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KellyS
Member
Joined: 14 Apr 2006
Posts: 3
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# Posted: 14 Apr 2006 12:32
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My name is Kelly S. I am a 24 year old mother of two beautiful babies. I am a military spouse and have been married for 2 and half years.
1. Our family is no different than any other American family. My husband and I are honest and law abiding citizens. Like many families, we live paycheck to paycheck, barely making ends meet and putting food on the table. Like all good parents we want to provide and give our children the best possible life.
Also like all families it takes both partners to help make a living and bring home an honest day�s pay. Most families I know have at least one partner work a second job, sometimes both.
Because we can't afford the cost of daycare, we both can�t work day jobs and when you're a military spouse the task can sometimes be difficult to achieve.
Therefore I am a work at home mother. I have my own business and I contract myself out to different companies and do Customer Service work by taking inbound calls at home. It�s not the most glamorous job, but it pays the bills and allows me time to be a mother to my children and care for the house.
I am telling you about myself because what occurred to me seems almost impossible to believe. It was by far the worst nightmare that anyone could encounter in their life.
While it is embarrassing to share the following information, it is a story that everyone should hear. I can only pray that you have never experienced what you are about to hear.
My story started at the beginning of Feb. 2006. I had opened an e-mail from a company called E-capitol or Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs. They had seen my resume on www.careerbuilders.com and said that they would like to hire me. My task or job would be simple and completely legal.
I was to cash checks that would be sent to me and wire the funds. My pay would be 10% of the amount sent to me. All additional fees such as wiring were paid for by the company. They were based out of Latvia, where they said the bank fees for depositing such sums far outweighed any costs associated with hiring me.
Well of course I had doubts, so I looked for any information relating to this being a scam. I could not find any dirt on this company.
When I received the checks I took them to my bank for deposit. I asked the clerk if the checks looked legit and explained what I was doing. She responded that the check appeared to look authentic and didn't think, to her knowledge, that I was doing anything wrong.
I was told that because the amount was so high ($8,000 Dollars) that I would not be able to cash these right away as I had planned. I was told that they would hold funds for 7 days and I could withdraw them at that time. I came back a week later and withdrew the funds (minus the $800.00, my cut) and wired the rest via Western Union.
Two days later I found out that the checks that appeared to be good were in fact fraud. My account was debited the entire amount.
Aside from my personal account, my husband and I have a joint account. The bank froze both accounts because of the high negative amount from my personal account. When my husband got paid the bank took the entire check to make good on my account. To this very day our accounts are still frozen, the bank is holding me liable for the bad checks and will not lift the restriction on our account.
During the time I was dealing with the Latvians and their wire cash scam, I had applied for a job through 1. www.homejobstop.com
VTA TECH (aka "Logic Audio") presented themselves as a New York company seeking help in their sales department. They were looking for someone to pull weekly sales reports, as well as input customer orders from their internet store front. However, in order to take part in their internet store front, I was asked to open a merchant account through Card Services International.
After I had created the account, I was supposed to send over my password so that they could properly configure it for their internet storefront. For those of you who are not familiar with Card Services International merchant account, your Banking account information is tied to the account.
After they�d completed their "configuration", I, of course, changed my password. They immediately emailed back and said they could not gain access to the account and to please send over the password. I began to feel worried about doing this. After checking out my merchant account website and making sure that no banking information was visible I went ahead and sent over the new password. After all, I had never had a job where I had a merchant account so how I was I suppose to know how this sort of thing works.
It wasn't until March 5th, when I received an e-mail subject line "payday", that I read the terms of how I was to be paid. Once again I was to wire 10% to (this time) Russia. Well of course this set off all sorts of bells in my head. I figured that I had been scammed a 2 nd time.
I pulled some of the transactions from the merchant account and found it very weird how the customers name and address was listed and no phone number was supplied. Who, in their right mind, would order something online and not put a phone number where the company could reach them?
I Googled some of the customers and was able to track down some phone numbers. I got in touch with a customer who said she had never heard of "Logic Audio" or ordered anything from them, nor had she ever received any product. Well, by this time, I was scared to death.
