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.
I got a text a few days ago from a scammer, I was expecting someone to text or call me about a freelance gig so at first I thought it was the person but it wasn’t. It was from this guy named Paul Wade, I just went along with it because why not. Scammers get to scam us so why can we scam them and I was also interested in seeing what these new scam emails look like because I haven’t gotten one in a long time. I created an invoice for him and then I get a text from him this morning saying “I just got in touch with the project consultant few mins back but am having a little issue with him concerning out contract agreement.” I went along with what he was saying and asked what the concerns are so I get a reply back “I’d sign the agreement to make cash or bank deposit to him for his payment but due to my present condition i was diagnosed with lung cancer and will undergo a surgery soon so I’m limited and I won’t be able to do that. Kindly send me an invoice of $4,200 in which $100 will be your upfront payment for the job and $4,000 you will help me forward to the project consultant so he can release the raw files for the catalog to you. You can keep $100 for yourself. Once I make the payment and you have the funds in your possession then you can help me forward to him.” while I was reading that I couldn’t help but laugh, could you make it anymore obvious that you’re a scammer?
I got one of these emails and emailed them back. Now I got a text message. I hopefully can’t get into trouble because they have my contact info?
OMG! I got this yesterday and couldn’t find one piece of information on this person anywhere. However, I did find a LinkedIn profile for a man with the same name. Coincidence!
I kept pumping for information like street address, what the business was etc. I don’t pay for hosting. The client buys the hosting. I was asked to take it on to the invoice.
I am SO GLAD I found this article!!! Beware of Augustus Green IV. All the emails were basically the same as described in this article. What a waste of time. I knew this didn’t feel right.
Thanks for posting this. Just got the same kind of request from John Bay, and after a couple of email interchanges, started to smell a rat, especially when he asked me to add $6,000 to my initial quote for the “Project Consultant”. Here’s part of the interchange:
Thanks. I want you to know that this is the first time I will be doing a Logo design so I can only give you little details then you can decide on designs but I want the color to consist of Black and Gold with an image of an ancient chair. I want a very mature and presentable design and my budget for this project is $2000-3000 i saw your ads through online i was checking online for a Logo design and peoples comment concerning your work as been very impressive so i choose you for the job.
For the Brochure, I want a double folded A4 size brochure with 8 pages and I can only supply the text content and 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 23rd of October 2019.The company name is JOFISH FURNITURE INC and is based on importing and exporting of furnitures.
Thats all i can provide from my end and i hope you understand what i listed above i need a more perfect Job.Kindly let me know the total cost of the Brochure and Logo Design if it’ll cost more than I budgeted.
NOTE: My website is still under construction and will be completed soon.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS AND PROCEDURE OF THE JOB:
1) Company Name: JOFISH FURNITURE
2) MY WEBSITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION WHICH WOULD BE REGISTER VERY SOON
3) I DON’T HAVE LOGO BUT NEED A CUSTOMIZED LOGO FROM YOU
4) I COULD ONLY SUPPLY THE TEXT CONTENT AND PHOTO ALL ARE
WITH MY PROJECT CONSULTANT BUT THE ARTWORK WILL BE DESIGNED BY YOU
That all i can provide from my means and i hope you understand what i listed above i need more perfect Job. If you can handle this for me you will be my permanent graphics designer and i will meet you in person after this design is done, due to my trip to get some stuff for my company.
I would be very happy to hear from you on time.
Thank you
Ceo/President
JO=FISH FURNITURE
Sent from iCloud
I informed him of my potential fees and working process, especially needing to meet with a client at the outset of a project, to which he replied:
Thanks for your quick response im recuperating from a lung cancer and im still in the hospital thats thw main reason we cant meet right now I want you to add $6000 to the estimate this will be for the Project Consultant which will be sending you the content of the brochure such as images and text. The Consultant as taking the photograph of the images which is in 300dpi resolution and the text as been proofread. I will be in charge of 5% Credit Card Charges and Tax.get back to me with the name of your card card reader processor and your cell phone number to text you my card details to charge.
