[merged] Anyone else getting scam buyers on TUG classifieds?

[a1000monkeys]

I would expect someone with a PhD to have a better grasp of English grammar. The bad grammar is such a dead give away of a scam. I would love to toy with these scams I get daily in my junk e-mail box but I don't want to validate my e-mail address.

 

[cjaski517]

I've had 4 inquiries about units I have for sale from whom I think is the same scam artist. The wording of the request A. shows they haven't read the ad at all and are asking questions easily answered in the ad. B. asking to buy it quickly for a birthday or anniversary surprise. And C. the return email address is not in the person's name and is always an easily obtained gmail address. IS it just me or are they approaching many others on TUG?

Yes, this is a scammer so be very careful. He has contacted me as well. I have ads on Tug and another site and he tried this with me on another wite. As soon as I told him I would only work thru my attorney, I never heard from him again. Be warned not to reply.

 

[Bill123]

Obviously phase two - - - From your response to his original phony inquiry

Hard to believe so many people need to ask if this is a legitimate offer/buyer, I only posted sarcastically because I finally got hit and was feeling left out

There are so many signs in the initial inquiry that just scream Delete Me Delete Me Delete Me Yet newbies land here daily to ask if they are legitimate

I hate to admit it but I did fall for the original email. It looked fishy but I was blinded by the possibility of selling my timeshare.... Inquiries have been few and far between. I guess that is why scams such as this may work in some instances..... I need to be more careful, and not so greedy.

 

[mdawsey]

Let us know when that check clears! Are you sure there is a bank be that name in Spain!

 

[mdawsey]

Got the same message today!
Alright Thanks i wish to inform you of my gladness at your rapt
attention and swift reply to my willingness to acquire the timeshare
you posted for sale. I am so ready to buy the property Soonest. like i
have earlier inscribed, i am willing to buy the Timeshare before my
wife's birthday and also Our wedding anniversary which is fast
approaching. Mind you my preferable mode of payment we be in
(CERTIFIED CHECK) and i will arrange for a (Timeshare Company) to
pick-up the timeshare as soon as the paper work we talk place
immediately, i will get my associate to fly over to you and sign all
possible document in acquiring the timeshare if all deal goes as i
envisage. kindly get back to me as soon as possible with this
information Required from you to get the check issue and the Price you
are selling the time-Share.

Name to be on Check:
Address:
state:
Zip-code
City:
Amount selling the Time-share.

Thanks so much again in anticipation. I'm sure my wife will love this
so much. stay blessed in the Lord. Dr Mike grimes P.h.d

What is this dude problem and why do he have so much time on his hands!

 

[Rent_Share]

What is this dude problem and why do he have so much time on his hands!

Because stealing your money is his source of income, it's just like developer sales, it's a numbers game, you got to get through so many nos to get a yes

 

[Rent_Share]

I hate to admit it but I did fall for the original email. It looked fishy but I was blinded by the possibility of selling my timeshare.... Inquiries have been few and far between. I guess that is why scams such as this may work in some instances..... I need to be more careful, and not so greedy.

Thank you for coming back -

It took me a while to try to figure out a nice way to say what I was trying to say without offending you. Realistically the "gifting model" right now is the way to get out from under the maintenance fee contract.

Stick around and I guarantee 2 things

You will either learn how to use your timeshare to it's maximum value

or​

you will not get scammed while you are transferring it to someone who does have a use for it (not necessarily for free, but if you want out you will get out)

 

[Rent_Share]

I received this also, I'm so glad I have been scammed at least 10 other times to be weary of this one and did some research. Also, I am very grateful for this forum, at least someones got my back

 

[DeniseM]

Here are some big red flags to look out for:

The "buyer" is out of the country.
The "buyer" informs you they don't smoke, drink, or have pets.
The "buyer" has a professional title or is a missionary or similar.
The "buyer" cannot write in conventional English.
The "buyer" wants to pay you with a check written in another country.
The "buyer's" boss is going to be paying for the purchase.
The "buyer" is on their honeymoon, or anniversary trip.
The "buyer" wants to buy for a gift for their spouse.
The "buyer's" response is completely generic and does not include any info. about what you are offering.
The "buyer" wants all your contact info. immediately.
The "buyer" is strangely eager to begin the transaction immediately.
The "buyer" is religious and blesses you

Honestly - the scammers are NOT hard to spot. A Legit renter/buyer will ask knowledgeable questions about the purchase/rental terms and negotiate with you. Anything else is a scam!

