Mr. James is at it again!
But this time it looks like he is changing his tactics. Perhaps he has stolen some computers?
I run a small IT company in LA and was texted by James because he wanted to know how much to reinstall Windows on 15 computers for his new "Internet Cafe" business. I didn't offer him much of a discount since he was obviously a scammer (and I was fairly certain he would oblige) but I wanted to see how this played out. Below I have posted our texts for your amusement.
+13019094426: Hello good day, my name is James I have 15 used HP Pavilion 500-281 Desktop Computer coming for me and i want the hard drives need formatting and load in window 10, i want it done in your store or wherever you work can you handle that for me, what is the total cost and do you accept credit card ? 9:52 AM
Me: Hi James, Ryan here from PC Pros. Yes, we can get that done for you and we do accept credit cards. Please call me back at 323.xxx.xxxx to discuss details. 10:02 AM
+13019094426: i wont be able to call you or receive your calls am hearing impaired and i will be undergoing surgery is some weeks time just to let you know i want a well done job 10:07 AM
+13019094426: 15 HP Pavilion 500-281Desktop (Core i3-4130, 4GB RAM, 1TB HD, Windows 7 hard drives need formatting and load in window 10 10:07 AM
Me: Do you know if the computers have current Windows licenses? If so, no problem, otherwise will need to purchase. 10:09 AM
Me: As far as a job well done, that's what we do :) 10:09 AM
Me: Our normal charge for OS reinstallation is 199, but for 15 machines would give you a pretty deep discount. 10:12 AM
Me: Also, please let me know what you will be using the computers for and what type of software you might want installed after the base Windows 10 installation. Microsoft office, etc... 10:14 AM
+13019094426: YES it as Windows licenses 10:14 AM
+13019094426: Let me have the price per pc total of 15 pc i would like to make payment now 10:16 AM
+13019094426: let me have your full name and address to deliver them driver will have them deliver to you in next 4days can you finish them in 8 working days 10:16 AM
Me: Please let me know what you will be using the computers for and what type of software you might want installed after the base Windows 10 installation. Microsoft office, etc... if any. 10:18 AM
+13019094426: am using it for cyber cafe 10:21 AM **** RED FLAG - who opens an internet cafe these days? ****
+13019094426: Microsoft office, and browser's only 10:23 AM
Me: OK, thx for the info. Do you have MS Office licensing? Did you have a plan for that? Otherwise, there are a few ways to get that done. 10:26 AM
+13019094426: i have the MS Office licensing 10:39 AM
+13019094426: Let me have the total cost to get the 15 PC done 10:40 AM
Me: What version of office is it? Apologies for the questions, but I need to know in order to establish a fair price. 10:43 AM
+13019094426: 2014 10:44 AM ***** RED FLAG - there is no "Office 2014" - confirmed, this guy is definitely a scammer *****
Me: latest versions are 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016. Also, is it Home and Student, Home and Business, Professional, etc.? 10:46 AM
Me: it matters if we are to install 10:47 AM
+13019094426: sorry it is 2007 that was how old the computers are 10:49 AM ***** RED FLAG - i3 processors aren't so old as to have Office 2007 *****
+13019094426: Professional 10:50 AM
Me: ok, can reduce price 25% over 15 computers to make it: $2238. Will include Windows 10 install, Office 2007 install and Microsoft updates and security patches 10:57 AM
Me: can have it done in 8 business days or sooner 10:58 AM
Me: Hey James, haven't heard from you. Did you have any further questions? Are you comfortable with the price or did you have a specific budget in mind? 12:26 PM
.... the next day ....
+13019094426: YES 11:09 AM
Me: great, please let me know what it is so I can see if I can work within your budget. 11:20 AM
+13019094426: my budget is $5000 11:23 AM **** RED FLAG, his budget is more than my quote!!! ****
Me: great, as I said yesterday, I can reduce price 25% over 15 computers to make it: $2238. Will include Windows 10 install, Office 2007 install and Microsoft updates and security patches. 11:25 AM
Me: Keep in mind, this gives you room in case some of those used computers have issues, like failing hard drives, etc. 11:26 AM
+13019094426: Thanks for the discount, am okay with that let me have your full name and address to deliver them driver will have them deliver to you in next 4days can you finish them in 8 working days 11:27 AM
Me: Kindly provide your email address and I will send you all the information. Thank you. 11:28 AM
+13019094426: Email :
[email protected] 11:33 AM **** Gotcha, biotch...*****
Me: Also, full legal name, address and phone number of the business, and your full name. Will need for invoicing. Thanks. 11:33 AM
+13019094426: puters. 11:34 AM ***** really tho??? ******
+13019094426: i have not paid the driver that will deliver the computers to you, so i want you to add up extra $1,650 to the total cost of your service, making $3,175 you will deduct $1500 deposit for your service and have the renaming $1,650 will be send to the driver via cash deposit, so he can deliver the computers to you for the service. i want you to know that its due to my current situation and i don't have cash with me now and the driver has to bring in the com 11:34 AM ******* BAM! SCAMMER CONFIRMED 100000% - this is the classic scam ploy *******
Me: Sorry, that's not possible. We only charge you for the services we provide. If necessary, I can send our courier to pick up the computers if you cannot arrange it, then add that to the bill, if necessary. 11:43 AM
Me: Also, the name/address/phone of your business, and your name did not come through. All I got was "puters". 11:45 AM
.... blah blah...
I won't bother with the reminder of the text thread, but you can bet how it ends. By me directing poor James to this site and telling him to do something productive with his life instead devoting it to scamming others. Good luck, buddy.