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 Post subject: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 6:27 pm 
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Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2008 6:04 pm
Posts: 2
The Western Union clerk saved me $470 by alertiing me to the fact that companies usually receive money with a company code because they are registered with WU, the fee is very low, and NOT to individuals in the company unless you personally know them, especially out of the country. It was then that I went past researching the TNT web site and found so many hits that I knew I came as close as having the cash in my hand at the WU counter to experiencing my first Internet scam! How humbling...

The craigslist ad was for a Dell M1710 laptop (too-good-to-be-true, of course). Here is the text of the first email from Laura Halley.

<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi there,

Sorry for my late reply but I'm currently in England, Wolverhampton. I was promoted to Sales Administrator and I have to take a 6 months trainning program here in UK, before I'll be back home, in States.
The laptop is still available, in perfect condition, and I will sell it only in US because here the warranty and the DellCare are US registered.
I can't use the laptop here in UK because it works on 110 V. I didn't know about this problem when I moved here and another reason why I am selling the laptop is because I have just received a new laptop as a birthday gift here in UK, so I do not think I will be using my old laptop any more. I don't have use for 2 laptops.
I have attached some pics with the laptop to this e-mail so you can see the condition of the laptop. I bought the laptop 14 months ago and it still has 10 months of Dell transferable warranty remaining ( you can extand the warranty for one year on your name ).
I hope you are still interested and we can make the deal happen right away.
Since I can't meet you and make the exchange, I would like to use a service that will help us with that:

http://www.tnt.com/tnt.express.wolverha ... rvice.html

TNT is a worldwide delivery company (like Fedex, DHL or UPS). You can see from their procedure that you will be able to check the laptop before I receive the payment. If you are in a hurry, I will use 2 day delivery (on my expense).

Let me know what you think.

Best Wishes,
Laura Halley

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Look familiar?
Subsequent emails had official TNT looking instructions to do a WU money transfer to an individual as an agent
:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Tracking Number: 696587457
Important TNT Payment Instructions/Shipment Details
Please read the Instructions carefully.
Click here to track your package: Track

Dear TNT Customer,

We have your package in our custody.

Description of goods: 1 x Dell XPS M1710 Laptop Computer
Sender of package ( Seller ): Laura Halley
Receiver of package ( Buyer ): xxx

Delivery Address:

Address: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
City / State: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Zip(City Code): xxx
Country: USA


Delivery Type: TNT Express 2nd Day Delivery - After the Payment is received and verified by TNT
Amount to be paid by the Buyer: US $425.00

Payment Instructions - Receiver of the Payment -Victor Diaw

The payment must be made through Western Union Money Transfer to the Name of the TNT Agent who is in charge with this transaction - Victor Diaw using the Money in Minutes Service from Western Union.

Important Note: The Payment must be made at one of Western Union's Agent Locations, in person by the Buyer. The payment must not be made using Western Union's Send Money Online Service due to the high Credit Card fraud risk. We will not confirm any payments made online.


You must go to a Western Union Agent Location and make a Money Transfer to the Name of the TNT Agent who is responsible with this transaction - Victor Diaw .

In order to complete the Money Transfer using the Money in Minutes Service you will need the Payment Details of our TNT Agent:

Please make your Money Transfer payable to:

First Name: Victor
Last Name: Diaw
Address: 214 Bowery Street
City: Wolverhampton
Zip(City Code): S22 1TF
Country: United Kingdom

After you complete the payment you need to send the Payment Information for verification to our Payment Department at their e-mail address: TNT On-Line Payment Service


The Payment Information that you need to send to us for verification are:
- MTCN - Money Transfer Control Number (the MTCN is the 10-digit number located on your Western Union Confirmation Receipt)
- Sender's Name and Sender's Address - (the name Name and Address of the Sender of the Western Union Money Transfer)
- Amount Transferred - (the amount transferred)

Please read our TNT Payment Privacy Policy to learn our payment release and payment refund conditions.

1.The Payment will be sent to the Seller by TNT only after you receive the package, check the merchandise and if you are completely satisfied with it. Only then you will instruct us to release the Payment to the Seller.
2.TNT acts as a third party holding at the same time the merchandise and the Payment.
3. After the merchandise is received by the Buyer, the Buyer will have up to 21 days depending on the nature of the merchandise to review the merchandise.
For transaction No. 696587457 the inspection time is 5 ( five ) business days.
a) If the Buyer decides to keep the merchandise the Buyer will instruct TNT to release the funds to the Seller.
b) If for any reason the Buyer does not want to keep the merchandise, the Buyer will ask TNT for a refund.
The refund procedure is very simple, the Buyer will receive the money from TNT through Bank to Bank Wire Transfer, or by Check or by Western Union Money Transfer.
The refund method is at the Buyer's choice.