I immediately changed my password and called Card Service International to report that "My Store front" was a fraud. I went on to explain the whole story to the representative at Card Services International.
I was told that because everything traces back to me I could be held liable for everything from a legal stand point. It didn't help that close to 50 credit card numbers were stolen and ran through my merchant account. A total of 4000.00 dollars was waiting there for me to wire to the Russians.
After I found this out, I responded to their email letting them know that I was turning over all the information about the account and what I knew of their operation to the FBI. Card Services International is in the process of refunding those people their money, and they�ve told me that they won�t press charges against me.
The bad news is that the credit card companies could still press charges if they wanted to.
We were in pretty dire straights financially, so we applied online to consolidate some of our debts. We received a call from Beneficial Financial Services. They are a reputable company and have been around for quite sometime.
1. The name of our loan representative was a Mr. Peter Edwards. Congratulating us on our loan approval, he named a condition to the loan: Because my husband and I have no assets to secure the loan the bank was asking for the first 5 months payments. That was equal to the amount of 1402.62 dollars.
Once again it sounded a little strange and being that we had been scammed twice now already we decided to seek a second opinion. We brought the loan documents that Mr. Edwards had faxed over into Fleet Family Services. FFS is a department within the Navy that helps assist families.
They reviewed the loan documents as well as looked up more information on the bank to make sure that this was in fact a legit offer so that we wouldn't be burned again.
They thought that the documents looked OK to them but thought that it would be a good idea to run it by legal. My husband took the documents in for legal to review. They also said everything looked good.
Legal agreed that It seemed a little weird that they wanted the first 5 months of payments, but given the fact that my husband and I had no assets it made sense at the time.
So my husband proceeded with the loan. He was asked by Mr. Edwards to fax over a copy of his LES (pay stub), a copy of his Military ID card and a copy of his Driver�s License.
Mr. Edwards also went on to state that we would need to wire the first 5 months payments via Western Union to Vancouver, Canada and to send it to a Ms. Samantha Jones.
My husband asked the following questions: 1) Why am I sending this to Vancouver Canada when you are located in Hartford CT and 2) Why am I sending this to a person and not a financial Institution?
His response was that the corporate office is located in Canada and that Ms. Jones is a loan representative out in Vancouver. She was to verify the funds and then he would wire the loan directly into our account.
My husband went ahead with the loan. He wired our April's rent to these people thinking he was going to get it back. Mr. Edwards called to tell us that the wire had been verified and to give him 20 minutes and the funds would be released into our account. He asked for my checking account numbers and again told us to give him 20 minutes.
It has now been 72 hours later. I�m sure you can guess by now what happened.
Not only did they steal our rent money. They have our account information and all of my husband�s personal information: His identity, along with my account, has been stolen.
I know you are all reading this probably thinking that we are dumb. How is it we allowed for this to happen to us so many times and in less than 4 weeks? In 4 weeks we are out almost $15,000 dollars.
I don't need to say that you all are right. All you need to know is that the lesson has been learned. I am a trusting person who still wants to believe there is good in everyone.
Yes, yesterday I was a victim of fraud. Today, I am an informed person!
I want to share my story not because I believe that my family is the only couple scammed or even personal glorification -- quite the opposite, really.
I want to help inform and educate people that internet fraud and identity theft happen every day. Every day we have criminals looking to feed off innocent people by stealing any information they can get their hands on.
I believe that the reason people do not bring this to media attention is because they are embarrassed to admit they had been scammed. This is the type of
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driver
Member
Joined: 29 Mar 2006
Posts: 23
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# Posted: 14 Apr 2006 19:46
Reply
Wow Kelly, that is terrible, thank you for sharing your experince with us so we can avoid being the next victim, You have a tremendous attitude,I know what it is like to be scammed as well and it is hard not to become jaded, lots of bad stuff out there thanks for warning us of one more
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anitashahar
Member
Joined: 14 Apr 2006
Posts: 2
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# Posted: 14 Apr 2006 20:52
Reply
Dear Kelly,
It is so sad to hear that kind of story. Thanks for sharing it with us. Well, we always be a victim of other people. We always try to be an honest people but yet we have been cheated.