Thanks for this. I received this exact email and had concerns especially after responding and reading the same reply above. I’ll file it in the trash now!
Oh my gosh, I’m so glad I found this post with all the comments. I had exchanged several emails, and I was excited to have a project underway for Richard Smith, for a “Dreams Home Furniture” brochure and logo. I set up intuit quickbooks and everything, and then I got the weird request for extra money to pay the consultant. Dang. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is!
They can come at you with so many different names and stuff. Here’s the one who just tried with me.
Begin email copy:
————————————-
Email from “Green Richard”
Hello this Richard. I’ll like to know if I got the right contact to a graphic designer. I need help with catalogue and logo design. Let me know if you can handle so I can send you details for the job?
(( Notice the terrible writing/english. If you can’t tell right off, try reading it aloud. I emailed back minus any info cause I wanted to see what he would say. ))
Email to “Green Richard”
Please send me details so we can discuss.
Email from “Green Richard”
Can I have your name and cellphone nbr. Thanks.
(( Okay, really. How are you contacting me if you don’t at least know my name? And also, the fact that my name is in my email address? Pffft. ))
Email to “Green Richard”
Out of curiosity, how did you find me?
Email from “Green Richard”
Here are the details, it’s a newly established company. Do drop your cellphone number so we can discuss better.
This company is really based on sales of furniture such as Kitchen Cabinet, Sofa, Office Chair, Accent tables, King bench bed etc.
Ø Company Name: LIVING WOOD FURNITURE & HOME.
Ø MY WEBSITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION WHICH WOULD BE REGISTER VERY SOON.
Ø I DON’T HAVE LOGO BUT NEED A CUSTOMIZED LOGO FROM YOU.
Ø I COULD ONLY SUPPLY THE TEXT CONTENT AND PHOTO ALL ARE WITH THE PROJECT CONSULTANT YOU WILL JUST HANDLE THE LAYOUT.
Ø 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.
Ø THE SIZE OF BROCHURE SHOULD BE 8.5 X 11.5.
Thanks
Email to “Green Richard”
Thanks for the attempted scam, but I already know what you are and am forwarding this email to the proper authorities. Please don’t contact me again.
————————————-
End email copy.
I love how he “ignored” my fishing for information. I especially love how he never signed any of the emails or provided any pertinent contact info even though he wanted me to “work” with him. Also, notably his email and name having nothing similar to them. . . which granted is possible if you are having fun with it, but that’s not the case here. The email address was sbrook115 for this one. Nothing clever about that. Normally that would mean that name was S___ Brook, right?
‘Jeff Tweed’ just texted me from 832-304-9582 at 11:08 AM
“Good morning, I will like to know if you offer design service. Please let me know. Jeff Tweed”
I got that one too!! I was thinking this is a scam so I did a quick google search and sure enough…
I got it too good this I am smart af and looked into this. He hasn’t hit me with anything scammy yet but I don’t even advertise my business is all referrals so I knew something was off!
Thanks for the heads up on this!
I got it via text message (quite aggressive with text messages, btw). recently.
I asked them to email their details and recognized it was the agriculture website scam.
I texted them back about their inconsistencies.
Haven’t heard nothing back since.
Mr Tweed is still at it –
Jeff Tweed
11:01 AM (1 hour ago)
to patti
Great day, how are you?
I will like to know if you offer design service. Please let me know.
Another one here from: Stephen Fisher – stephenfisher198777@gmail.com
Subject line was: graphics design needed
Got an email from this one too! Poorly written emails, very little detail, avoiding subject when I state my starting fees. Glad to have found this site even though I suspect it was a scam (or would be an annoying project) from the start!
I got the Stephen fisher email. Glad I checked if it was a scam. What’s wrong with these people??!!! Dont they have anything better to do then to prey on people looking for work?!! So mean!!!
First and foremost thank you for having a website like this!! I got the same email/TEXT!! Paul Richard from VEEHAUS…SAME old crap email like above…I won’t bore you with it but furniture company looking for catalog, etc..wants an estimate ASAP. Not falling for it! THANKS TO YOU GUYS!
