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Scam Spotting 101
TroisCouleurs wrote: Some MMers have posted this link in the past to help spot a modeling scam: Nov 06 06 09:54 pm Link Matt Towler wrote: For a number of economic and political reasons, Nigeria has become the hotbed of internet scamming, a virtual cottage industry: Nov 06 06 10:06 pm Link This has been a great read! I love the chipper photo idea you mentioned...I almost fell off the couch laughing at that one. I had a weird "scam" recently...I don't even know if it classifies as a scam, more like just a freak. This guy found me on myspace and asked me to come work for him at the SEMA show in Vegas passing out dog tags his company makes. Seemed legit at first, he provided daily rates, etc. But, every time I asked, he kept skirting the question of his company's name...and he wanted to share a suite at the Bellagio...oh, and the kicker, he wanted me to send him a pair of worn boyshort panties so his seamstress could make a pair to fit me just right. Ewwww... Nov 07 06 01:35 am Link  Nov 07 06 03:37 pm Link Austyn229 wrote: Ewww is right. Some people want money, others, well... Nov 07 06 08:22 pm Link Ched wrote: Lol! Takes a real MPFC fan... Nov 07 06 08:23 pm Link Continuing... Hi Charles, Sorry for my late response, i have been very busy here in Sweden, i have been in talks with some beauty models and Agents. please i will send the check on monday 20th, November, 2006. Once i send it, i will let you know..........Aaliyah will be arriving on the 28th, November, 2006 and am sure she has informed you. Thank you once again and i will always keep you informed. Dr. Elizabeth. Don't know where "Aaliyah" came from - the subject line from this latest email still had the original fake model's name, Stacey Jean. Proof again that online scamming is a busy and lucrative business: You'd think little mistakes like this would tip people off, but clearly, with all the online scams going on, there are enough people out there blinded by greed or hope that they ignore the obvious signs. My response: Aaliyah? Don't you mean Stacey Jean? You've got me worried: Please clarify. C. At least they got my "real" name right.  Nov 13 06 02:52 pm Link this is such a great read! Nov 13 06 03:35 pm Link Love scam threads. I too win the UK lottery a few times a week. I did inquire with local authoritites who said they can't do anything because it is not in our country. Whether the FBI can or not I do not know. But these scams have been going on since before many of us were born. Unfortunetly there are still people who cannot realize it is a scam. Gotta get back to Dr.Elizabeth and Stacy. Nov 13 06 08:07 pm Link Our story continues... We have clarification from our scammer about the sudden and mysterious change of name of our model: Hello Mr. Charles, Please dont be worried, Aaliyah is her second name and am used to calling her Aaliyah, her full name is stacey aaliyah jean...............hope you get that. So please do not be worried, is the same person. So how are you doing? am sure you are cool. Be fine, till i hear from you. Dr. Elizabeth Well now that's a relief - I was beginning to think they weren't serious. My response: Hello Dr. Elizabeth, Stacey Aaliyah Jean - got it. She never mentioned her middle name in our correspondence. I just noticed something else about her emails to me. She sent me these details about her measurements: Height: 171 cm / 57 inchBust:87 cm / 34 inchWaist:56 cm / 23 inchHips: 87 cm / 34 inch Weight:45 kg / 100 lbs By my calculations, she has undergone a massive growth spurt: 171cm equals a 67 inch height, not 57. So is she 4'9" or 5'7" tall? And looking at the pictures of her, I doubt that she has a 34" bust (she looks much bigger - I was planning to include some goth pin-up into our shoot, but now I'm not sure, should I?). I get the feeling that Stacey Aaliyah is not serious about our shoot if she's not able to give correct information - I think you need to have a good disciplinarian sit-down with her and set her straight. I don't want to be dealing with prima donna models asking for tfpcd and double escorts, or worse, all the converted raw files. Please make sure she understands that I am a professional (I only tfpcd with select models) and have her email me soonest with her correct information. Very, very important. I think she needs to understand that you are a serious professional as well. Please have her email me right away. Thanks for clearing up the name