Angela Miles (jaywooder33@gmail.com)

I was approached by email from this person to purchase my timeshare from an ad in the Marketplace....anybody ever heard of them?

Is there something about their inquiry that seems suspicious?

A little...the wording just a little strange...not misspelled or bad grammer...just different.
The only info I gave was my name, address and phone number. Trying to get them to respond to another email so I can have their address and phone

And they know where I own and how many points I have.

-Odd written English is likely to indicate that they are located outside the US.

-Don't click on any links that they send you - that has been a problem lately.

-I'm sure you are familiar with the other red flags.

The only link was to Firstam title which I did click on and it took me to the title company website....the said they would use them for closing.

Never ever click on a link from a stranger - it is likely to contain a virus that gives them access to your email, computer, etc.

You should change your email password right now.

OK.....thanks

Have you seen this thread about clicking on links?

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242366

No....but thank you

Password changed.......

Since you may already have a security breach, you need to keep a close eye on what's going on with your computer and email.

How long ago did you click on the link?

Just a couple hours ago

I have a Mac, so I will let someone else weigh in on this, but you probably need to check your computer for viruses. If you aren't sure how to do that, you can take it to a trusted computer repair store, or ask a computer savvy friend or family member for help.

I just ran a whole computer scan for viruses and it didn't find anything...

Scammers are notorious for using their title company which has a name similar to legit title companies. They want you to think your money is safe when in actuality it is in their pocket and your money is lost forever.

My guess is that the link for their "FirstAM" is not the legit First American Title.

It took me to the same site.......looks legit....we will see.

This is what the do - they send you a link to a legitimate website to make it look like that is who they will use. But then, when they have you send funds, the info. they send you to actually send the the funds is to their bank outside the US.

DeniseM said:

This is what the do - they send you a link to a legitimate website to make it look like that is who they will use. But then, when they have you send funds, the info. they send you to actually send the the funds is to their bank outside the US.

Click to expand...

Im not sending ANY funds....they agreed to pay my price, closing and transfer.
If they ask me for funds....I will know its fake.

snickers104 said:

Im not sending ANY funds....they agreed to pay my price, closing and transfer.
If they ask me for funds....I will know its fake.

Click to expand...

That's how it starts, then, "Oh by the way, this unexpected fee came up that you have to pay, but we are going to put it is this very safe escrow account, and you will get it back, blah, blah, blah."

You send the money, and they disappear with it!

DeniseM said:

That's how it starts, then, "Oh by the way, this unexpected fee came up that you have to pay, but we are going to put it is this very safe escrow account, and you will get it back, blah, blah, blah."

You send the money, and they disappear with it!

Click to expand...

Thanks Denise....I will watch out for that kind of scam.

I only gave them my name address and phone number......haven't heard back from them....

This is the email I just got......it's s scam.......posting to show how slick they can be.




Just to let you know that I had to travel and will be away from home for the* next 8 weeks. I do not know if I have mentioned this before but I have a* disability. I was informed by the hospital which I am registered with that a new* hearing aid which is supposed to be able to restore 30% of my hearing* ability has just been delivered and they would like to test run it with me. This* is impromptu so I had to make speedy arrangements. I tried to reach my* broker yesterday and today but I got an auto response that he is currently* out of the country on business. As a result, I have been unable to determine* how and where to send his fees. I have however sent him numerous email* messages along with your contact information and expect him to be in touch with you as soon as he receives my messages.

Because I was unable to contact Eric to send his brokerage fees, title* transfer fees and escrow fees, I visited my bank and got a cashiers check for* $2,870 which I have also mailed out to you. Upon receipt, please deposit the* check, funds should be available immediately, I would need you to deduct* your earnest deposit of $500, this is to affirm my willingness and seriousness* to buy this property and fend off other offers while closing processes are* arranged by my broker. Then, forward the balance $2,370 to Eric Shipley as his fees for your timeshare closing, First American title service* charges and escrow fees whenever he gets in touch with you. This is to* circumvent any delays rather than wait for my return in 8 weeks. It is my* assumption that Eric will provide additional instructions on how to get the* fees to him.

Eric Shipley is my personal broker and would be responsible for all the* documentation and deed of transfer. Eric will work with First American* title transfer company who would be handling the closing.* Note that the* balance for your timeshare would be held in escrow. As soon as my broker* gets in touch with you and finalizes the sale, the balance will be released to* you before you transfer the title deed. Please notify me as soon as you* receive contact from Eric.

* Do watch out for any mails to your address and notify me as soon as you* receive my check. Although I am away from home, I would still have access* regularly to my email and would be in touch throughout the process. If you* need to reach me quickly, you can send me a text message on (323) 9208090

Thanks for your understanding and sorry for the minor inconvenience.* Please respond to this email so I am aware that you have received my* message.

Awaiting your feedback.

Ah Ha - this "hearing impaired" buyer has been working this angle for awhile.

As if you need to be admitted to a hospital for 8 weeks to test a hearing aid!

I have heard that they are just about ready to do head transplants - maybe she's having one of those!

The last line was "Awaiting your feedback"......My feedback was "Pack Sand".