Joy
FORGOT to say they found me from CreativeHotlist.com!
I got the same email from a Paul Lowery from VEEHAUS. This kind of stuff makes me sooooo mad! I didn’t fall for it.
Same here:
From: Paul Huffman
Subject: Re: Logo and Catalog
Date: August 28, 2019 at 3:03:51 PM CDT
I’m based in MI but am currently in Delaware for medical purposes.
It is detailed; it’s a newly established company. Do drop your cell number for easy communication.
The company is really based on sales of furniture such as ottomans, desk lamps, sectional, buffets & sideboards, counter & bar stools, kitchen cabinet, sofa, office chair, accent tables, king bench bed etc.
The company name is VEEHAUS
My website is under fabrication which would be registered soon.
The full text content and all images for the catalog will be submitted to you by the project consultant you’ll just handle the layout.
The brochure should be 24 in pages (including front and back cover) because i have lot information, approved and crosscheck text and images.
The size of brochure should be 8.5 x 11.5.
I’ll want you to add to add my mission, value, vision, etc to the catalog, I’ll have it sent to you.
This scam is a good one. They’ll actually do a phone call with you, though the person running the VEEHAUS scam has an accent that makes him impossible to understand. I’ve seen variations of the scam for years at this point, but the VEEHAUS variant is a new one, and I got a fair bit of the way through the process before realizing.
My email came from Paul Lowery, glowerypaul@gmail.com, and they called me (Google Voice wouldn’t allow me to call out to this number) from (508) 928-7804.
They found me via Google, I think, though I’ve received the Agro Nut email dozens of times both by email and through Angie’s List.
Here’s the full text of the first substantial email I received:
—
It is detailed; it’s a newly established company. Do drop your cell number for easy communication.
The company is really based on sales of furniture such as ottomans, desk lamps, sectional, buffets & sideboards, counter & bar stools, kitchen cabinet, sofa, office chair, accent tables, king bench bed etc.
The company name is VEEHAUS
My website is under fabrication which would be registered soon.
The full text content and all images for the catalog will be submitted to you by the project consultant you’ll just handle the layout.
The brochure should be 24 in pages (including front and back cover) because i have lot information, approved and crosscheck text and images.
The size of brochure should be 8.5 x 11.5.
I’ll want you to add to add my mission, value, vision, etc to the catalog, I’ll have it sent to you.
Same email from gwademark@gmail.com
New name and page count:
Here’s what I’m looking to have done.
it’s a newly established company. Do drop your cell number so we can discuss better.
The company is really based on sales of furniture such as Ottomans, Desk lamps, Sectional, Buffets & Sideboards, Counter & Bar Stools, Kitchen Cabinet, Sofa, Office Chair, Accent tables, King bench bed, etc.
The company name is “Adornium”
My Website Is Under Fabrication Which Would Be Registered Soon.
The Full-Text Content And All Images For The Catalog Will Be Submitted To You By The Project Consultant You’ll Just Handle The Layout.
The Brochure Should Be 44 Pages (Including Front And Back Cover) Because I Have Lot Information, Approved And Crosscheck Text And Images.
The Size Of Brochure Should Be 8.5 x 11.
I’ll want you to add to my mission, value, vision, etc to the catalog, I’ll have it sent to you.
I got this via a contact form on my website:
Your Name: Edwards Mark
Your Email: edwardmark1505@gmail.com
Subject: 4444444444
Your message: Greetings!!! My name is Edwards Mark, i would like to know if you can handle a website design for my company and hope you accept credit card as a form of payment? Thanks
After I replied:
Thanks for your response, Here’s the job details of what i need: I have a small clothing business for unisex, now am trying to expand the business and i want you to build an informational website for it for advertisement. I need you to checkout this site but I need something more perfect than this if possible, http://www.shopwillowlax.com/. The site would only be informative, So i need you to get back to me with an estimate for the website project, The estimate should include hosting and i want the site to have not more than 6pages since it is informational. I have a private designer that has the text content,copy,images and logo files for the site.
