Have you gotten an inquiry that looks like this:
Hello I am James Tobby and i am hearing impaired i need to know if you can handle website design for a new company and i also need to know if you accept credit cards as form of payment ?
I have been getting these with increasing frequency. The name always changes, but the content in the first message is always the same. First, they make sure you know they are hearing-impaired and then want to know if you accept credit cards.
When I got the first one of these, I responded with my typical questions and then the next email from them looks something like this:
Here is the job details
I have small scale business which i want to turn into large scale business now and the company is based on importing and exporting of Agriculture products such as Kola Nut, Gacillia Nut and Cocoa so i need a best of the best layout design for it. Can you handle that for me ?. so i need you to check out this site but i need something more perfect than this if its possible. the site would only be informational, so i need you to give me an estimate based on the site i gave you to check out, the estimate should include hosting and i want the same page as the site i gave you to check out and i have a private project consultant, he has the text content and the logos for the site.
Note:
1. I want the same number of pages with the example site i gave you to check excluding videos and blogs.
2. I want only English language
3. I don’t have a domain yet but i want the domain name as rootsnherbs.com
4. you will be updating the site for me.
5. i will be providing the images, logos and content for the site.
6. i want the site up and running before ending of next month.
7. My budget is $4000 to $8000
Kindly get back to me with an estimate asap
This almost seems legit, right. There’s information on what they want, a budget, etc. But not so fast. If you continue to do exchanges with this person, and even go so far as to send a proposal, they will request something odd. Wouldn’t you know that their “project consultant” doesn’t take credit cards? And since you do, they’d like you to charge the full amount to the credit card, then send a payment to their project manager.
Now it’s starting to sound fishy.
There are a lot of people who may not have heard about it, and may think that a great website project just fell into their lap. The reason they claim to be hearing-impaired is so they don’t have to talk to you on the phone, because either they are not good enough actors or else they have thick accents they don’t want you to hear.
What happens if you agree? Well, you charge the card. It goes through, no problem. You send the payment and they cash it. Then you never hear from them again. Who you DO hear from is the credit card company about the fraudulent charge.
And if you take credit cards but haven’t experienced this, if someone calls their credit card company and claims your charge is fraudulent, they take the money right out of your bank account, with very little notice, I might add.
And if you actually sent a check to that person, not only do you lose the original deposit, but you lose the money you sent to their “project consultant” as well.
That’s when you are really in trouble.
I keep getting these messages, almost weekly now, and I can only assume that it’s working and that’s why they keep sending them. This is my warning. Never agree to send money to another contractor on your client’s behalf. This will never end well.
And to these scammers, please STOP.
Amy Masson
Amy is the co-owner, developer, and website strategist for Sumy Designs. She's been making websites with WordPress since 2006 and is passionate about making sure websites are as functional as they are beautiful.
Seems even replying to them about their problems with reputation isn’t registering. This is the same email Eduardo Silva reported on August 11, 2022, and 2 more people said they got from David Hope.
Sender: Elizabeth Hope
January 6, 2025 message:
Sorry for the slow response. As I’m currently out of the State. Here abroad in Ottawa,Canada on hearing impaired treatment and surgery. Here are the details: it’s a newly established company.
This company is really based on sales of furniture such as Kitchen Cabinet, Sofa, Office Chair, Accent tables, King bench bed etc.
1) Company Name: SOLID ROCK FURNITURE & HOME.
2) MY WEBSITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION WHICH WOULD BE REGISTERED VERY SOON.
3) I DON’T HAVE LOGO BUT NEED A CUSTOMIZED LOGO FROM YOU.
4) THE TEXT CONTENT AND PHOTO ALL ARE WITH THE PROJECT CONSULTANT YOU WILL JUST HANDLE THE LAYOUT.