Kelly, I suggest you to start doing selling online. I'am sure you will happy to do the internet marketing as we choose to work from home.
I've joined an autosurf program but it is all ending with I loosing my money. May be it is my mistake too.
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A8ch
Preferred Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 218
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# Posted: 14 Apr 2006 22:34
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Hello Kelly,
What a difference a day makes! You did a very courageous thing sharing your story with this forum. Now many readers will be alerted to the reality that everyday, honest, trusting people become victims of scams that crush them financially and emotionally.
I am so sorry to hear of your plight and I pray that you and your family will find relief soon.
Quoting: KellyS I am a trusting person who still wants to believe there is good in everyone. Yes, yesterday I was a victim of fraud. Today, I am an informed person!
I'd say you have the character of a winner. You took it on the chin and went down for an 8-count, but you're not knocked out. You will bounce back eventually, stronger, wiser and more determined to succeed.
I'll be cheering for you!
Hermas
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Vishal P. Rao
Administrator
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 756
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# Posted: 15 Apr 2006 02:26
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Thanks again for sharing the information Kelly! This small step will help countless gullible people in coming times.
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arunkumarsuri
Member
Joined: 24 Sep 2005
Posts: 87
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# Posted: 15 Apr 2006 03:24
Reply
I feel very sorry for you. You have done a favor to many people by sharing this information.
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KellyS
Member
Joined: 14 Apr 2006
Posts: 3
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# Posted: 15 Apr 2006 09:40
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thank you all for your kind and thoughtfull words. I am in the works of starting my own fraud investation severices...so you all know who you can come to now!!! LOL
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WhitePhoenix
Member
Joined: 3 Jan 2006
Posts: 227
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# Posted: 15 Apr 2006 12:25
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The old saying that behind every cloud is a golden lining is true, I guess. Instead of cursing fate for your misfortune, you have taken the lumps and made something productive of it.
It doesn't help knowing that you have lost so much money, but your experience and future advice and aid to others will perhaps make up for the monetary loss in some way.
There are lots of good, honest people out there. It's nice to hear that because of a few, you haven't lost your touch of humanity. You've pulled yourseves up by the bootstraps, and in the end, that's all we can really do.
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ellenjharris
Member
Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 8
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# Posted: 16 Apr 2006 20:04
Reply
Hi everyone,
My name is Ellen and I was scammed too through snail mail. It IS embarassing to realize you can be dupped at any age. I joined today for an idea of what happens to others and you all have been open, honest and informative.
Working from home is a real blessing if you have the right vehicle.
Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts.
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ralphgreene
Member
Joined: 8 Apr 2006
Posts: 12
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# Posted: 18 Apr 2006 19:49
Reply
Wow what a story. I wish you well in your fraud investigation services.
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beccala
Member
Joined: 22 Jan 2006
Posts: 19
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# Posted: 30 Apr 2006 03:51
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I also got approached by four different "companies" wanting me to take receipt of funds (money orders, checks, cashiers checks etc.), cash them out and then wire the remaining funds minus my commission.
The first one wanted me to do the merchant account business too - luckily I got suspicious while I was waiting for my account approval and googled and researched for more info on this particular company in Lativa and luckily found some good info that they were fakes and had quite a reputation... this is a major problem that is happening all over the place.
Next, I had even gotten $5000 worth of money orders mailed to me from another guy wanting me to wire the cash to him somewhere in SE Asia, because he was a scientist on a research trip and these funds were his grant monies to do the research and he didnt have any way of getting cash where he was... yada yada. I took the money orders to my bank and asked for help; one of the Mgrs came out and said - yep - these are counterfeit and that I could be held liable if they (by chance) were cashed and the Bank were to find out later they were not good. I said - why in the world wouldn't you know BEFORE you "cleared" them if they were fraudulent or not - isnt that what a Bank does? He said - well... didnt have a good answer for that one. Anyway - so I said well I guess I should take these things to the police or FBI or something. The bank Mgr then says - "nawh....... don't bother... too many of this type of thing going on these days. They wont do anything about it..." What??!! Innocent people are getting ripped off and no one is doing anything about it. Well BULL!