Note: (1) I want only English language (2) I don’t have a domain yet but i want the domain name as (edwardsmarkclothing.com) (3)You will be the one to update the site for me. (4) I will be providing the images,logos and content for the website. (5) I want the site up and running within 5-6month. (6) My budget is $5,000 to $9,500… Kindly get back to me with: (an estimate), (Cellphone Number) and i’ll like to know if you are the owner?
Cheers,
Mark.
Spidey senses said SCAM, google brought me here – thanks for posting this
I got this today, thanks for this website I found it right away
name:
Edwards Mark
_replyto:
edwardmark1505@gmail.com
company:
Edwards_Consulting Inc.
number:
4444444444
message:
Greetings!!! My name is Edwards Mark, i would like to know if you can handle a website design for my company and hope you accept credit card as a form of payment? Thanks
They are still at this one, and wished I googled this scam before I gave 1 of them my cell number. I received 2 of these in the last 4 days, and they are basically word for word versions of the Veehaus and Solid Rock emails, they were both furniture companies looking for logo, brochure and catalog design.
The emails I received were from Peter Grey (petergrey155@gmail.com) from DREAMS HOME FURNITURE and Stephen Fisher (stephenfisher198777@gmail.com) from SFISHER FURNITURE Inc.
Sherbet!!!! I knew something was “fishy” when I saw this email – excuse the pun ‘Stephen Fisher’ – LOL, I did reply but then it didn’t feel right so I googled his email address and this came up – Doh!!! What can these scammers do? I haven’t given any details that they could use against me…
I”m in the middle of this right now!! Early last week, I received an email from the same Peter Grey address looking for a logo & catalog for the same furniture company! It was set up as the perfect print job for me & his budget fit. He was going to make a deposit from his credit card but supposedly can’t use standard merchants like PayPal, Square, etc. and all I know is his card is an international one. …ugh…I”m glad I found this discussion thread.
I am just posting this here as well. They are still at it. I thought a lot of it sounded really odd. Very vague on details for sure and the weird email address really raised a red flag for me.
Hi,
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 REGISTER 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″ – 24 Page 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.
Best Regards
Michael Hope
officee9437@gmail.com
Same SCAM email but from a Robert Thomas, thomasrrobert001@gmail.com
I’m Annie with Galactic Xpress LLC. I got the same thing!!! I thought that guy quit responding because he got the Vid or that I did something wrong… I wrote a contract, made mock-ups and now I feel like a damn fool.
Glad I goggle it I was text msg contact by Alex Wenzel, phone (832)304-9582, alexwenzel15@gmail.com, this was the emAil details:
Here’s what I’m looking to have done.
it’s a newly established company.
The company is really based on sales of furniture such as Ottomans, Desk lamps, Sectional, Buffets & Sideboards, Counter & Bar Stools, Kitchen Cabinet, Sofa, Office Chair, Accent tables, King bench bed etc.
The company name is VEEHAUS
My Website Is Under Fabrication Which Would Be Registered Soon.
The Full Text Content And All Images For The Catalog Will Be Submitted To You By The Project Consultant You’ll Just Handle The Layout.
The Brochure Should Be 46 Pages (Including Front And Back Cover) Because I Have Lot Information, Approved And Crosscheck Text And Images.
The Size Of Brochure Should Be 8.5 x 11.
I’ll want you to add to add my mission, value, vision, etc to the catalog, I’ll have it sent to you.
I just received this exact message (email address: gwademark@gmail.com) from “Mark wade. Thanks to all for posting this!
– Jesse
Received the same one! Thank you for sharing this information!!
From Jeff Tweed jefftweed88@gmail.com
it’s a newly established company. Do drop your cell number for easy communication.
The company is really based on sales of furniture such as Ottomans, Desk lamps, Sectional, Buffets & Sideboards, Counter & Bar Stools, Kitchen Cabinet, Sofa, Office Chair, Accent tables, King bench bed etc.
