CHECK THIS OUTA sobering, if ultimately happy story from the Kindly Contributor of A PERFECT MATCH.
"I just wanted to let you know that I was recently hired as an expert
witness in the case of a 419 victim who was arrested for trying to
deposit a fake check. It was a really sad case, because the victim
had no idea the check was fake, and she spent time in jail.
Nonetheless, the D.A. decided to prosecute, and luckily I was able to
help free her.
I have received permission to use ... as long as personal identity is redacted." The loud red mark-up was added here at ScamoHQ by the Department of D'oh. Poor kid. MARTINS BANKS X-Originating-IP: [81.199.142.210] <--- EZU Communications, Lagos From: "MB ARTS" <mbankscreativeworld7@hotmail.com> To: mbankscreativeworld7@hotmail.com Subject: JOB OFFER....URGENT RESPONSE WILL BE HIGHLY APPRECIATED Hello, I am Martins Banks by name and I am an artist. I have acquired your email address as a person who is actively involved in or is looking for an online business opportunity or looking for a part time job to compliment current earnings. I live in United Kingdom,with my two kids, four cats, one dog and the love of my life. It is definitely a full house. I have been doing artwork since I was a small child. That gives me about 23 years of experience. I majored in art in high school and took a few college art courses. Most of my work is done in either pencil or airbrush mixed with color pencils. I have recently added designing and creating artwork on the computer.I have been selling my art works for the last 3 years and have had my work featured on trading cards, prints and in magazines. I have sold in galleries and to private collectors from all around the world. I am always facing serious difficulties when it comes to selling my art works to Americans, cos they are always offering to pay with a US MONEY ORDER/CERTIFIED CHECK, which is difficult for me to cash here in United Kingdom. I am looking for a representative in the states who will be working for me as a pary-time worker and i will be willing to pay 10% for every transaction,which wouldn't affect your present state of work, someone who would help me recieve payments from my customers in the states. I mean someone that is responsible and reliable, cause the cost of coming to the state and getting payments is very expensive, I am working on setting up a branch in the states, so for now I need a representative in the United States who will be handling the payment aspect. These payments could be in money order/check and they would come to you in your name, so all you need do is cash the money order deduct your percentage and wire the BALANCE back. But the problem I have is trust as I have been burnt many times in the states by some individuals. It wouldnt cost u any amount, you are to receive payments which will be sent to you via FEDEX or UPS courier services from my business patners, which would come in form of a Money order/Certified Cashier's Check in US Funds then you are to cash it and send the cash to me via Western Union Money Transfer or Moneygram Money Transfer, all transfer fees should be deducted from the money you are sending so you have nothing to lose. If you are interested, kindly get back to me ASAP for further explanation. Martins Banks, Ceo/Chairman MBANKS ART CREATIVE, INC. Office:112, Catherwood Drive, Murray Grove, London E11 3DA 44-703-192-1944 [Yes we've seen this before. Scamoramans will recognize the typical JOBSCAM letter. The mail was accompanied by some pictures of pre-historic statuettes.] [But "Martins" got a bite -- from a kid who needed a job!] THE VIC To: mbankstheartist@hotmail.com Hello, this is and i will be glad to work as your representative and it sounds like something i am interested in doing, so please contact me at @yahoo.com or 954- - or 954- - Thank you! MARTINS BANKS From: "Martins Banks" <mbankstheartist@hotmail.com> Subject: MORE DETAILS WITH EMPLOYMENT FORM Hello, Thanks very much for the respond. I must say it was highly appreciated. How are you doing? The job does not entail much. All you would be doing is receiving these payments in form of Money Orders/Check, which would be coming from some clients of mine in the United States via the mail. So when you get these US Money Orders/Certified Checks all you have to do is have them cashed and deduct your share ( 10% ) and wire the rest down to me here in England or anywhere our correspondent is in the world via (WesternUnion Money Transfer) or ( MoneyGram Money Transfer). I would also be needing some proof of Identity. So I have attached an Employment form for you to fill and send back to me via email. My phone number in the Uk is 44-703-192-1944 ( I am having some difficulties with it now so if it hardens you to reach I will call you ok). The prices of my art work range from about £950 and above. well you would be receiving funds ranging from over $4000 and above and you are meant to take out 10% from the funds you received and then forward the remaing balance to me via Wire Transfer. You are likely to be receiving this funds every week and atimes thrice or twice a week, so you are meant to take out 10% each out of every funds you received. With this offer, you'll be earning at least over $400US a week. I would need a copy of your ID scanned and sent to me via email for employees database. This is strictly a legal offer and your personal account information is not needed nor is anything that can be of adverse effect to your personal security and safety. Hope to hear from your soon. Regards EMPLOYMENT FORM FIRST NAME.............................. SURNAME.................................... HOME ADDRESS ( NO P.O. BOXES)......................................................................................... CITY............................................ STATE......................................... ZIP CODE...................................... COUNTRY.................................... PHONE NUMBER (S) CELL ............................................. HOME ............................................. WORK ......................................... GENDER................................... MARITAL STATUS.......................... AGE......................................... NATIONALITY........................ ATTESTATION According to how you have been briefed earlier. You are required to receive payment on behalf of the above mentioned firm. You are to deduct 10% of all funds processed on a particular order & forward the balance payment via Moneygram or Western Union to any of the companies regional warehouses that will be given to you later. You will notify the company a week ahead if eventually you want to discontinue this job. So as to terminate all payment coming your way to avoid conflict. In agreement to this kindly append signature below. ............................................. MARTINS BANKS CEO MBANKS ARTS THE VIC Hello, this is and I am doing fine How are you? I just recieved your email and i am glad you contacted me I will be the best employer I can be!!! As of now, I am going to fill out this employment form and send it to you asap! I have been trying to contact you, but there are problems with your phone like you said, so can you please contact me at 954- or 954- - Thank you MARTINS BANKS Subject: Info Needed Urgently And Name of Bank OK... I have a client at hand that will be paying me next week. So please just send me your Name, Address and Phone Numbers (Cell, Home and Work) so that I can give him that for the check to be sent to you ok. So later I will work on your ID. Also let me know the name of the bank that you bank with. Just to know if I could open an account with them so that you could save some of the money in there for future purpose. Thanks THE VIC Hello, Martin My name is and my contact number is; 954- - or 954- - My bank is Washington Mutual., also my address is below... MARTINS BANKS Subject: Await The First Check Thanks very much. I want you to await the first check arrival. As soon as the check is sent I will email you with the confirmation number. TTYL MARTINS BANKS Subject: FIRST CHECK UPDATE Hey, I am just toching base to let you to know that the first check should arrive anytime from Monday or Tuesday. So I need you to watch out for it. So I will also need your time to time update to let me know when it eventually arrive. I will also keep you updated with its arrival. Thanks so much. I will awair your response. THE VIC Hello, This is and I just wanted to reply and let you know that I will look for it and let you know as soon as I recieve it. MARTINS BANKS Sounds Good. I will await your response when it arrives. MARTINS BANKS Subject: CHECK ARRIVAL UPDATE.........GET BACK TO ME AFTER READ....... Hi, I am writing you concerning the arrival of the first check..... I am very glad to tell you that the payment is near your door. I am very glad that this is coming to reality. I just got a call from one of my customers that he just posted out a check out to you. I was told that the payment will surely arrive this morning via UPS. I am very glad that this is coming to reality.......... NOTE: The package wil require a signature before release. So you have to make sure you are at home to sign for it. And if you know you will not be around kindly leave a note for them tagged to your front door that they should leave the package for you. Okay. Please I want you to await the arrival of the payment and as soon as the payment is delivered I want you to have it CASHED the same day and also email me first thing when the payment arrives so that I can provide you on where to send the remaining of the funds to. So please once again AS SOON AS THE PAYMENT ARRIVES I WANT YOU TO HAVE IT CASHED THE SAME DAY IN YOUR BANK WITH OUT ANYFORM OF DELAY....... Lastly, I will be awaiting your email in return that you recieve this email and also you will follow my instruction by informing me via email as soon as the payment ARRIVES and also have it CASHED the same day in your bank Once again I am glad this is coming to reality.....PLS GET BACK TO ME...... I will look forward to reading from you. Thanks NOTICE: Email me as soon as you receive the check so that I can forward you the Informations where you will send my 90% to. MARTINS BANKS Subject: INSTRUCTION BEFORE CASHING THE CHECK Hello Again!!! I got this informations from the customer that sent the check again about the Payment sent to you. I was to inform you that the check is called AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVELERS CHEQUE. He also told me that this check requires no deposit as it is cashable instantly in bank since you have an account with them....... This check has the maximum of $500, so that means you will have the check in like about 12 pieces... So he informed me to instruct you the procedure to follow before cashing the check. He said that the check requires two signatures from the person cashing.... So there are two lines for the endosment. 1) On top of the check there is a line that you MUST sign on as soon as you have the check before taking to your bank or cashing store. (SIGN HERE IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIPT OF THIS TRAVELERS CHEQUE) is written below the line that you have to sign on. This is very important as soon as you receive it, first thing you have to do is to sign at the top before taken to the bank at all. And it must be signed with a BLACK INK PEN. Should you are ask who told you to sign on the sign all you have to tell them is that the check is bought in your name so you are the purchaser and you signed on it after you have received it. Asmy client told me that he bought the check in your name for it to be easy for you to cash without any form of delay. Please follow my instructions. 