confusion. C. I sure got pissy and indignant. Models, can't trust 'em. Especially the ones from Nigeria. The cheque from "Sweden" will probably take a few weeks to get here, so in the meantime I thought I'd make them work for their $4050 from me. Nov 15 06 09:48 am Link Looks like some of my suggestions made it in your material. Since I have had no spammers of my own to torture lately, glad I could contribute and participate vicariously  Nov 15 06 11:15 pm Link well, well, well...I'm off to find some scammers as we speak.... Nov 15 06 11:45 pm Link Richard Dubois wrote: HAHAHA! This is so priceless! Well delivered. The tone is flawless. Nov 15 06 11:59 pm Link My god, I am laughing so hard I have to be careful not to wake my girlfriend up. This is absolutely priceless. This sounds like a Robin Wiliams / Billy Crystal improv routine. You need to write for David Letterman. The fact that they keep responding proves they really aren't as smart as some think they are. Ask them if they prefer you to shoot with white balance reduction (which, of course, will compensate for the sudden growth spurt.) Nov 16 06 12:50 am Link D Drake Photography wrote:
Nov 16 06 08:01 pm Link Any updates? Nov 17 06 12:23 am Link Yep. Our saga continues: Got emails from Dr. E. and our model almost at the same time - funny how that happens. From the good doctor: Hello Charles, I have sent her an email has you have requested, she is going to get her current measurement because she informed me that the information she sent to you is over 2years.........so i have asked her to undergo a current measurement of herself immediately. Once she gets her current measurement, she will send the statistics to you and even pictures, so that you can be able to access her present look........and this will assist you in getting a professional and quality images of her. She is serious, you understand she is still studying, maybe academic stress and all that stuffs, but Aaliyah Stacey is a good girl........and am sure you will be happy when she comes to Canada. Thank you Dr. Elizabeth Hmm, I thought her middle name was Aaliyah. Ah well. My response: Sounds good - she should know to have her current measurements undergone regularly. I can understand academic stress, so I'll cut her a little slack there no problem. Understand that I've had models flake on me, sometimes not even returning phone calls or emails after they've booked a shoot! And they usually call me! What's up with that, ha-ha?! So I'm glad you're giving Stacey Aaliyah Stacey good guidance on this, a very important project. Warmest regards, C. And from Aaliyah Stacey Aaliyah Jean, email [email protected], addressed from Jean Stacey: Hi Richard, I received a email from Dr. Elizabeth................she is not happy with me. You told her that am not serious. Though the measurement i sent to you earlier...........i think i have change in body and height........i have that measurement in 2004. You know i have been studying Medicine and Surgery, and its a stressful course. So please try to understand my feelings because am very serious and i want to be a supermodel in the future and am sure you will help me achieve my goals through your professional shoot. Also i have enclosed 4 of my most recent photo, this am sure will assist you better. I did a measurement this morning..........and this are the information as below: Height:...........................5'9" Chest :.......................32Cup:...............................D Waist:................................25 Hips:.............................. 36 Weight: ..............................127lbs Shoe size.........................9Dress size......................4 Stacey Okay, maybe I was a bit hard on her... Hi Aaliyah Stacey, Thank you for updating your measurements, but as you know this is something you should do regularly. Don't worry, I'm not mad at you - how could I be mad at you, between emails from you and Dr. Elizabeth, it's almost like I know all about you already. She says that she's certain you'll have a wonderful time when you come to Canada, and I'm sure that you will. The weather has been beautiful. I appreciate you sending more photos, but the ones you sent are very small! I can hardly tell it's really you! Ha-ha! Do you have bigger ones of the same photos? My wardrobe stylist and my makeup artist would love to see them. They are looking forward to working with you - actually, you've become a bit of a celebrity here. It's not everyday we get a model from France, and