Scam alert ["hearing impaired" buyer]

[LannyPC]

Thanks for the warning !!! I' m in contract (talks) right now with this scammer.... Advice ?

The first piece of advice I would give is to discontinue any talks with this person since you already know that he or she is a scammer.

 

[csxjohn]

Thanks for the warning !!! I' m in contract (talks) right now with this scammer.... Advice ?

My advice Don't have any further contact. I hope you did not sent the difference in the check and what you think you are owed.

There is no deal, no negotiations, no buyer.

Stop contact now.

 

[averycole]

MortonMule has it right

The only way to catch the scammer is to submit sufficient evidence to appropriate authorities. The FBI has a whole division dedicated to it. In order to collect evidence, we have to deal with the person. However, we do not have to put the money out there. MortonMule was correct in sending that check to the bank for validation, the banks response and a copy of the check can be submitted to authorities. Where they catch people is when they send the money to the agent. Don't send money you haven't received.
Also, validating the email headers (the code email uses to send), the Sam Avner person email from Redmond, CA, the same area as the private network this scammer sent from. The specific address is different; it seems they are using a cyber café.

If we want this person gone, they we have to catch them. Catching a spammer is a matter of keeping them on the hook until they make a mistake, or enough mistakes to be caught. All while not getting caught by their trap.

 

[DeniseM]

The check is stolen, and has been copied, and is being used over and over, so it's not traceable back to the scammers.

 

[theo]

I' m in contract (talks) right now with this scammer.... Advice ?

My advice; don't waste another moment of your time on what is clearly just a scam. Same copied check, same amount, same m.o. --- maybe even the same people --- active for years now. If authorities are interested in running it down, they've already had all the available info (and two years or more) to do so. If the scam is being run outside of the U.S. (Egypt has been previously suggested), there really isn't much that U.S. authorities can do about a "chump change" international scam anyhow.

 

[TUGBrian]

got another alert on this today from a member, they just keep creating new free email accounts.

 

[presley]

The FBI has a whole division dedicated to it. In order to collect evidence, we have to deal with the person.

I'd be surprised if the FBI could do anything. I'm pretty sure this is a scam coming from Africa/Egypt.

 

[tomemerson7]

I have also been contacted by Ms Darsch and have terminated contact with her. The Title company she wanted to use is First American which appears to be a legitimate company. She was even offering to pay more than I was asking, but wanted to use First American where I had recommended Chicago Title, which I have used previously. Her request was enough to get me to do further research through this forum. Thanks to all who have commented here as it saved me a lot of future grief.

 

[csxjohn]

I have also been contacted by Ms Darsch and have terminated contact with her. The Title company she wanted to use is First American which appears to be a legitimate company. She was even offering to pay more than I was asking, but wanted to use First American where I had recommended Chicago Title, which I have used previously. Her request was enough to get me to do further research through this forum. Thanks to all who have commented here as it saved me a lot of future grief.

Welcome to TUG, I'm glad you found us in time. Nothing good was going to come from dealing with her and your wallet would have been lightened.

 

[B Wilcox]

Hearing Impaired Scam Continues as Becky Darsch

Here's the message string from "Becky Darsch", still using "Sam" but Sam Barnes. Thank goodness by wife's "spidey sense" was tingling.

From: Becky Darsch <alldavilit142@gmail.com>
Date: 06/09/2015 5:44 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: Alexandra
Subject: Re: Time Share

Alexandra,

Many thanks for your patience.

Just to let you know that I had to travel and will be away from home for the next 6 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. Samuel's contact phone number is (407) 745-1448.

Because I was unable to contact Samuel to send his brokerage fees, title transfer fees and escrow fees, I visited my bank and got a cashiers check for $2,900 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 $2,400 to Samuel Barnes 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 6 weeks. It is my assumption that Samuel will provide additional instructions on how to get the fees to him.

Samuel Barnes is my personal broker and would be responsible for all the documentation and deed of transfer. Samuel 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 Sam.

