I was contacted yesterday via my Stella Dot website and out of curiosity I goggled the email address and found this thread. I'm so glad I did. I just recently signed on as a stylist so I'm guessing somehow they can find that information. Thanks to everyone who posted.
Geez, People will find all sorts of ways to scam $ from others.
A woman by the name of "ASHLEY SMITH" sent me a text, claiming to have gotten my phone number from a mailing. Asked for my email address so she could send me an order. She says she is a deaf woman. Her email is fragmented and typed in broken English. When I receive the email she is wanting to order our new Timewise Repair, asks some questions about the product, how it is shipped, and wonders how much. I let her know and she sends an order but asks that I NOT ship it until I receive her money which she states she is having her "boss" send since she doesn't have a cc. (red flag) Then I get a long broken english email claiming she just got news her sister has "cancer of the breast" and she is going out of town to be with her. PLUS that her boss sent me a check in the amount of her ENTIRE pay check, and not the amount due me for the product. She pleads in the email for me to make it right and that she is counting on me to do so. (red flag #2) Then I get texts from her letting me know the check should be there any day. She claims it has a verification # and she was contacted that it had been delivered. By the time the check does arrive she has sent me at least 2 more texts asking if the check is there. (red flag #3-#5) Here is the best part, the check arrives and it is in the amount of $1,950.75! Then come detailed emails telling me how to go to a bunch of different stores and get a VANILLA RELOAD NETWORK CARD, and send her the pin # on the back. I am ignoring her now but she is texting me to ask why she is not hearing from me and why I am not sending her the money. She did state that her shipping address is 122 Walker Dr., Morrice, MI 48857.
Just yesterday, text came. same name, Cassandra Michelle , address Morrice,MI same old story. Order Mary Kay Volufirm set,certified check from Boss....
NOTE: lots of Mary Kay consultant names in address list of 147...duh! hence this google info came up just checking on her.
will send notice to Mary Kay Corporate & warn Consultants. Thanks for sharing ladies. Mary Kay Golden Rule Rocks!
Here is how the "Check over the amount" scam works:
Says they will buy your item, sight unseen.
Says they will pay over the amount you want to cover shipping, or will claim someone other than <their name> will send you a check.
Says to take the extra money from the check and wire-transfer or pre-paid card to the shipping agent they provide or back to them.
You receive a cashiers check, bank daft check, or certified check for a large amount over your items cost.
You cash/deposit the check and then wire-transfer or pre-paid card per instructions.
After about 2~3 weeks, the check is returned, bounced, due to it being counterfeit or stolen.
The money you sent, went to the scammer.
As you wire-transferred or pre-paid card your own money, it is unrecoverable.
You are now out the money you sent, plus return check fees, plus risk arrest for passing a fake or stolen check.
See:
http://www.fraudaid.com/
http://www.fraudaid.com/solution_center/solution/draftsoption3/4a.htm