I’m so honored that my website has attracted it’s first scammer. It’s amazing how you can get a “vibe” from an email. Anyway, my bullshit detector went off on this one, having been aware that Joe’s cousin almost fell for a similar scam when he was selling his car. I didn’t get as far along as he has but I recognized the “my daughter is coming to the US” premise. I sent him back a “what the heck” kind of email and then I googled his email address only to find it on a list of known scammers. Although we didn’t get that far into the scam, yet, it involves him not being able to make a small enough check, so I need to send him money to break it even. His check never arrives, and I look like a dingus. Remember kids, sellers accept money, never the other way around.
From: george williams
Date: September 13, 2005 11:56:51 PM EDT
To: georgewilliams2009@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: Private Music Teacher…………………………….Hi,
My name is George Williams. My daughter would be coming for 2months holiday in the US and i want her to use the first month of her holiday to learn the fundamentals of music, begining from oct 25th. Could you please provide me with your rates and qualifications and then we can move on from there. I await your quick response as soon as possible, thanks.
George.
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Gotta love that last line.
Furthermore, I’m not gonna teach anyone’s daughter if all I am gonna get is an email. I am very cautious about that stuff, and you have to be when you are a teacher these days. My first concern was that this was some sort of legal racket where someone sends their daughter to take lessons from me and she accuses me of some inappropriate act or whatever. Also, if he read my site, he should know my qualifications. I don’t need that kind of trouble. Anyway here’s the deal. Everyone keep their heads on them, don’t do anything stupid when you are selling junk on the “world wide inter-web.”
when oh when will i try to get scammed??? i feel so out of the loop.
hey, i have been spammed too. once. i remember it well. the sun was bright and high above me. the birds seemed to be singing a bit louder. the grass was indeed greener. i was wearing my favorite black tshirt and my jeans were hanging just right at the cuffs. i got online and checked my email only to be hit with such a surprise. it was as if christmas had come early. i felt so….loved. there it sat in my inbox marked with such love and anonymity. he addressed me as sir. i felt respected for once. the letter continued….
“i think God is so underrated in our society. i would love to help support you in your christian endeavors. my daughter is going to be coming to the US soon and i think she would be perfect for what you are doing. blah, blah, blah”
the rest just faded into the background. and as quick as the day began…it ended. i realized it was a scam. i had been abused. my sensitive ego bruised for good.
And even I’ve been scammed….but mine didn’t have anything to do with music.
I received my email from some clowns supposedly from some foreign country telling me that since I was out of work, he would send me some ridiculous amount of money that he was going to let me invest for him.
I don’t reply! I don’t want to encourage the a-holes!