one that's studying Medicine and Surgery as well. Wow. It's very important to keep up the education for after your time as a supermodel, so you don't end up in the tabloids like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss (their careers are over you know). Send me those bigger photos when you can. I'll let you know when the financial arrangements are done and we'll plan your shoot. By the way, you can call me by my real name, Charles. C. I'm kind of repeating myself a little in my responses to our scammer with multiple personalities, but that may make it sound like I'm really buying this crap. Small photos, ha-ha indeed:     I keep wondering what I'll ask the scammers next to keep them busy, and they keep giving me something - I can't even make out the face on these, but the boobs are unmistakeably Stacey. I'm mean Aaliyah. Or is it Jean? Little twerp, she can call me MISTER Amosse. Nov 17 06 08:41 pm Link D Drake Photography wrote: LOL that is hilarious! Now I want some scammer to email ME! Nov 17 06 09:08 pm Link My our scammer is helpful - got a new batch of photos today: Hi charles, How are you doing today,,,,,,,,,,those photos i earlier sent are somehow nude........my body parts were somehow showing off........so i cannot enlarge them as they were programmed small for my pesonality protection. However am sending you another photos of me in the gym, this will give you a better understanding of my body. Am sure that Dr. Elizabeth has sent the Funds today as she earlier said. Am surprised you called me Aaliyah..........its my religious name. who told you that? because am sure i didnt tell you..... Thank you. Stacey   Her body parts were somehow showing off? She'll be right at home here on MM. We could have a new catagory of nude to go with implied, partial, and artistic: "somehow". Models, show us your "somehow nude" shots! I am sure Dr. Elizabeth sent the funds today too (and right on schedule), since these are one and the same person. I wonder if there is a set day of the month to sending out bogus cheques in these scams. Hi Stacey, Thanks again for sending more photos of yourself, I now have a much better understanding. You certainly are buff, stacked you could say. Maybe some physical fitness photos for your portfolio would be in order. Your sponsor Dr. Elizabeth told me about your other name Aaliyah. She mentioned it was your second name, but that she was in the habit of using it. It's lovely, what religion is it from? In my religion (Avatar Anabaptist, a very small Mennonite Mayhemite subsect) has very ordinary names, part of our belief in the simplicity of life. Avatar Anabaptists tend to frown on nudity, which I guess is strange for a photographer, ha ha, but I'm a bit reformed. I would love to hear more about your religion, I enjoy our correspondence. Awaiting payment with great anticipation, and we'll plan our next step in your shoot. Cheerio, C. Oh no, I'm turning this into a religion thread... Nov 20 06 07:53 pm Link triple post. Nov 20 06 07:57 pm Link . Nov 20 06 07:58 pm Link The girls in the 3 sets of pictures don't look very similar at all... Nov 20 06 09:33 pm Link This is a new one also It is my pleasure to contact you, I am Mark Johnson, Model Talent Scout/Agent based in Europe ever since the era of world modeling portal. I have gone through your portfolio and was impressed with the information therein that motivated me to inform your of the on coming modeling event in UK London called Model TALENT EXPO. This event is organized and sponsored annually by our sponsor firm. On behalf of Models Online which this year event will take off on November 30th - December 5th, 10th - 15th December 2006 in UK. This event supports both professional/amateur (models/stylist/MUA's/photographers) to show their talents and it equally expose them to a greater height which enable them abreast the latest techniques in the present world modeling industry. It also create forum for exchange of ideas and contacts among all the invited models and photographers from different part of the world and finally, models and photographers are easily hooked for other lucrative offers from representatives of giant UK companies/firms that will be present in the event in search of models and photographers for different work assignment. We are here to help you and support you in your exposure; we lift models to great heights of exposure. Models and Photographers would be paid for this 5 day event; Models Online is offering 4000 Pounds (Four Thousand Pounds) for the pay rate for the whole event. However, all the necessary arrangements for the event is arranged and processed, while entries for interested and selected participants is now open. Models and Photographers are required to pay and admittance fee, after been selected, because only few models, stylist and photographers would be chosen, if you are lucky and qualified to be picked to work with us for this event. Considering the benefits and huge amount the firm normally invest in this event, subjected their screening and selection exercise strictly on merit which the firm will process flight Ticket, Accommodation, Feeding and traveling documents of any selected Models/Photographer. Moreover, after the event the you are also entitled to work on further event with the company. If you are interested, reply back to my personal email address with the below details. Send details in this order: FULL NAME: CONTACT ADDRESS: City/state/zip code: HOME & MOBILE PHONE: NEAREST AIRPORT: HEALTH INFORMATION: Age: Sex: Email with this details above if interested and we'll go on from there after verifying you details. Please visit our web site: http://www.modelsonline.co.uk/ Model/Talent Scout Mark Johnson ([email protected]) +447011147140, +447011147142 This is to show you we are real and legit. Also your hotel reservation has been made. Below is the link used to check your reservation. Hilton Hotel link: https://www.hilton.co.uk/Reservation/30 … ooking.jsp Confirmation no.: 3264511945 Arrival Date: 30th November 2006 Caledonian Hilton Edinburgh hotel Princes Street Edinburgh EH1 2AB United Kingdom Details to send you Admittance Fee Now you are to go to any Western Union Office or Bank with Western Union services and required to send the 200 pounds which is $377USD to our Reservation agent in the States: Name: kavern lewis Location: Providence, RI, 02907 USA After sending the payment through Western Union or Money Gram then you have to send us this information's for our Travel Agent to able to pick up the funds: Senders Name: Location: Amount Sent: MTCN # (Money Transfer Control Number): Text Question: Answer: After you pay your fee and you'll be getting you Flight ticket and itinerary and ready to be sent through overnight delivery to your door step. We don't want delays and we want to get the fee ASAP and send your ticket through UPS overnight delivery. Model/Talent Scout Johnny Martins ([email protected]) +447011147140, +447011147142 ________________________________ Nov 20 06 09:42 pm Link Imagination40 wrote: Thanks for sharing. I love how they have a follow up email to reassure you they're not a scam. "We're for real, honest!" :p Nov 21 06 06:17 pm Link Our saga continues... As usual, the emails come in pairs - same person writing both? Hmm.. Hello Mr. Charles, How are you today? sorry for my late response, i have been very busy here in Lunds, Sweden. I have sent the Canadian funds to you yesterday being Monday...........Its is a total of $5,130 CDN. So once you receive the funds, you will deposit and cash from you bank, then you will withdraw your $1,050 and forward the balance to Stacey Aaliyah's Travel Agent, so that arrangement on her flight, hotel accomodation and meals can be booked ahead of time. I have asked her to send the information of her Travel Agent to you. Thanking you in anticipation as i look forward to your email once you receive the fund. Dr. Elizabeth Gate Director/ Project Coordinator For the hundreth time I'm given specific details about cashing that cheque. If anything were to tip you off that you've been approached by a scammer, no matter what the scam, it's their persistent preoccupation with payment. Each time I read one of these emails the more incredible I find it that some people actually do buy this. Hello Dr. Elizabeth, Haven't received Stacey's Travel info yet, nor the payment, but I think it will take at least a week for it to get from Sweden. I will be driving across Canada for work for a few days, but will make final arrangents when I'm back. Do you have a preference of payment method for the balance of funds, or a bank preference? Please let me know - I won't be able to check my email right away since I'll be in my car. Stacey sounds very excited about her big trip. Looking forward to meeting her. Sincerely, C. And from Stacey Aaliyah whatever "her" name is: Hi charles, Aaliyah is a muslim name. My parents are. Am so happy..........so please keep me inform once the money arrive so i