The company name is VEEHAUS
My Website Is Under Fabrication Which Would Be Registered Soon.
The Full Text Content And All Images For The Catalog Will Be Submitted To You By The Project Consultant You’ll Just Handle The Layout.
The Brochure Should Be 46 Pages (Including Front And Back Cover) Because I Have Lot Information, Approved And Crosscheck Text And Images.
The Size Of Brochure Should Be 8.5 x 11.
I’ll want you to add to add my mission, value, vision, etc to the catalog, I’ll have it sent to you.
Thank you for sharing this information!!
This is crazy!
THANK YOU AMY and Jessica and all for posting this!
I received a text from “Jeff Tweed” (832) 304-9582 (same as Jessica) today running along the same lines. Then an email from jefftweed88@gmail.com saying:
“Here’s what I’m looking to have done.
it’s a newly established company.
The company is really based on sales of furniture such as Ottomans, Desk lamps, Sectional, Buffets & Sideboards, Counter & Bar Stools, Kitchen Cabinet, Sofa, Office Chair, Accent tables, King bench bed etc.
The company name is VEEHAUS
My Website Is Under Fabrication Which Would Be Registered Soon.
The Full Text Content And All Images For The Catalog Will Be Submitted To You By The Project Consultant You’ll Just Handle The Layout.
The Brochure Should Be 46 Pages (Including Front And Back Cover) Because I Have Lot Information, Approved And Crosscheck Text And Images.
The Size Of Brochure Should Be 8.5 x 11.
I’ll want you to add to add my mission, value, vision, etc to the catalog, I’ll have it sent to you.”
I WISH THERE WAS A WAY TO CONTACT LAW ENFORCEMENT ABOUT THIS!!!!!
THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS STUFF! I just received an email inquiry from jefftweed88@gmail.com.
I answered him, and as I am waiting for his reply, I thought I would look it up….and these posts came up.
Now I know what to do! Not this time buddy!
Thank you for this!! I was contacted by Alex Wenzel, alexwenzel15@gmail.com, like a few others here. So glad I Googled him!!
KM, I just received the same one…
Them: I’m Paul. I’ll like to know if you offer design services, do let me know.
Me: Yes, It’s what I do!
Them: I need help with catalog and logo design, can you do that?
Yup, I do both. You can take a look at my website here: *** How did you hear of me?
Them: I was searching for a graphic designer and I came across your name.
It is detailed; it’s a newly established company. Do drop your cell number for easy communication.The company name is VEEHAUS. (etc, etc)
My emails include a signature with my business landline. I directed Paul to that number but he kept asking for my cell number.
Shortly thereafter I googled “veehaus” and came upon this page here!
Thanks for the heads up!
Greg
Got a new one today from Edwards Mark: edwardmark1505@gmail.com
Greetings!!! My name is Edwards Mark, i would like to know if you can handle a website design for my company and hope you accept credit card as a form of payment? Thanks
Yup. Old Edwards Mark (or Mark, Edward, very sloppy) just emailed me too. A few red flags: his budget was way too high for what he needed, especially since he claimed to be providing all content, and he wouldn’t give me his phone number. And he wants to build an informational site (no commerce) for a new clothing company. Do your homework – never take a new client without speaking to them.
Hey Amy, thanks for reporting this. I received the exact same message word for word from “Edwards Mark” via my agency’s Contact Us form:
Comment: “Greetings!!! My name is Edwards Mark, i would like to know if you can handle a website design for my company and hope you accept credit card as a form of payment? Thanks”
Company Name: “Edwards_Consulting Inc.”
I just received the same one from Michael hopes!
Email: officee9437@gmail.com
And her asked for a logo and a brochure. Same as all of the above!
I always say I only accept PayPal payments, usually that makes them stop emailing or get mad. Lol
Just got a phone call this morning and email from Richard Davies. richarddavies073@gmail.com
Looks like the same scam.