2) On the last line on the check, you are to sign presence of the cashier that is cashing the check for you. (COUNTERSIGN HERE IN PRESENCE OF PERSON CASHING) is written under that line. You will see it and understand better as soon as you receive the check.... This time you have to sign it when you get to the bank. Thanks very much for the understanding and the patience so far. Now you can believe that I am serious about the business. I will await your email that you receive this instruction and you will follow it as it is very important. And should have any questions feel free to email me. ONCE AGAIN PLEASE FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTION. THE VIC Hi I just recieved the checks, what do i do next? The bank is closed today because of the holiday so I will cashed them first thing in the morning! Is that ok? I'll be waiting on your response!!! THE VIC HI I recieved the checks and instructions and will do as told, but the only problem is I can't cashed them until tommorow because all the banks are cloed do to the holiday! THE VIC hi I just wanted to tell you that its not 12checks, there's 20. MARTINS BANKS Subject: THANKS FOR THE HONESTY,WHERE TO SEND FUNDS TO,.....REPLY NEEDED Hello, I was informed that $10,000 was the amount sent to you. All I need you to do now is to cash out only $6000 today and deduct your 10% from the $6000 and have the rest sent to my supplies. I need you to send the 90% of the amount which is $5400 to my suppliers in Africa inorder for me to get more artcrafts. I have colected the informations from each of them and here is it below: Here is the information which you will use in making the transfer of funds to them via WESTERN UNION Money Transfer so that they can ship over my materials by tomorrow. NAME: OPEYEMI AKIBU ADDRESS: 112, Western Avenue Rd, Palm Grove, Lagos ZIPCODE: 23401 COUNTRY: Nigeria You are to transfer $2600 to the name and address above. AND You are to transfer $2500 to the name and address below: NAME: SULAIMON LAWAL ADDRESS: 200, Hawley Str, Apapa, Lagos ZIPCODE: 23401 COUNTRY: Nigeria You are to make use of the Information in sending the remaining funds to them,after you have deducted your 10% from the total sent to you. Also I am aware that you will be charged in making the transfer at the Western Union Outlet,which is not more than 5 - 6% of the amount you are sending so you can deduct the charges from my 90% left after you have deducted your 10% and have the rest transfered. However, after the transfer of funds is made Today, Do e-mail me back with the Western Union Information stated below so that I can forward it to the suppliers so as to make it easy for them to have the funds collected: Receiver's Name and Address : Sender's Name & Address : Amount Sent After The Western Union Charges : Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN #) : Text Question and Answer: ( Make use of this Question & Answer) Question: Who is the Receiver? Answer: My Uncle Lastly, for the convienence for the both parties I called Western Union on how to transfer this funds so I was told about their new policy that the maximum money Western Union can send is $3000. So I was advise further more to instruct the sender to split the funds. So you are to send the the first part of the funds in one of the Western Union locations below and after that you will move to another Western Union outlet to send the other. This is also for the security reason for both of us as you will be asked for your Social Security Number if you decide to send the funds in the same location and your SSN# is meant to be confidencial to you, a secret which I wouldn't want you to release to any one. Therefore you have to follow my instructions.I have searched for Western Union Locations nearest to you where the funds can be wired. Check it out below: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.) WINN-DIXIE #248 2450 N STATE ROAD 7 MARGATE, FL 33063 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.)DOLLAR PLUS DISCOUNT 2440 N STATE ROAD 7 MARGATE, FL 33063 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) PUBLIX #0364 5600 W SAMPLE RD PEPPERTREE PLAZA MARGATE, FL 33073 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So after that is taken care of I shall direct you on when to cash the rest of the money but for now make sure you cash only $6000 as I have stated above. Thanks very much. Thanks very much for the Understanding........ I will await your email. NOTICE: Make sure the funds are sent in two different locations. and Make Sure ALL NAMES ARE SPELT CORRECTLY. This is very important. MARTINS BANKS Subject: UNDERSTANDING Good to read from you. Yes I am aware that the checks are 20 x $500= $10,000. Did you get my email for the Western Union, I mean on where to send the Western Union to? Pls let me know if you got the email or not. So you are to cash only $6000 today ok. I will await your email. Thanks THE VIC hey I just got out of jail because when i went cash the checks they said it was fake and i've been charged with fake checks! My question is are they fake? Why didn't u tell me if they were and if i would've known i wouldn't don it in the first place! What do I do know? I am in some trouble! I don't believe that they were and i think it was because I'm only 18 trying to cash in all that money and now i've been charged! What do I do now? Need advice and if they were fake why didn't you tell me? Anyways I'm getting a lawyer and possibly suing but i really need to know if they were fake or not! Please contact me asap..... [In other variations of this scam, the check is real but the payee's name has been altered. Also likely to land a victim in legal trouble.] |