 

[NJDave]

Bummer! I thought I had two timeshares sold and was even going to get paid alot for the one that I was offering for free.

I have to say that the responses to my ads have been very entertaining.

 

[theo]

Yessa...

I have to say that the responses to my ads have been very entertaining.

I have to agree. Some of the language from our assorted (...but only marginally literate) "PhD's" which I particulary like include...

"I wish to inform you of my gladness at your rapt attention..."

and...

"I will get my associate to fly over to you..."

The latter statement concerns me a bit however, since the "associate" is most likely some sort of insect carrying an infectious disease.

 

[artset40]

Beware of Holly Duke, fraudulent timeshare buyer use this tactic to take him down

We were contacted by a potential buyer of our Sweetwater Waikiki Banyan timeshare that we posted. His name was Holly Duke, Engr. I see on the discussion board that at least one other person on this forum has been contacted. We knew it was suspicious by his first contact, but decided to follow it through. He sent his check for $5750, and we took it immediately to our bank. Although the check looks legitimate, the bank quickly determined that no such account exists. They have turned it over to the FBI for action against the guy. We have told Holly that the bank is going to need some time for the check to clear. He is now asking us to send him the amount over our asking price of $3400 to him ($2350) via wire transfer or WU. Of course, we are not sending him any money. Perhaps more people should let these fraud attempts proceed, let the perpetrator send them the phony check, and let the banks work with the FBI to catch this guy. He still thinks the check is taking some time to clear and that we will eventually send him some money. Of course, the only contact he will get will be a visit from the FBI. Here are the strings of his message:Holly Duke
donpineau101@gmail.com
-- Hello, am Holly Duke ( Engr.)by name, i saw the timeshare you posted for sale here and i am glad to inform you that i am really interested in acquiring the timeshare.I am a prospective buyer and i do wish to buy the timeshare as soon as possible before my wife's birthday which is fast approaching because i intend to make the timeshare a Surprise package for her birthday also to commemorate our silver jubilee wedding anniversary.Kindly get back to me with the condition for sale and the price you are willing to sell the timeshare with your preferable Mode of payment. Hope to read from you soon. God Bless you. Engr Holly.


Hello, i wish to inform you of my gladness at your rapt attention and
swift reply to my willingness to acquire the timeshare you posted for
sale. I am so ready to buy the property asap. Like i have earlier
inscribed, i am willing to buy the Timeshare before my wife's birthday
and also Our wedding anniversary which is fast approaching..Mind you
my preferable mode of payment will be in (CERTIFIED CHECK) ok? and i
will arrange for a pick up as soon as the paper work we take place
immediately i will get my associate to fly over to you and sign all
possible document in acquiring the timeshare if all deal goes as i
envisage. kindly get back to me as soon as possible with this
information Required from you to get the check issue out to you and
the Price you are selling the time-Share.

Name to be on Check:
Address:
state:
Zip-code
City:
Amount selling the Time-share.

Thanks God bless you...

Engr Holly Duke.




Hello,
how are you doing today? Well am so happy to provide you the
tracking# of the cheque i sent to you via
UPS.COM...{1ZRV86110193006554 } I was told that the package as been
delivered to you since, why are you silent with it? ...I want you to
go ahead and have your item money deducted, also don't forget all what
you where been told by all my previous mail that i want to make the
timeshare a Surprise package for my wife birthday you kindly get the
rest fund of the money send to my (shipping company)as soon as you get
that done my client we fly over for the paper work of the time-share
via western union money transfer so that they can come for all
necessary thing done as soon as possible today/ tomorrow because i
want the whole transaction get done hopefully today...One more thing
all western union charges should be deducted out of the money wiring
to the company and i want you to get back to me with your map quest
for easy way to locate your area...