“Thank you for your respond I have a small clothing business for female which i run here in Deleware, DE now am trying to expand the business and i want you to build an e-commerce & informational website for it for advertisement and to increase my sales rate.
I need you to checkout this site but i need something more perfect than this if possible,http://www.missrebel.co.uk.
The site would be e-commerce and informational, so i need you to get back to me with an estimate for the web design, the estimate should include hosting and i want the site to have not more than 8 pages since it is informational.i have a private project graphic designer,he has the text content, images and the logos for the site.
Note:
1. I want only English language
2. I don’t have a domain yet but i want the domain name as R&Drwears.com, R.drwears.com or Richardsontwears.com
3.You will be updating the site for me
4. I will be proving the images,logos and content for the site.
5. I want the site up and running before ending of August.
6. My budget is $2000 to $8000 Kindly get back to me with:
(1) an estimate
(2) I will like to know if you are the owner ??
BUSINESS NAME ; RDSON Wears
Thank you.”
David Trotter – BlueDot Agency – https://bluedotcreatives.com/
Just got one too! Actually two different “furniture companies” looking for catalog.brochure design and logo design.
First is Kelly Steinfeld –302-212-0267
Second is John Bay – johnbay1983@icloud.com
The companies were Veehaus Furniture and Jobay furniture.
Then broken english is a giveaway and they asked for me to start a quickbooks account. I said I only accept check or venmo. They said they couldn’t do either b/c they were both very ill in a hospital in Delaware. Hope no one falls for this BS!
Wow. Thanks so much for posting! I got a similar text, asking if I do graphic design. The person didn’t introduce himself (red flag), I had to ask who it was and how they got my info for him to say he found me on Creative Hotlist–which I am a member of (and this made me think perhaps he was legit). Then we started communicating over email (random Gmail address–red flag); I sent an estimate for brand identity development and for a 48 page catalog (he mentioned a “project consultant”–what does this title even mean??? red flag). Then he sent a text (not my preferred form of professional communication at all, but maybe he’s a millennial, lol) saying he is in the hospital and will approve later (red flag); in response to my options for ways to pay, he responded he can only do credit card because he “has issues with his bank”–huge red flag. I’ve already decided I’m not comfortable with this, and probably shouldn’t break my “code” of not taking in startups, and then I decided to do some research and found this! So, thanks again! BTW his company name for this attempt is VEEHAUS (yes, all caps…).
I wasted my time dealing with this guy too.
He asked me if I can make new merchant account with intuit instead of Paypal I am using. Sounds fish, so I researched it and found out he didn’t even purchased a domain name for his “veehous.com” online store and the address he gave me is not even his house. I looked up on property. His phone number and address he gave me was Indiana, but he’s in hospital in Delaware right now. Ha!
Thanks for posting – I run a couple of small websites (friends and family mainly) and I just had a phone call asking me if I take credit cards to pay invoices or if its just bank transfers. I asked who this was for – he replied in an Asian accent, “I am calling on behalf of Michael O’Connor” (turns out that’s a Furniture Store – so a common theme). When I said I dont take credit cards he hung up.
Augusta Green IV
halalx19@gmail.com
“Thanks for your responds, below is my project details,
Here is the job details I have small scale business which i want to turn into large scale business now it located in Minnesota and the company is based on importing and exporting of Sport wears such as running jacket, jersey,dance wear,socks, boots etc for both adult youth ladies and girls so i need a best of the best layout design for it. Can you handle that for me ? The site would only be informational, so i need you to give me an estimate based on my want below, the estimate should include hosting and i have a private project consultant, he has the text content and the logos for the site.
WHAT I WANT-
I need a very simple informational website that shows the products that I sell.
(4 main pages)
HOME PAGE
ABOUT US
OUR PRODUCTS (gallery) – about 25 products for now and adding 5-10 new products every month. I want the product to be classified into 4 pages , which are
Male : Adult and children , Female : Adult and children. so that the customers can get full details.
CONTACT US – with a form to fill out so that they can get in contact with me.
Domain Name i want- “augustactivewear.com” or anything along that line.
