SCAM WARNING: Sending to Australia

**Greymatter Glass** · 08-24-2010, 02:31 PM

Hey guys, over the last few weeks I've been getting emails from people claiming to be Americans living/working in Australia.

If you get an email from the following names ignore it:

Jan Benthem
Alice Drew
Jack Tom
Mark Shola
Linda Glen
Lynda Diamond
Orson Aguilar
serena wilcox
Frank Mayfield
Clark Elster

The emails all start off "I am _____ _________, an American but I live and work here in Australia, This mail is to make inquiry on the below question." (full email posted at end)

So far I've seen 3 of the above names in about 6 of these emails. After getting another one today I looked it up and not only is it a scam, it's a scam targeting artists with on-line stores. The physical address they use in Australia is a Knitting shop, and the ladies who own it don't seem to be involved. The emails originate from various Asian and Malaysian IP addresses. What really worries me is a few people have recently claimed to have fell victim and lost considerable money ($800-2000) because the scam is very good and preys on people who may not be the most technically savy among us.

So anyways, if you get an email like this, eventually they're going to ask you to pay a shipping fee up front for you shipping and a bunch of other goods, and then deduct all you paid plus a fee for you, from their card when they give it to you... but there is no card, the person you're paying is a scammer, and you'll be out all that money and not make a decent sale.

If you got other names to add please do, as I'm sure this will eventually show up on a google search.

-Doug

Original Emails:

Email 1:

Hello,

I am Jan benham, an American but I live and work here in Australia, This mail is to make inquiry on the below question.
1- Do you carry overseas? (though i already know of a freight forwarder that will pick my packages from you,since they ship lesser than any other courier and they are so effective in shipping my goods to me here in Queensland,Australia is estimated to be 3-4days) I have used their services in the past and it was splendid.
2- Do you accept credit card for payment(my U.S.A Master and Visa card to be precise)?
Kindly let me know your comments on these, before i send the items i am interested in purchasing from you.
Await your reply.
Thanks with regards
Jan.

Reply:
I guess I can send international, as long as you're willing to cover all the freight and customs fees. I normally use Fed Ex for shipment, and I know they do international, but I suspect the cost would be prohibitive. I could hold your package for pickup or use anyone you'd like tho.

And I accept Visa, MC, and discover, as well as paypal.

-Doug

Email 2:

Hello,
Here is my order :

Aqua Glow Glass (33coe)
QTY:2

Aqua Glow Glass (33coe) - 4oz.
QTY:2

Yellow Green Glow glass (33coe) 4oz
QTY:2

Yellow Green Glow Glass (33coe)
QTY:2

Please get back to me with the total cost estimate for this order so that i can make my payment via my USA issued credit card.
I am an American but I live and work here in Australia and I want these products here.
Do not worry about the shipping , I will make arrangement for the pick up of these items from your place thru my shipping agency.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW THE GRAND TOTAL WEIGHT OF THESE ITEMS FOR SHIPPING REASON.
Jan.

**PyroChixRock** · 08-24-2010, 05:43 PM

thanks for the info, dougy.

**steven p selchow** · 08-24-2010, 09:15 PM

Hey mate, Crocidile Dundee here. Need some kangaroo pieces for me friends in the outback, the aborigines. I'll trade you for one of my whistling boomarangs.

I guess the Nigerians got a little smarter heh Doug.

steve

**vetropod** · 02-09-2011, 02:50 PM

Thanks Doug!

Name to add to list:

Shirley Truman (of Estonia.)

**Blade** · 02-09-2011, 04:07 PM

Thanks for the heads up daddio

**Chris Juedemann** · 02-09-2011, 05:55 PM

That's not a warning. THIS, is a warning.

**vetropod** · 02-09-2011, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by Chris Juedemann

That's not a warning. THIS, is a warning.

Chris, does that warning come from Croatia?

**vetropod** · 02-09-2011, 07:08 PM

BTW, I did ship some glass to Australia - the guy definitely seemed like a scammer, even said he was a member of this board. WTF is up with that???

**Chris Juedemann** · 02-09-2011, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by Beast Master

Chris, does that warning come from Croatia?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01NHcTM5IA4

**vetropod** · 02-10-2011, 03:38 PM

Is that the kind of knife Chris Arnold carries? Cause maybe I should just let him spam me, if soooooo

**Chris Juedemann** · 02-10-2011, 03:47 PM

I see you have played Knifey Spooney before!

**Mr. Wonka** · 02-10-2011, 05:00 PM

I got an email from a Saudi prince that wants to send me 80 million dollars. Do you think that's a scam? He sounded very honest!

Tom

**space cadet** · 02-10-2011, 08:53 PM

It's super crap to hear these f**kers giving Aussies a bad name!
Great work on the thread Greymatter Glass, hopefully no-one else falls victim to these oxygen thieves.