Here is the company information bellow .....

Name...Leneice Meza
Address..4731 9000 NW PASSAGE
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73132
Email Address....shippingexpress.coinc@in.com

** here are the information i will need from you after you might send
the rest money to the company so that i can alert them immediately...

[MTCN] 10 Digit number
Sender's full name and address
Total amount sent

Hope to read from you soon ...

Engr Holly.Hi, am very sorry for been inform you this earlier on ok? My associate
we fly over to you and sign all possible document in acquiring, The
(Timeshare shipping Company) fund we been taking care by me,her
payment as been added to the check i sent to you ok? I sent a check of
$5,750 covering the shipment of the timeshare, as soon as the check
reaches you and have it, remove your timeshare money which is $3,400
and help me send the remaining fund to the (Timeshare shipping
Company) via western union or Money gram because that is the only way
they get there money....HOPE I CAN TRUST YOU ? get back to me
asap..... cheers

 

[a1000monkeys]

The FBI probably has a wharehouse of these types of checks. They aren't going to catch the guy. He's offshore out of their jurisdiction somewhere, likely Nigeria.

 

[livefully]

Dr. Mike Scam

I received the same verbatim message as mdawsey posted August 1.

 

[icydog]

Funny Replies to my Tug Ad

I got these two canned responses to my Marriott Reserve ads in the Tug Marketplace. They are so funny and obviously a scam!

Response 1 direct from ad to me

Hello, i am Dr Mike PHD. i saw the timeshare you posted for sale here and i am glad to inform you that i am really interested in acquiring the timeshare. i am a prospective buyer and i do wish to buy the timeshare as soon as possible before my wife's birthday which is fast approaching because i intend to make the timeshare a Surprise package for her birthday and also to commemorate our silver jubilee wedding anniversary. kindly get back to me with the condition for sale and the price you are willing to sell the timeshare with your preferable Mode of payment. hope to read from you soon. Thanks God Bless you Dr Mike.







Response to my the email I sent him

Alright Thanks i wish to inform you of my gladness at your rapt
attention and swift reply to my willingness to acquire the timeshare
you posted for sale. I am so ready to buy the property Soonest. like i
have earlier inscribed, i am willing to buy the Timeshare before my
wife's birthday and also Our wedding *anniversary which is fast
approaching. Mind you my preferable mode of payment we be in
(CERTIFIED CHECK) and i will arrange for a (Timeshare Company) to
pick-up the timeshare as soon as the paper work we talk place
immediately, i will get my associate to fly over to you and sign all
possible document in *acquiring the timeshare if all deal goes as i
envisage. kindly get *back to me as soon as possible with this
information Required from you to get the check issue and the Price you
are selling the time-Share.

Name to be on Check:
Address:
state:
Zip-code
City:
Amount selling the Time-share.

Thanks so much again in anticipation. *I'm sure my wife will love this
so much. stay blessed in the Lord. Dr Mike xx *P.h.d


Thanks God bless you
Dr Mike PHD

 

[icydog]

I think the language is straight out of a Steve Martin sketch.I think it is so funny!!! Anyone who falls for this is crazy... Really it is so funny.

 

[Rent_Share]

and i will arrange for a (Timeshare Company) to
pick-up the timeshare as soon as the paper work we talk place
immediately, i will get my associate to fly over to you and sign all
possible document in *acquiring the timeshare if all deal goes as i
envisage

Just how does one "Pick Up" a Timeshare

Paperwork talking place

envisage " Contemplate or conceive of as a possibility or a desirable future event." Perhaps he is smarter than we give him credit for I had to look it up

 

[theo]

Don't be so harsh....

