bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Hey all. Just wanted to let you know what's been going on, and that I think I've finally figured out the end game.

1. I got a text from someone who wanted to "hire me", but when I tried to call the phone number that the text came from, straight to voice mail, and no return calls.

2. Sent a text back saying I need more details, and needed a good number to call, or they could call me.
(never heard back) I figured maybe they found someone else.

3. Got a text a couple of months later. did the "need to talk" to get some questions answered. They replied with the name of a local location, but no dates, no info. I called them, straight to voice mail....no response.

4. Got a text a few weeks later. Sent the reply about needing to talk (blah blah blah) They texted back (I kid you not) "I have an ear infection, and my doctor told me that I can't talk on the phone." WHAT??? Replied that I could only do business with them if we could meet in person. No reply.

5. Got another one Monday, same vague message. "I saw your web page, I want to hire you." Instead of just ignoring it, I decided to put on my "Inspector Gadget hat" and find out what the end game is.

I played along, saying "great, I would love to work with you. What is the date and location?" The reply said "where do I send the check" Mind you, I don't have prices on the webpage, so they would have no idea how much the check would be. They also didn't say if it was portrait work, or a wedding.

My reply was "I need to know what service you want, so I can tell you an amount for the check"
Their response was "What is your address? I want to pay you so I can lock in the date"

This time, my reply was no reply.


So, my conclusion is... It is either one of those scams where they send you a large rubber check, then ask for a refund.
The other idea is, maybe they are just trying to find out the address of someone who probably has "pro" equipment that they can steal.

Either way, I turned the info over to the local police. Not sure which way it is, but either way, if you start getting vague emails or texts, where they won't give you any answers, just wanting your address...run away as fast as you can. I frankly didn't want to investigate any further, for fear that it would somehow get dangerous, or costly.

I know we are all savvy enough to spot a scam, but I figured on the off chance that some scammer is a little better at wording things, or figures out better language that makes it seem more legit, I could see this going a different way.

If any of you have had scammers hitting on you with something different, I'd be interested in hearing if there are others floating around out there.

bk

Bobbee

That would be my wife then.

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

I don't have a smartphone, and I don't use my phone for anything other than phone calls. However, I've been getting phone calls, but by the time I can answer (I keep the phone in my purse), whoever it is has already hung up. I look for a phone number, but it the phone says, "Private number," so I can't return the call. Also, no message is ever left. I wonder if it's a phishing expedition of some sort. Maybe it's a good thing I can't get to my phone fast enough to answer.

I heard on the radio that there are hackers who can hack into peoples smartphones by sending an email. When the people open the email, the hackers can get all of their information, passwords, etc.

I didn't hear the beginning of the report, but got the impression this involved iPhones. Anyone else hear about this???

Bobbee

That is just a phone advertisement. I don't know the reason but when I cal back you get 'the message' and understand. New tactic to get around 'no call'

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

Thanks for letting me know! Now I know for sure not to answer.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

Ive had problems with scammers when selling stuff. They want to send a check. I give them the name of the chief of police and the address of the police station.
Then let them send the check. They usually send a check for more than you ask for. Then they want you to return a portion of the money. Your check of course is good , theirs bounces.......