by steve02a
Wed Aug 08, 2012 10:18 pm
Last week, I received a text msg to my phone and the person asked "do you do computer services?" I relied saying Yes. And I do...my business is IT Consulting and computer repair. He replied saying "ok great. what is your email address?" figuring no harm there since anyone can get my email address ,I gave it to him.
His first email was:
I replied back saying Yes, I can do this job. I work under contract. I gave him my price and stated to please send me your contract, shipper information and contact, and please provide your contact information - since in his signature line, he only put his name and phone #. I also told him only accept either cash or certified check (if he's dumb enough to send cash in the mail).
His 2nd email is:
What do you think? Scam? I'm on the fence on this one. I never do business like this. Never have, never would probably. He is going to send me a check. Of course, if I try to cash it and it's a fake check, I'd assume the bank would tell me. when the shipper shows up, I'd just say refused to accept delivery. If the check is real and I actually get money - I'll be happy to pay the shipper and perform the job.
What do you all think?
His first email was:
Hello,
Thanks for your reply. I have some Hp PCs(Intel Pentium M) since we currently have a major breakdown on most of our systems and I thought it was best to have a general upgrade and maintenance. (I will be providing the software needed). Below are the things needed to be done one on each laptops:
1 Format Hard Drive
2 Install Window 7 with Service Pack 1 (sp1)
3 Install Microsoft Office Package
4 AVG Virus Software (Free Lifetime Updates)
5 Adobe Acrobat Reader
6 Laptop Cleaning of the keyboard, screen and other case.
7 Diagnostics of the entire system after to check hard, CD Rom, floppy, etc.
The Laptops are in Indiana and will be shipped over to you from there.I am contacting you because we are about to have a branch office there in your city .We will move the Computers to you and after fixing, they will be shipped to out branch office there this is why i'm searching local Computer expert to fix it there. I have a reliable shipper whose service I' ll employ to bring down the laptops. The shipper will bring down as well as pickup the laptops when you are done with fixing them. My shipper will be coming with the necessary Software for the installations of the Computers with both the Operating System,Microsoft Office and the Anti-virus for each computers . Also the windows CD's are licensed and i have all the other software mentioned available.
So the question is can you really carry out this task from your place presently?Get back to me with your total cost for the services of 6 units of Hp PCs(Intel Pentium M). Please note that i have all the software with the licenses available with me for the job.
I await your urgent response so that i can put the arrangement in order. Hope to read from you at your soonest convenience.
Best Regards,
I replied back saying Yes, I can do this job. I work under contract. I gave him my price and stated to please send me your contract, shipper information and contact, and please provide your contact information - since in his signature line, he only put his name and phone #. I also told him only accept either cash or certified check (if he's dumb enough to send cash in the mail).
His 2nd email is:
Hello,
Thanks for your response, I got the contract for this project and am sub contracting you to handle this for me because i also have other projects which am handling and i need to hire the service of reliable people like you to do.I will instruct my project supervisor to prepare a check for you on your name and address.
My company uses a mover that offers 100% refund for damages incurred during shipment. But among their numerous safety policy is to ship items only where 'payment for shipment'( to and fro) is paid directly from location of shipment. Therefore, I will include the cost of shipment with the payment I would be sending to you.The payment would be delivered via US postal service. I will supply you with the tracking information as soon as it is mailed out. You are to deduct your charge then send the remaining to the moving company. They will deliver the PC and come back to pick it up as soon as you are done with it.I will need the following information in order to send the check and shipping of the laptops to your Location.
Full Names:
Mailing Address(No P.O.box):
Apartment No if any:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Home Phone Number:
Cell Number:
Please make sure all the information provided is correct and complete in order not to lose any shipment mail to you once you are been confirmed for this job. You will be contacted on phone for further clarification.
Hope to hear from you at your soonest convenience.
What do you think? Scam? I'm on the fence on this one. I never do business like this. Never have, never would probably. He is going to send me a check. Of course, if I try to cash it and it's a fake check, I'd assume the bank would tell me. when the shipper shows up, I'd just say refused to accept delivery. If the check is real and I actually get money - I'll be happy to pay the shipper and perform the job.
What do you all think?