5) I WANT THE PAGE OF THE BROCHURE TO BE 24 PAGES (INCLUDING FRONT AND BACK COVER) BECAUSE I HAVE LOT INFORMATION. THE TEXT AND THE PICTURE IS APPROVED AND CROSSCHECK.
6) THE SIZE OF BROCHURE SHOULD BE ( 8.5″ X 11″ – Bi-fold Booklet)
7) I WILL WANT YOU TO ADD OUR CORE VALUES, MISSION & VISION( I’LL SEND THEM TO YOU)
8) WITH YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE I WILL LIKE YOU WORK WITH YOUR SUGGESTIONS BY GIVING YOUR BEST.
I will be sending over more info for the project with that, with that you’ll have a better idea of my Brand. What do you think
=================
So I looked up the business and found – https://solidrockchurchfurniture.com/furniture-products/church-furniture-store-ohio/
Website Built by MakeItLound.Net – hope they got paid. From the looks of what I found I’d say someone is spoofing, claiming a name and need.
I’m going to report the email as spam, since a search for it lead me to the comments in your blog post.
Just received a request December 24, 2024.
It reads:
“How you doing, have i got the right contact for a Graphics designer or Web designer”
The name on the email is Elizabeth Hope.
Thanks for posting this tyrhead. I got an identical email from Elizabeth Hope (officee9317@gmail.com) wanting a logo designed and 24 page brochure.
In my gut I felt it was a scam but sent a proposal anyway. I made it about 2 times my normal rate.
She accepted it, used a digital signature on the pdf.
I sent her an email invoice for the retainer so she could use her credit card.
I hope I don’t hear from her again. I am scared at this point.
How can we put a STOP to this madness??
She’s contacted me…
“Are you the manager/owner? I was searching for a Graphics designer and came across your name. I needed help with Logo design and Brochure layout for my newly established brand.
I’ll not be present to meet for discussion at the moment due to my present hearing impaired (deafened) condition here at the hospital, would it be possible for us to work together ?”
My response asks if she’s contacted you regarding paying for the brochure and logo provided.
I have got the same, the company called “Ali Brian Perks Cornerstone search company” they asked me to remove background of about 160 images and create 12 logos and one wedding card design, after completing the job, they asked me for a bank account, then they transfer the money to an agent, the agent ask me to pay a fee of $80 before transferring, they show a receipt of the process and it shows that the process is on hold for the fees to be paid by me
I did not pay and the agent after convincing me to pay what ever I can pay
I received this today, 13th September 2024.
Looks almost similar to what Marvin received. Only name and price are different.
So the sender’s name is David Lester.
Here is the copy in the email:
” Thanks. I only have little details then you can decide on Designs but I want the color to consist of Red and Gold with an image of an ancient chair. I want a very mature and presentable Graphic design and my budget for this project is $2800 – $3200
For the Brochure Design, I want a double folded A3 size brochure with 24 – 48 pages and I can only supply the TEXT CONTENT & PHOTOS but all are with my project consultant, but the logo and brochure will be designed by you and the due date for the project is 20th of NEXT MONTH 2024. The company name is ROSE GREGORY FURNITURE INC and is based on importing and exporting of furniture.
That is all i can provide from my end and I need a more perfect and Creative job. Kindly let me know the total cost of the Brochure and Logo Design if it will cost more than I budgeted.”
hi, ramona.
i just got with the same email.
check this out :
“Thanks. I only have little details then you can decide on Designs but I want the color to consist of Red and Gold with an image of an ancient chair. I want a very mature and presentable Graphic design and my budget for this project is $1500 – $1700
For the Brochure Design, I want a double folded A3 size brochure with 24 – 48 pages and I can only supply the TEXT CONTENT & PHOTOS but all are with my project consultant, but the logo and brochure will be designed by you and the due date for the project is 20th of NEXT MONTH 2024. The company name is ROSE GREGORY FURNITURE INC and is based on importing and exporting of furniture.