I'm ready to Kick Sum Scammer' s butt:

C'mon now. After all, he did "inform you of his gladness at your rapt attention" and he did offer you his "thanks in anticipation".

Fortunately for you (...and unfortunately for him) his "anticipation" will turn to "disappointment".

 

[carl2591]

or you could keep baiting them on for a while..

http://www.419eater.com/html/letters.htm

some of these are so funny you will fall out of the chair laughing.

 

[Rent_Share]

my favorite is the monty python parrot skit.....

 

[LawrenzoY]

Spam [merged]

I am not sure if this has been discussed and identified. I recently received a few same emails, as below. And I think this seems a spam email, and I will nor respond. Anyone got a same email?

Laws,


Hello, i am Dr Mike Grimes O Neary PHD. i saw the timeshare you posted for sale here and i am glad to inform you that i am really interested in acquiring the timeshare. i am a prospective buyer and i do wish to buy the timeshare as soon as possible before my wife's birthday which is fast approaching because i intend to make the timeshare a Surprise package for her birthday and also to commemorate our silver jubilee wedding anniversary. kindly get back to me with the condition for sale and the price you are willing to sell the timeshare with your preferable Mode of payment. hope to read from you soon. Thanks God Bless you Dr Mike Grimes.

 

[brucecz]

Here is what we reply with to those types of emails.

We then do not hear back from them.

Maybe this might help someone out. We also edit it and use it on our for sale replies.
Bruce



Our 3rd party rental and for sale payment rules.

As per ad if it is less than 30 days to check in Paypal payment is required to protect both of us. You can use your credit card to do Paypal payment as per ad states you will need a credit card to check in.

If with in 30 days or less of the reservation check in date please send ONLY SEND PAYPAL as payment only for the exact amount of the rental amount required.

Payment required to secure unit is 100% of total rental price as shown in our ad for this confirmed reservation. Do not send cash, personal checks or bank cashiers checks.


Sorry, because of the many confirmed reports of 3rd party personal and fraudulent bogus bank cashier checks bouncing after the owner has sent a check to cover a over payment we are sure that you can understand that we only accept payments for the exact amount of the rental price and it must be paid for with Paypal to protect both parties.


If the renter is from outside of the US then we will only accept PayPal as payment even if the check in date is more than 30 days out..



Thank you for your prompt cooperation and understanding and we are sure you can appreciate the reasons for our careful payment policy that protects both parties.

 

[KathyPet]

I also would like to see the closing company "pick up the timeshare".

 

[Bwolf]

How about rental spam?

Hello, My name is Jason Dean,am based in CYPRUS,i will like to let you know that i got your classified timeshare for rent through the weblink as i wish to stay there for my coming Holiday with my Family. Please help me confirm the availability of the date 03/30/2012 in your advert. Pls do give me the following information. 1.A brief discription of the apartment 2.Cost for one week rental. 3.The address of the apartment 4.The last time the Apartment was painted. 5.The present furniture in the apartment. 6.The Telephone Communication systems present in it. I shall look forward to your email and description of the room and the lasting rent price for 4 night , email me at . jasondean25@hotmail.com Regards. Jason

 

[Mamianka]

As we all know by now, these things are laughably funny. But NEVER respond - even to tell them that they are idiots, etc. This verifies that they have hit a live email address - are you are now in for it. Do not play detective, FBI, or run to your bank - they do not care, since these are epidemic. Since some of these are tagged with "read receipt" - do not even open them, just see them in the preview, fry them, and forget them. Do not poke them with a pointed stick.

As a professional flutist, I periodically buy/sell fine flutes - usually between 2 and 10 grand. I now only offer these on moderated, "real name used" lists of other flutists, but years ago, listed one on a sales site. I got back a generic email (from Nigeria?) that spelled things out the usual way, but someone did not proof -read too well; they said that I could "not send the spare tires, as they already had some". Gee - even my BASS flute (the size of a floor lamp) does not have spare tires. *I* do - but that is another story - too much vacationing!

Mamianka