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 (213) 863 7866.

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.

Sincerely,
Becky Darsch

 

[Beachbum54]

Timeshare scam

This "hearing impaired" Becky Darsch from Lafayette Louisiana has been emailing me for 2 weeks about buying my timeshare. Told me she was working thru her broker Sam Barnes who would handle everything. Said she would pay closing, title transfer fees and her broker fees. When I asked for the phone number of the broker and told her my realtor/broker would be handling the transaction on my end, she hasn't responded since. I was a little suspicious already so I started searching her name in Lafayette, Louisiana where she said she lived but found nothing. That's when I just did a Google search and found this thread on her and what a big scam she is trying to do! She apparently is using different names and email addresses too.
This person(s) needs to be stopped. So glad I kept asking for more info and searching to find it was a scam before I got taken in!!

 

[TUGBrian]

was even an article in the local paper about some wedding photographers who were taken by the "hearing impaired" scammer pulling the check for more than the asking price for deposits etc.

clearly a very effective scam on the more trusting! very sad

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

This person(s) needs to be stopped. So glad I kept asking for more info and searching to find it was a scam before I got taken in!!

FYI - the person running the scam is working out of internet cafes in Cairo, Egypt.

 

[TUGBrian]

this is still going on people....no it is not a legitimate offer to buy your timeshare no matter how much you want to believe it is!

 

[Scammed Again]

"hearing impaired scammers hit again

DO NOT SELL TIMESHARES WITHOUT CONFIRMING THE IDENTITIES OF THE BUYER AND BROKER.

I wish I had done my research more effectively. However, I got scammed by a "hearing impaired" person this past week. Her "name" was "Barbara Rueschenberg" using the TTY from "Portland, Oregon". Her "broker's" name was "Samuel Barnes" who was "vacationing" in Cairo, Egypt. Ms. Rueschenberg sent us a check for $2,900. After our credit union authorized us to cash the check, we purchased a $2,400 money order made out to "Effiong Sunday Udo" in Egypt. We got confirmation from Samuel Barnes that he received the money order and would proceed with closing on the sale.

Friday, we got an email from our credit union that they got a stop payment on the original check from Ms Rueschenberg since the check was from a fictitious account so that now we owe them for the total amount of $2,900.

I was naive and stupid. I suppose Effiong Sunday Udo is the only real name in the whole game and he is now enjoying himself in Cairo.

 

[TUGBrian]

ugh, the "Send me the difference" scam has been in effect for years and years now.

Very sorry you were scammed.

 

[Passepartout]

Yeah, and that's just the half of it. They still have the timeshare they wanted to sell, and it's attendant MF bills.

Read the 'how to sell a timeshare' on TUG for REAL help at no cost. Here's a link: http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44

Jim

 

[Scammed Again]

Thanks for the info re TUG for TEAL

 

[LannyPC]

This "hearing impaired" Becky Darsch from Lafayette Louisiana has been emailing me for 2 weeks about buying my timeshare.

I too am sorry to hear that you are one of many who got taken in by this scam.

But, if you don't mind sharing more information and so that we TUGgers can help other people avoid falling for this scam, can you tell us how this scammer knew your e-mail address and that you owned (or shall I say "still own") a TS? Did this scammer contact you through an account you have with a reputable (or even not-so-reputable) TS resale site?

 

[kepjr]

They are at it again...

This time the Name is Connie Bricker and the "closing agent" is Samuel Banet. Fortunately, I googled it first and found this site. Thank you!


Sorry for my delay in getting in touch with you as I have been away from home and just had access to my email. I was instructed to contact you by my client Ms. Connie Bricker to arrange the sale and transfer procedures for your timeshare. I am informed that the agreed sales price for your timeshare is $8,000. Ms. Bricker has also informed me that an initial deposit of $500 is already on its way to you along with my fees of $2,400 as soon as funds are deposited and available.