That is all i can provide from my end and I need a more perfect and Creative job. Kindly let me know the total cost of the Brochure and Logo Design if it will cost more than I budgeted.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS AND PROCEDURE OF THE JOB:
1) MY WEBSITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION WHICH WOULD BE REGISTER VERY SOON
2) I DON’T HAVE LOGO BUT NEED A CUSTOMIZED LOGO FROM YOU
3) I COULD ONLY SUPPLY THE TEXT CONTENT AND PHOTO AND ALL ARE WITH MY PROJECT CONSULTANT, BUT THE ARTWORK WILL BE DESIGNED BY YOU
I will be glad if you can handle this for me and I will meet you in person after this design is done.
MY BUDGET IS BETWEEN $1500 – $1700
Read all my details carefully and get back to me with your total estimate cost for the project so that we can proceed further asap because of the time factors. I HOPE I’M CLEARED?
Thank you and regards!
–
–
first think i was happy for this job, but i need some certainty so i searching and i see your story was very same email with me.
i was curious what kind a scam they will do ?
Thank you for reaching out!
I have an Auto painting company business and I need a strictly information website to promote my business, so I need you to check out this site but I need something more perfect than this if it’s possible https://autoreconworx.com, So i need you to give me an estimate based on the site i gave you to check out, the estimate should include hosting i want the same page as the site i gave you to check out and I have a graphic designer, he has the text content and the logos including the social media account for the site.
Note:
1. I want the same number of pages with the example site I gave you to check.
2. I don’t have a domain yet but I want you to purchase a domain name as http://www.Lambertcollision.com or http://www.Lambertcollision.tech
3. I want you to handle updating and maintenance of the site for me.
4. I will be providing the images, logos and content for the site.
So you are looking about 8 pages site with the following pages:
Home
About
Collision
Detailing
Mechanical Service
Reconditioning
Dealerships
Contact
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
Kenneth Lambert
Lambert Collision Service
kennethwardlambert@gmail.com
I received the same message today! Scam!
I got this email today
Good morning Alan,
Thank you for reaching out!
I have an Auto painting company business and I need a strictly information website to promote my business, so I need you to check out this site but I need something more perfect than this if it’s possible https://autoreconworx.com, So i need you to give me an estimate based on the site i gave you to check out, the estimate should include hosting i want the same page as the site i gave you to check out and I have a graphic designer, he has the text content and the logos including the social media account for the site.
Note:
1. I want the same number of pages with the example site I gave you to check.
2. I don’t have a domain yet but I want you to purchase a domain name as http://www.Lambertcollision.com or http://www.Lambertcollision.tech
3. I want you to handle updating and maintenance of the site for me.
4. I will be providing the images, logos and content for the site.
So you are looking about 8 pages site with the following pages:
Home
About
Collision
Detailing
Mechanical Service
Reconditioning
Dealerships
Contact
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
Kenneth Lambert
Lambert Collision Service
Call/Text 904) 321-9076
When I searched this number on Google, I found a webpage associated with it. I called the number and spoke to a man with an African accent who was attempting to scam. Thank you all for providing these details.
Our agency also got an email from this guy who used the BluesAutoPainting website request along with a copy of the same text here. and a phone number that matches.
He’s not our typical customer in that he has no questions, and when I got him on a call, he didn’t sound very comfortable. He did not ask the questions that most people who are shopping for a website ask. He just wanted to end the call quickly and move back to email.
Knowing this was likely a scam, I told him we could only accept ACH or Wire Transfer. He kept saying he would like to pay with a check or credit card, but then he hung up the phone and sent me an email saying he could only pay by wire or credit card.
It’s best to avoid this guy; he’s up to no good. His heavy accent made him very hard to understand as well.
I googlled this number 904-321-9076 because they asked me to render event services for them. The name used us George Pendleton out of New York. It’s fishy to me so I demanded direct information from them, I need a copy of a picture Identification, the name used has to be on method of pay and payment has to be wired after my accountant attorney verify. I suspect I won’t get any of that….so we cannot go forward.
