here is what they texted Hello this is Sherry Jones, i will like to know if you do chimney cleaning and repair, do you accept all major types of credit cards for payment ?
Got a text message from this number around 2am. We responded this morning and Googled the number based on the spelling, area code, contents of the message and the fact she asked if we are the "business owner" and do we "accept all major types of credit cards". For the heck of it, we went back and forth with text messages. "Sherry Jones" asked for pool motor replacement, leak detection, pump replacement, inspection and power wash of pool at a 3 bedroom "bungalow" she just purchased in the "city". She then said she would pay a $250 deposit for San Tan Valley, AZ 85143. She said she is "hearing impaired" and could only text. She asked if we accept credit cards and provided an address of 835 E. Stirrup Lane. We Googled the address and discovered the 4 bedroom home is active/for sale. We checked the Assessor records and discovered the current owners have owned the home for 3 years and there is no information recorded indicating the home has been sold. It is definitely our belief this is some kind of scam, but we haven't figured out how it scams. She asked when I could go in the house for "the pool repair inspection & estimation quotes to proceed". I told her I was there at the house now and I set off the alarm. I told her the San Tan Valley Police (no such thing) were there with me. She responded and said "the estate agent" has the key to the house. She said "will make estimate" and "ask me to balance up first". She then said she is in the hospital recuperating from the diagnosis of lung cancer". I told her the San Tan Valley Police Department found drugs and weapons in the house and they need to talk to her. I did not get a return text. I asked what hospital she is in and still did not get a return text...oh well...