can give you the information of my travel Agent. In one of your previous email you talked about me living in France. I told to told you earlier that am studying Medicine and surgery at the University of Lagos, College of Medine, Lagos, Nigeria........i have been here for 3 years now.......am here through the student Exchage Programme. Hoping to see you next week...........have a good day. Stacey My response: Hi Stacey, I'm going on a long road trip for work, but when I'm back we'll finalize your shooting date as soon as I've received payment. I won't be checking my email for a few days since I'll be driving. Looking forward to meeting you. We'll have a great shoot! C. That's right, Nigeria, almost forgot. What's with the road trip? I need an out. Stay tuned... Nov 23 06 06:44 pm Link In a very roundabout way, our scammer wants to know if I've received the bogus cheque: Hi Charles, Am supposed to arrive today being 28th, November as i earlier informed you but i do not know what going on about the payment arrival......................am so confused. So am I - I don't recall actually booking "Stacey" for the 28th. After all, I'm still on a road trip: Well I haven't received payment (it's coming from Sweden so it will take time), and you still have to send me your travel agent information. Send me that as soon as possible. I'm still on the road, driving back home soon. C. I'll continue to drag this out a little longer, but I have an end planned, just as soon as my $$ arrives... Nov 28 06 11:29 am Link This is fun stuff! Nov 28 06 11:35 am Link TXPhotog wrote: More for your reading pleasure: Nov 29 06 06:39 pm Link I can get you a discount on a good used elephant gun . . . . Nov 29 06 07:52 pm Link HAHA this is great! Nov 29 06 07:58 pm Link So happy to see this is till going on - I give you much credit for your cleverness and keeping it going. I can't believe they are still falling for this. Wish you lived in Chicago - I bet you'd be a great drinking partner! Nov 29 06 08:12 pm Link I get lots of scams but thankfuly my dad has a friend who can check people out to see if they are scams or not so I have not been duped thankfuly : 0 ) Nov 29 06 08:18 pm Link I get lots of scams but thankfuly my dad has a friend who can check people out to see if they are scams or not so I have not been duped thankfuly : 0 ) Nov 29 06 08:18 pm Link sorry that came out twice. Nov 29 06 08:19 pm Link So here he is, the quintessential devil at the other end of this scam (or at least, his public name): Hi Charles, Thank you for your email, and this is the information of my Travel Agent: NAME: NZEMEKA SPENCER ADDRESS: 12 CRAIG STREET CITY: MARYLAND STATE: LAGOS COUNTRY: NIGERIA TEST QUESTION: WHAT IS MY NAME ANSWER: STACEY JEAN So you will send the money to the Travel Agent Through MONEYGRAM MONEY TRANSFER. So thats the above information that you will fill on the Moneygram money transfer form. So when the payment is made, you will have the send the control number to my email box, so that i can forward it to the Travel Agent so that he can cash the money immediately and make arrangement for my travels. So you will search for a moneygram Money transfer Agent in your Location and the payment can be sent to the Travel Agent. Thank you, please let me know once you receive the canadian Funds from Sweden....So the information is above and please include the Test Question. Keep me informed and have a nice day. Stacey The test question is telling in a funny way: Your name isn't Stacey Aaliyah Jean or Dr. Elizabeth, any more than mine is Charles M. Amosse. After re-reading some of the emails that were sent to me, I still find it amazing that anyone would buy this crap; there are too many inconsistencies and clues to list that this screams scam, not the least of which a French model studying medicine in Nigeria who's coming to Canada to do a fashion shoot, sponsored by a doctor who's English is more colloquial than a teenager's. A fool and his money would part ways handsomely in this case. I didn't bother to respond to this email. I'm on a road trip, remember? Nov 30 06 01:30 pm Link But did you get the check yet? Nov 30 06 01:35 pm Link haha I can't wait for more of this!!! Nov 30 06 01:43 pm Link Greg Kolack wrote: Not yet... Nov 30 06 01:49 pm Link You guys have too much free time on your hands! Nov 30 06 01:50 pm Link PPRO Analyst wrote: I wish that were the case. I'm uploading image files to my server, which is slow as hell, so here I wait... Nov 30 06 02:10 pm Link |