Thank you for using TNT
Nicole Card - TNT Customer Department

Wolverhampton Depot
214 Bowery Street
Wolverhampton
S22 1TF
Customer Department
General Manager: Robert Kay
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

I was ready to pay the $425 plus $45 fee because I was so anxious for this great deal. I was saved by the persistent warnings of the WU clerk. I owe her a Starbucks card, for sure. This is one doggone clever and elaborate scam!
By the way, I was receiving emails promptly during 'negotiations' but after I responded that I would only pay through WU to a company account instead of an individual, I have not had one email from Laura. I guess she is not so full of 'Cheers' now. If the scams are giving Internet business a bad rep, then sites like this along with search engines might keep it more manageable.
For now...

PS
I even thought I was being careful by asking for the Dell service tag ( 6CZBVB1 ) and researching it at Dell and verifying the item. Turns out a google search of 6CZBVB1 reveals the computer being sold around the world! Did I mention that this was one clever scam!

Also, per reply below, I have now gifted the clerk with a $10 card and an explanation confirming her suspicions.


Last edited by customer505 on Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:53 am, edited 2 times in total.

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 Post subject: Re: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 7:09 pm 
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Site Admin/Co-Founder

Joined: Mon Mar 31, 2003 10:09 pm
Posts: 2921
Glad to hear that you did not get scammed! Could you thank that WU employee for me also, and tell them that we have this warning sign that they can post at their store also.

http://www.scamvictimsunited.com/downlo ... ertSVU.pdf

_________________
Shawn Mosch
Co-Founder of http://ScamVictimsUnited.com
There is strength in numbers!

Share your story with the media and educate others about scams! Details here http://scamvictimsunited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=6319
Sign our petition http://www.change.org/actions/view/crea ... s_programs
Follow our blog http://scamvictimsunited.wordpress.com/
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 Post subject: Re: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:34 am 
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Joined: Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:50 am
Posts: 291
Location: WI
Wow that is great that the WU employee actually said something to you. I am glad you didn't get scammed.


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 Post subject: Re: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:49 am 
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Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2008 6:04 pm
Posts: 2
I returned to the WU outlet and presented a $10 Starbucks gift card to the clerk with my humbling gratitude. She then explained that she had been a victim of identify theft and so she has become more cautious for herself and others. I still can't believe how close I came to duping myself, just because I was so anxious for a good deal. My sister recently saved a friend of hers from the 'overpayment' with money order/ repay difference with WU money transfer scam! Her friend was set to lose big time!


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 Post subject: Re: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:57 am 
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Site Admin/Co-Founder

Joined: Mon Mar 31, 2003 10:09 pm
Posts: 2921
That is SO GREAT that now you, your sister and the WU employee are all doing something to help out others!

I hope that she enjoys that Starbuck card you gave her. That was very nice of you to do.

If any of you would like ScamVictimsUnited.com promotional items (we have pens and window decals/stickers) just send me a PM with your mailing info and then you can help to warn even MORE people!

_________________
Shawn Mosch
Co-Founder of http://ScamVictimsUnited.com
There is strength in numbers!

Share your story with the media and educate others about scams! Details here http://scamvictimsunited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=6319
Sign our petition http://www.change.org/actions/view/crea ... s_programs
Follow our blog http://scamvictimsunited.wordpress.com/
Find us on Twitter, Facebook and more http://www.retaggr.com/page/ShawnMosch
_______________________________________________
Has this site helped you?
Buy us a coffee to say thanks ~ http://www.scamvictimsunited.com/donations.htm


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 Post subject: Re: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 2:12 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jun 25, 2008 2:06 pm
Posts: 1
Unfortunately I fell victim to this scam, just a couple days before your first posting. If anyone else has, please get in touch with me. I'm beginning the process of filing all of the paperwork to start an investigation.


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 Post subject: Re: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 2:39 pm 
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Site Admin/Co-Founder

Joined: Mon Mar 31, 2003 10:09 pm
Posts: 2921
slf974 wrote:
I'm beginning the process of filing all of the paperwork to start an investigation.


Just to let you know, there might not be much that can be done. The website that the scammers use is a fake, so to go after them you would have to track down who owns/operates that site. If that is out of country, there is not going to be much you can do. If it is in this country, it could be that it was hacked into so the true owner might not be the one that really scammed you.