Young lady - that bank has a responsibility to you especially since you spoke to someone about the checks before you deposited them The Bank is responsible and should help you out! Now - the so-called "Legal advice" you sought on the bad loan papers also have a responsibility. You need an attorney NOW! You should not have to just take this $hit. Fight back. You asked questions, you sought advice and you still get screwed and its only your problem.. I think not!
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A8ch
Preferred Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 218
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# Posted: 1 May 2006 13:10 � Edited by: A8ch
Reply
A few days ago I received a "Fraud Alert" letter from my bank. It was sent to all their customers, at the urging of the FBI, to alert them to the fraudalent activities that are taking place online as well as offline.
Particular attention was focused on the type of scam that prompted this thread, and several useful red flag pointers were listed.
Here is the essence of what it said:
If You Can Answer "YES" to Any of the Following Questions,
You Could be Involved in a FRAUD or About to be SCAMMED!
- Is the CHECK from an item you sold on the Internet, such as a car, boat, jewelry, etc?
- Is the amount of the CHECK more than the item's selling price?
- Did you receive the CHECK via an overnight delivery service?
- Is the CHECK connected to communicating with someone by email?
- Is the CHECK drawn on a business or individual account that is different from the person buying your item or proudct?
- Have you been informed that you have been a winner of a LOTTERY, such as Canadian, Australian, El Gordo, or El Mundo, that you did not enter?
- Have you been instructed to either "WIRE", "SEND", or "SHIP" MONEY, as soon as possible, to a large U.S. city or to another country, such as Canada, England, or Nigeria?
- Are you receiving PAY or a COMMISSION for facilitating money transfers through your account?
- Did you respond to an email requesting you to CONFIRM, UPDATE, OR PROVIDE your account information?
It's reassuring to see the financial institutions that have themselves become pawns in this victimization, working with the federal authorities to help stop these thieves. Working together and sharing information as we are doing in this forum, is an effective start to putting these bandits where they belong.
Hermas
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ellenjharris
Member
Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 8
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# Posted: 1 May 2006 13:52
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These posts are ugly! Not those who post, but the scams with money orders, wire transfers, et. al. We need to be so careful with email and scrutinize each piece before opening or responding. I cannot thank everyone enough for sharing these awful stories of how easy it is to get ripped off. The moral is:
Beware!
Be very aware.
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cyberchick
Member
Joined: 15 Sep 2006
Posts: 46
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# Posted: 16 Sep 2006 04:24
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Hi,
I wanted to take a minute and congratulate Kelly for sharing her ordeal here in order to help others. Kelly, you are a very strong and gutsy lady and you deserve a standing ovation You must have been or still are heart broken by your endeavours and I appreciate your output in order to help all of us out there.
The internet is a fantastic medium, but unfortunately with every good comes bad as well and there are a many scam artists out there, who will do anything in their might to get your money and or your identity. Like "beccala" stated above, you sought advice not only with your bank but also legal before you got scammed and now you have to take the sour grape. It's not right and I agree that your so called legal advisor and your bank would have to answer some real hard questions here. They are as guilty as those money laundring schemes out there. They quickly take your money, but if something goes wrong,(even after asking their advice) they are so quick to point the finger and not take their pie of the responsibilities. Sad to see, that the bad people seem to get the upper hand- but in the long run, we are the winners and we still sleep with a great conscience at night
My advice is: do NOT trust anybody out there, especially if they don't provide you with full contact details that can be verified prior to engaging into business. I also believe in the good of man ( and women) but I am very very cautious allways. so far, this has served me very well.
PS: any offers of so called get rich quick deals need to be binned ASAP as well as those dodgy readers digest mail-outs with promises of wins and more.
Kelly I wish you and your family prosperity and many good blessings, you deserve a break and success. Take care- I applaud you for your strength 
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