Oh look, the scam has a new script and a new name:
From: Amanda Dehaan (amanda.dehaan24@gmail.com)
To: xxxxx
Thu, Mar 28 at 2:20 PM
Hello,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Amanda, my husband came across your profile on the Behance website and recommended contacting you. We are reaching out because we are in need of a skilled Graphic Designer for our upcoming Wedding Anniversary invitation card.
Could you please let us know if you are available? We would love to discuss how to proceed with this project.
Looking forward to your response.
Thank you and regards.
Of course. It’s now AI powered.
I received the same type of email except they created an appointment. However, they asked me to call tomorrow even though they made an appointment and I don’t respect people who do that and was going to cancel the appointment anyway. So I find your site right away when looking up his phone number.
————–
Email #1
Hi. How are you doing today? I need a new web design for my business, I hope you are taking a new client at this moment? Email me back when you can so that i can email you with more details about what I need you to get done , I’ll look forward to hear from you if you can help me with the new website
Thank You
—————
Email #2
Thank you for getting back to us, We are located here in Florida, I don’t currently have a website at the moment and my number is 904 321 9076, Here are a few details about what I need to get done!
I have an Auto Repair and painting company business, And I need a strictly information website to promote my business, so I need you to check out this site but I need something more perfect than this if it’s possible http://www.newmansautobody.com /https://www.caliber.com/ . I do not currently have any business website at the moment that’s why I want to get one, So i need you to give me an estimate based on the sample site i gave you to check out, But We offer only 5 services and We have just one service area at this moment but that will change in the future and the site can be updated, The estimate should include hosting, And i have a graphic designer who is currently working on the text content and the logos including the social media account for the site so i will provide you with that.
Note:
1. We offer only 5 services and have just one service area at this moment, excluding videos and blogs.
2. I want only English Language
3. I don’t have a domain yet but I want you to purchase a domain name For such as http://www.bluesAutoPainting.com or .NET or whatever you can come up with that will be suitable
4. you will be updating the site for me in the future when it’s required.
5. I will be providing the images, logos and content for the site.
– Home Page
– About Page
– 5 Service Pages (for the 5 services we offer) Car Restoration, Hail Damages Repair, Paint work or Paint Refinishing, Automotive Welding, Mechanical & Suspension work
– 1 Service Location Page
– FAQ Page
– Testimonial Page
– Contact Page
Thanks Regards.
——–
Email #3
I just booked the call, Please i will only be Available this week till next week for a phone call, Please call 904 321 9076 tomorrow if you can anytime from 9am.
Thank you for this post, Amy. I’m so happy we can support each other as a community. These scammers are getting smarter. As small business owners and freelancers, we must protect ourselves.
I received a text message yesterday inquiring about our web design services. It said all the same things that everyone else has mentioned. They wanted an email address to send a job description. I was leery that the request was a text message, so I Googled and found this thread. I had them email the “job description” to our random Gmail account. Below is what they emailed; as you see, it reads similarly, but now the business is a FARM.
Scott Ryan
8:01 AM (2 hours ago)
to me
Hi
I need you to check out this site as an example website but you’ll create something similar to this http://www.agroamerica.com
I want it to be only be informational site so i need you to give me an estimate based on the site i gave you to check out, the estimate should include hosting. I have a private project consultant, he has the text content and the logos for the site.
Note:
1. I want the same number of pages with the example site I gave you to check excluding videos and blogs.
2. I want just English language
3. I don’t have a domain yet but i want the domain name as OnlyRyanfarms.CO
4. You will be updating the site for me.
5. I have a project consultant that will be providing the images, logos and content for the site
6. My budget is $4000 to $5000
Kindly get back to me with:
(1) Total estimated cost
(2) Do you own the company
(3) Payment option
Thanks
Best Regards,
Ryan (owner).