TIMELINE- this should go “live” in 3 months.
Note:
1. I want only English language
2. You will be updating the site for me.
3. I will be proving the images, logos and content for the site.
4. I want the site up and running before ending of next two month.
5. My budget is $1000 to $6000
6. No shopping ability
7. The site will be mobile friendly
8. I don’t want sitemap
9. I have 25 product to be on it.
Kindly get back to me with:
(1) an estimate
(2) your cell phone number
(3) And will like to know if you are the owner ??
(4) Do you accept credit cards as payment
Regards,”
I got this today… I think I handled it pretty well. Even though I shouldn’t make the claim I did, I didn’t care. This guy’s a POS. Conversation starts with him and each paragraph switches between our replies.
Good Day, my name is David, do you do architectural drawing proposed new buildings?
Yes, David, that is what we do.
Good, I got your number on houzz.com, I will like to have a design for 4 bedroom, 2 storey all suit with two living rooms, royal master suite, playroom, kitchen, kitchenette, laundry room, with garage suitable 3 cars. I want you to know that I am indeed opened to your suggestions. Let me know if i can send the address. Thank you.
Sure.
Here is the address: 7106 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210, 4456sq ft. I wish to start by January 2020 and spend 12-14 months, I budgeted $500,000 to $1,000,000. I wish I can meet you but I’m with my wife who is recuperating in the teaching hospital and I’m always by her side confined her to a wheel chair, not too worry, I will be paying deposit before you start. How soon can I get a proposal?
Oh we can start anytime…
Thanks, I will like to you have a proposed plan send to my email: david243salome@pm.me my Full name is Garcia S. David, please confirm if you can handle the design and am sure I should be around before you done with the design, as soon as my wife is feeling better you should see me at your door step. My surveyor agent have all necessary document needed, i can confirm if his available to meet regarding survey of the property and any other document needed. I also want you to know that whatever document you need from me is going to be provided to you by my Quantity Surveyor Agent, i will be looking forward to have the total estimates of your cost and how much do you charge for retainer fees.
The fees on a project like this will run around $18,000
Okay that is not a problem, what payment merchant provider are you using, because my card won’t work on Square, PayPal, Venmo. Because they debit me twice before so I have to tell my bank to stop it from working on those merchant. Thank you
Flagship is our provider.
Okay I understand you, but can you setup with quickbooks to accept ACH, bank transfer and check online. It easy, safe, secure and it help your business in nearest future. Here is there website: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/payments/
No, we are not interested in changing our payment program.
Hello, David?
Hey but David, let me share this… You’ll love this. My day job is as a special analysis operator for the Federal Bureau of Investigations for the state of South Carolina. My department works hand in hand with South Carolina state government and South Carolina Law Enforcement Detectives (SLED, SCE&G, and SCANA) and specializes in targeting fraud. You picked the wrong person to try your scam with, brother. Watch behind your back, we are watching! Boo! Now, FUCK OFF!
I can only pay via quickbooks
Did you not understand what I just told you?
.
Back to me: So this was a solicitation through HOUZZ.com where I advertise my home design and home building business. I’ve received one before but didn’t know what it was, and the guy never responded. Both requests for service were in areas where NO ONE would build anything but a gun proof shelter; Ever seen Live PD filmed in Columbia, SC? Yeah, both properties were in the area that is “glamorized” on Live PD for Columbia… it’s a special part of Columbia. SCANA was the now bankrupt electric power provider in town who owned SCE&G the power company so, that was my little twist just to make it sound juicy. I’m sure this fell on deaf ears. But I wanted to share and, sorry to the person I commented under, I didn’t see anywhere I could add a regular comment. Be safe, folks. Scams are everywhere.
We got the same one except the guy is mute. Lol. Name changed too. What are the chances there are so many guys building houses with wives in teaching hospitals who are wheelchair bound out of state?
Wow Augusta Green!
I got that one again I wish I looked him up.
I already wrote a proposal and everything.
His email – gusgrn1@gmail.com