spam going back to 2009.....it ain't new!

http://www.technibble.com/forums/sh...hlight=Virus+Software+(Free+Lifetime+Updates)

http://www.technibble.com/forums/sh...hlight=Virus+Software+(Free+Lifetime+Updates)

http://www.technibble.com/forums/sh...hlight=Virus+Software+(Free+Lifetime+Updates)

http://www.technibble.com/forums/sh...hlight=Virus+Software+(Free+Lifetime+Updates)

http://www.technibble.com/forums/sh...hlight=Virus+Software+(Free+Lifetime+Updates)

http://www.technibble.com/forums/sh...hlight=Virus+Software+(Free+Lifetime+Updates)

http://www.technibble.com/forums/sh...hlight=Virus+Software+(Free+Lifetime+Updates)

 

[maclaptech]

The moment you see an email that starts with "greetings, good day, dear, sorry to take your time, contacting you on behalf, beneficiary" it is 95% chance that it is scam....

 

[frodo7200]

its not just us. had customer other day telling me he'd had very similair email for an order come to his business. normall "can you do this and use this company for shipping". when he said "ok, but i only use these shippers"(he did know it was a scam), they went quiet and he's not heard back since. his line of business? double glazing!

 

[PaulTech]

I remember when I got this one. It felt phishy and I was so buried I just ignored it.

 

[ArtemusComputerTechnology]

I received an email similar to this job. It is bogus.

 

[d0m0]

Just curious, how does the the scammer make money on this using his choice of shipping company?

 

[ElementalWindX]

Anyone see the guy who baited them into worshiping a fake religion and getting tattoos that said "I love to suck dick" or something along those lines? and before that he baited them into taking creepy pictures with children and watermelons.


That guy is fking hilarious.

 

[Xander]

Just curious, how does the the scammer make money on this using his choice of shipping company?

The way they make their money is usually by sending you a counterfeit cheque for too much and then asking you to refund the difference.

 

[Rosco]

The way they make their money is usually by sending you a counterfeit cheque for too much and then asking you to refund the difference.

they even have fake websites. local listing and the works... they must get a lot of people to set all this up... I remember i was messing with one a couple years ago and he switched his name in each e-mail. i find it hard to believe this scam works but it must with the promise of all that money. if only someone would contact me with all that easy work for real!

 

[ComputerRepairTech]

works because often banks will incorrectly advised customers that the check cleared...least they did back when the scam was first starting up.

Its either the check/money order too much scam or the proxy for stolen goods scam.