Something strange this way comes
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 1:21AM Early Tuesday afternoon the UPS guy rolled into the driveway and delivered a most unusual parcel.
It was an overnight Express Envelope - which I'm guessing costs about 10 bucks - with a return address of:
Terry Lee
(709) 266 (XXXX) - (the actual phone number was there, but I won't share it).
Dept. of Transportation
2701 Prospect Ave
Helena, MT 590601
Needless to say, I was confused.
I've never been to Montana. Didn't even know that MT was the postal code and was pretty sure something was not quite right.
I opened the parcel and inside was a plain white envelope.
Inside that envelope was a check for $1,300 in my name.
It appeared very authentic. Except that it was draw on an account from the University of New Mexico.
Hmmmm.
There was an address on the check of 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131.
The bank was Bank of America Nt&Sa, 1 World Trade Ctr. 23rd Fl, New York City, NY 10048.
(If I'm not mistaken, that address was eliminated on Sept. 11, 2001)
The check had my name (spelled correctly) and my street address.
The 'memo' was 'payment for cash'
The signature is a pixelated scrawl that probably has the first name John, but the surname is illegible.
In all other regards, the check seemed authentic, almost like a standard payroll check.
The only other thing inside the envelope was this note, typed out on a scrap of paper. I'll write it out EXACTLY as it reads.
To Whom It May Concern, Dear Sir/Madam, This is an important notice and instructions about this check you have received. You are advised to send an email notification to the secure payment department via EMAIL provided below to verify this check# and further instructions about the check before you proceed to process the check at your bank. Please contact the secure payment department via EMAIL : (payverifier73@aol.com ) for check verification and further instruction on the check you have recieved. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but we wanted to confirm with us that the right owner of the check got it to avoid any problem processing the payment at your bank. Once again, you must send a notification EMAIL to:"payverifier73@aol.com" when received this check.
"PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE THIS LETTER & ABOVE Instructions AND SEND THE EMAIL NOTIFICATION TO AVOID ANY PROBLEM" Thanks for your cooperation. Secure Payment Department.
Weird, huh?
Of course, it's a scam.
We called the number on the envelope and an elderly man answered. He indicated that he was tired of all the wrong numbers he was getting. We told him about the scam.
We also called UPS and were told the letter originated out of Anaheim, CA.
I also called the Attorney General's office. It was the first they had heard of this particular scheme and they seems intrigued by the fact the scammer was willing to fork out money for overnight express delivery.
I just admit, it was official-looking stuff and for about 10 seconds I was thinking I had a windfall, but having never been to Montana, New Mexico or California, I quickly realized I was the intended victim of one elaborate, but unsuccessful attempt at stealing my identity or my money.
The AG's office said they expected to contact me for more information in three days.
My theory on the whole thing is that about two weeks ago I posted an ad offering wedding photography services on Craigslist. Since then, I've been spammed non-stop, but nothing like this. (I also have gotten two legitimate leads on weddings, so it's not a complete loss.) Still, I'm sure because my website has my mailing address on it, I was targeted.
For what reason, and by whom? Who knows?
But I thought it was a pretty unique story to tell.
Reader Comments (10)
There are a lot of creepy crawlers out there. You're too smart to get sucked in. Interesting!
I think you should deposit the check then celebrate your good fortune by buying a round of beers for your co-workers.
I was selling an item on Craigslist and this "buyer" also contacted me about my posting. I got a check today via Overnight UPS. Details sound very similar to your experience. I received the exact same letter with my check. I must say though that these are the dumbest criminals. First, when corresponding w/ them over email, they would write from email addresses that looked the same at glance but one had 02 in the address and then other 05. Next the original of the UPS package was CA like you. But the business name on the return label was PA and the phone # was a NJ number. The bank info on the check was in IA. Next the check looks real, but the print on it doesn't. You would think they would clean up their sloppy work to look more legit, but like I said, they are the dumbest criminals.
just got the same exact check and story with the same reply email address...interesting stuff....I'm going to call JPMorgan and try to report this to the authorities...
well people I am joining the crowd of those almost scammed by this little plot. First I must thank you for having this site on the web. I would like to inform you all that they must be reading your comments. My experience matches yours except that they have corrected all the errors that have been mentioned. They are now using the same email for every reply and all of the addresses are matching ones. All are currently out of California. My advice to everyone who is posting is do not give them any more suggestions on how to clean up their act because they are. The more suggestions you give the better they will become until they receive all of the money that they feel they deserve. My suggestion to all concerned is to notify the proper autorities so that they can be caught. People in todays society have enough problems to deal with just trying to survive on what they earn through hard work. To those of you committing this crime those who use to think they were safe on the internet collecting and swapping kiddy porn have now discovered here in Florida they are no longer safe and will be found, arrested and tried for their crimes. I hope that you continue this little game that you have going because you are now messing with people that will not give up until you get what you truly deserve. This is a warning that you if I can help this state in any way to find arrest and put you on trial for the crime that you are committing I will. I hope you had fun in your pursuit of happiness Now I will have fun in mine.
I just recieved this fed-x with white envelope and wanted to check it out. thanks for having this web site.
thuoght about reporting this to athorities but words are more powerful than gov't entities. i herby place a curse upon those and any others involved with this scam they shall have one eye fall out and goat testical spring from their foreheads, at the same time being granted a massive infection in the reproductive organs after being hit by a car and urinated on by yak with crabs.
If they can get by all that I hope they try to breath water.
I just recieved this fed-x with white envelope and wanted to check it out. thanks for having this web site.
thuoght about reporting this to athorities but words are more powerful than gov't entities. i herby place a curse upon those and any others involved with this scam they shall have one eye fall out and goat testical spring from their foreheads, at the same time being granted a massive infection in the reproductive organs after being hit by a car and urinated on by yak with crabs.
If they can get by all that I hope they try to breath water.
I just recieved this fed-x with white envelope and wanted to check it out. thanks for having this web site.
thuoght about reporting this to athorities but words are more powerful than gov't entities. i herby place a curse upon those and any others involved with this scam they shall have one eye fall out and goat testical spring from their foreheads, at the same time being granted a massive infection in the reproductive organs after bing hit by a car and urinated on by yak with crabs.
If they can get by all that I hope they try to breath water.
Same scam hit me after trying to sell a car on Craigslist. After 3 weeks of cryptic and strange emails, I told them to forget the deal and then poof got a check via UPS today.
Thank you for posting this to your blog. No one else seems to be posting about this scam. I'm going to go ahead an report the scam to all the appropriate agencies. Thanks again.
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