ALERT...This is a REAL scam!

[The BEAST]

Ok Guys, I recently got an email referring to some people passing bogus US money orders and/or cashiers checks. I usually don't pay a lot of attention to these because a lot of them are bogus, themselves. Here is the low down on a new SCAM and it is originating in the UK (England). They are targeting the charter fishing business now too. How do I know it is true? Because they are trying to work it on me RIGHT NOW!!!! Here's how it goes.

You receive an email requesting a charter date/dates for their holiday, in my case 2 days, and do you take cashiers checks or money order drafted from a US bank. SAVE these emails to your PC. Then they call and ask if you have received their check or money order yet, as in my case today. Only difference is they call via a free Internet service and not by normal telephone. No trails! Fortunately, I haven't received this deposit yet. Luckily I was tipped off by a legitimate concern that I was being conned and DO NOT deposit this money order. I was informed that this known "scammer" upon verification of receipt of the money order will cancel the trip a short time thereafter and request a refund. When and if you send their money back to them you will learn about 2-3 weeks later that the money order was fraudulent and those funds have been deducted from your bank account. YOU HAVE BEEN DUPED!

I called my daughter who is a Miami-Dade Police officer and asked her what to do. My wife, my daughter and I came up with these solutions. #1. DO NOT deposit. #2. Take the money order to the bank for validation. #3. Keep records of all communications and turn the bogus check or money order over to your local Police Dept. with records and file a report. #4. Tell them all deposits are non-refundable but because they have been so nice you will gladly send back the original money order since you haven't cashed it.

I'm so glad I was alerted to this and I in turn will pass on the favor to all of you. I hope you will pass it on to your other guide or captain buddies who might not see this post.

Viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and money bilking scams, isn't the Internet just wonderful?

Capt. Jim
The BEAST

[Relentless33]

Atleast I can learn some things on here that will help me. This won't but other things sure do.

Thats pretty nuts but I guess its some crazy guy getting away with it making tons of money and he doesnt care what it takes to make it but he will do it.

[The BEAST]

Originally Posted by Relentless33

Atleast I can learn some things on here that will help me. This won't but other things sure do.

Why not Jr.? If you don't learn from this it will bite you in the butt one day!


I posted this to every website forum I deal with and have been getting feedback that they are also using this type of scam in other aspects like home purchases or anything requiring a down payment. BEWARE!

I have since had 2 more emails almost identical to this known scam. The key is they will not contact you via regular telephone or anything that will leave a trail. I heard that they request their refund or payment voucher via Western Union. Dead give away to this is they seem ignorant in speech or typing/spelling skills on the emails.

Capt. Jim
The BEAST

[Relentless33]

That's rediculous

[Captain Ollie]

There was an article in Florida Fishing Weekly about two weeks ago detailing and warning of this exact same scam. You are one of many that were targeted. As usual scum bags are everywhere.

[Jettywolf]

I got the same kinda thing too....

From some Limey calling himself Herbert Hoover!

And a buddy of mine got the same kinda scam and actually did recive a fake money order or something.

He played along with his limey, and messed with him back and forth till they gave up on him.

He kept replying "I got your check" "what date did ya want to reserve??"
"Hey thanks for the extra money, Is all this my tip?"

They must think we're pretty stupid. And it always seems to be Brits doing it.

[The BEAST]

Relating to the SCAM report I posted earlier, here is an email I received today that smells as fishy as a 'Cuda. See if you can see the signs. Most of these scammers originate from a .com that sounds like a speedy offhsore gamefish of the mackerel family.
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Capt. Jim,

I understood your last email,you were saying that a full day charter rate is $700 and for 2 days will be $1400.Payment will be sent to you first thing tommorrow morning.Our travelling agent will be the one to take care of our lodging.

I want you to know that I will be including my travelling agents fee alongside yours when sending payment to you,reason being that payment can only be issued to an entity,all you need do is send my travelling agents is fee the moment you get payment.

I want you to give me the name that should be written on payment alongside your address where payment will be sent to with a contact phone number(cell preferably).

Like I said in my previous email,this is my first time of taking my fmily on a fishing trip and I want it to be a memorable one for us.Hoping to hear from you soonest.

Regards,
XXXXXXXX

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If you fall for one of these don't say you weren't warned!

Capt. Jim
THe BEAST

[Jettywolf]

Run credit cards or ask all overseas visitors to use Paypal.

PayPal even gives you money back on your paypal account debit card if you post a small "we accept paypal" banner on your web site.

I agree with Capt Jim, no one can say they weren't warned!

Tonight on the J-ville Florida News some dumb woman fell for the same scam when selling furniture on myspace.com, she fell for a phoney money order, and then here bank said "it had nothing to do with us" you tried to deposit it" So she was out the $$ and was humiliated.

Verified Credit cards, or Paypal folks, or just plain cashola on the fishbox!

These scammers don't realize fisherman have a keen sense of observation.

[Mike Fisher]

thanks for that Topic Jim.
looks like all you guys heard a lot about that shit before, i didn't.
for my own charter business i only accept payments by credit cards directly on my website, by PayPal to my cerified paypal account, credit cards at my office and of course cash on the counter, i received only 2 false $100.- bills in 12 years.
we should keep it up on topics like this one to inform each others about those su..
tight lines Buddies
Mike

[hannaman]

I was targeted also. The people actually sent me a (cashiers check) made out for $5000.00 I went to my bank and asked them if it was legitamate. The lady at the bank said throw it away and don't even deposit it. It ws an obvious counterfiet cashiers check. Story done!