Please note that we shall be making use of First American title, Inc which is a national title transfer company with license to effect title transfer in all states. The process which I shall be undertaking is explained clearly in 7 steps as below

1- As soon as I get my fees, I will contact First American title, Inc to begin the process. When I pay the title transfer and escrow costs, we will be issued with a title transfer agent or contact person who will handle the process. I will provide the contact information of that person so you can be in touch with him or her if you like.

2- Broker(Sam Banet) initiates the closing process with First American title, Inc by completing simple online forms.

3- Buyer and seller receives an email from First American title, Inc (with username and password) requesting that he or she complete the online buyer and seller forms for the timeshare details and verify information.

4- Seller and buyer receive an email that includes the escrow number.

5- First American title company., Inc prepares and emails escrow instructions, the transfer deed and closing documents to seller and buyer. Seller and buyer review documents, provide necessary signatures, and return documents to First American title company, Inc per instructions.

6- First American title, Inc emails or faxes an estimated closing statement to the buyer and requests the funds necessary to close escrow. You have the option to verify and confirm that your balance funds have been paid into the escrow account by the buyer.When funds are received, First American title company., Inc closes the transaction.

7- First American title, Inc notifies all parties of the closing (including the proper resort management company or HOA), provides funds to the seller, and sends all necessary documentation to both the seller and the buyer.

Please be aware that I am currently in Cairo on vacation and will coordinate the Sale and title transfer from here. This would not affect the closing as my input is minimal. Please answer below questions so I can determine how best to proceed.

1- Do you have a clear title or do you owe on the property? If yes, How much do you owe?

2- Are your maintenance fees up to date? If no, how much is the maintenance fees for 2016?

3- Please provide a phone number and indicate the most convenient time to reach you so I can get in touch with you as soon as I get payment.

Please answer the above questions, when I hear from you, I will provide wire details so you can wire my fees to me upon receipt of the check. When I receive funds, I will proceed immediately. Closing time would take anywhere between 15-20 working days using the expedited option.

I have copied my client on this email so she can follow up accordingly. You can reach me on +201157684709.

Reply soon.

Respectfully Submitted,
Samuel Banet

 

[Beaglemom3]

I Googled the phone number and lo & behold:


http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=208549


This may be a duplicate of a post somewhere upthread, but same info, different names. The stench is the same, though.



-

 

[theo]

Gotta love it --- these people just never quit. Still "away" in Cairo, but now on vacation (the old story was "attending a timeshare convention" in Cairo).
Still sending the very same check, in the very same amount. However, the former Samuel Kaplan is apparently now known instead as Samuel Banet.

I'm surprised that the real, legitimate First American Title isn't all over this after several years of this scam repeatedly misusing their good name, but I suppose that there is very little they can really do about a scam clearly being run from somewhere "overseas".

 

[Turkeybuster]

Sam scam- different names- I am filing complaints with USPS, FBI, FCC, etc.

Same scam, with new names. The "hearing impaired buyer" is now Chris Sizzler" and his "broker" is Samuel Lechter. The email from Lechter and the return label on the fake "check" list Joseph Manning as the purchaser, however. They are supposedly based in California, but the "broker fees" need to go to Turkey. Spire FCU verified the check was fake.

Other names mentioned were JRK and Company, Inc., who was listed as a cooperating broker and whose address was used as the brokerage address, but who have never heard of these people. The license given for JRK actually belongs to a legit company in Florida, Timeshare Buyers Associates. Their website has a consumer alert on it about the scam where they were falsely listed as the supposed buyer.

Mr. Lechter's email address is sam.avner1. When I googled the name Sam Avner, I came up with your website and this scam forum. Mr. Lechter's email to me was almost identical to the one listed here from a different "broker". His supposed license number actually belongs to a Matt Festa, who had posted his license number online when he passed his RE license test last year and indicating that he needed to hook up with a broker before he could start listing. His lic was probably targeted because he was not yet actually selling yet.

 

[TUGBrian]

sadly if the scam didnt still work, it wouldnt still be being used!

protect yourself people!

 

[pedro47]

This is truly a sad story.