_________________
Shawn Mosch
Co-Founder of http://ScamVictimsUnited.com
There is strength in numbers!

Share your story with the media and educate others about scams! Details here http://scamvictimsunited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=6319
Sign our petition http://www.change.org/actions/view/crea ... s_programs
Follow our blog http://scamvictimsunited.wordpress.com/
Find us on Twitter, Facebook and more http://www.retaggr.com/page/ShawnMosch
_______________________________________________
Has this site helped you?
Buy us a coffee to say thanks ~ http://www.scamvictimsunited.com/donations.htm


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 Post subject: Re: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 8:58 am 
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Gold Member

Joined: Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:50 am
Posts: 291
Location: WI
customer505 wrote:
I returned to the WU outlet and presented a $10 Starbucks gift card to the clerk with my humbling gratitude. She then explained that she had been a victim of identify theft and so she has become more cautious for herself and others. I still can't believe how close I came to duping myself, just because I was so anxious for a good deal. My sister recently saved a friend of hers from the 'overpayment' with money order/ repay difference with WU money transfer scam! Her friend was set to lose big time!


That was really nice of you to personally thank her like that and to let her know that she made a difference. Usually they just get the crap end of the stick so showing gratitude probably made her day. Have you thought of contacting WU headquarters and letting them know how their employee helped save you from a scam and maybe send a letter to the manager at that store location as well. Maybe if word gets out that employees at WU are receiving gratitude from upper management for alerting customers to possible scams they will start alerting more and more customers. Possitive reenforcement goes a long way.


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 Post subject: Re: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:12 pm 
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Joined: Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:07 pm
Posts: 1
admin wrote:
slf974 wrote:
I'm beginning the process of filing all of the paperwork to start an investigation.


Just to let you know, there might not be much that can be done. The website that the scammers use is a fake, so to go after them you would have to track down who owns/operates that site. If that is out of country, there is not going to be much you can do. If it is in this country, it could be that it was hacked into so the true owner might not be the one that really scammed you.


yea i found some goo research on this TNT company and th WHOis results through domain name search registrar results.
but the email to the owner or admin doesn't work. SHows its fishy email now, theirs gott abe a real host who needs to shutdown all of this TNT website stuff but first investigators have to catch them to recover monies to people too, like me 450.00 us dollars.

paul

p.s.
yes i fell as a vicitim as well just this week to this damn scam. I lost 450 dollars to this laptop dell m1710. what is your first way to contact the metro police in wolverhamtpon uk?
I need a jumpstart or shortcuts to what is most affective to get money recovered in this time senstive situation?
Interesting part is that i am in Arizona, USA. lastly could you email me or reply with the wolverhampton local police departments phone number?

paul


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 Post subject: Re: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 11:19 am 
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Site Admin/Co-Founder

Joined: Mon Mar 31, 2003 10:09 pm
Posts: 2921
Quote:
what is your first way to contact the metro police in wolverhampton


Paul,
The Police there will not be able to assist you. The scammer probably is not even there

Quote:
I need a jumpstart or shortcuts to what is most affective to get money recovered in this time senstive situation?


Sadly, you will probably not get your money back. There is an agency that is helping people get money back, but they are in Minnesota and as of right now can only recover money for Minnesota residents.

If you would like to try and contact them and see what they can do for you, here is their contact information

If you receive a Fraudulent Solicitation, Report it:
• Via email — forward the email to dps.reportfraud@state.mn.us

• Via phone — report any information to local law enforcement or the Minnesota Board of Aging LinkAge line, 1-800-333-2433

• Via mail — send all the original documents, including the envelope, to:
Alcohol Gambling Enforcement Division — Fraud Report
444 Cedar St. #133
St. Paul, MN 55101

_________________
Shawn Mosch
Co-Founder of http://ScamVictimsUnited.com
There is strength in numbers!

Share your story with the media and educate others about scams! Details here http://scamvictimsunited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=6319
Sign our petition http://www.change.org/actions/view/crea ... s_programs
Follow our blog http://scamvictimsunited.wordpress.com/
Find us on Twitter, Facebook and more http://www.retaggr.com/page/ShawnMosch
_______________________________________________
Has this site helped you?
Buy us a coffee to say thanks ~ http://www.scamvictimsunited.com/donations.htm


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 Post subject: Re: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 8:18 pm 
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Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2010 7:57 pm
Posts: 1
Thank you so much for this post! I almost became a victim of online fraud as well.
My story is almost the same- except that I wanted to buy a television listed on craigslist (Sony Bravia 46") for $380, (also too good to be true) and my scammer is in Italy. When I contacted her, she dropped the price of the tv by $10, and told me that it is only 4 months old and still under warranty- a warranty that is transferrable- (my first red flag) When is a warranty ever transferrable? I then inquired about the cost of shipping, and she replied that she knew of a "great solution" and sent me a link to the TNT website and offered to pay the shipping fee. (my second red flag) Who pays the overseas shipping just to be nice? The only catch for me was that 1: She included pictures immediately of the tv, the warranty paperwork, all of the manuals, etc. and 2: Her email signature includes her as being the Chief of Logistics with a link to a logistics company. (Except that you can't navigate that website-another red flag) It seemed so friendly and 'homey'.
The TNT website is pretty good, but I thought I should google it just in case, which is how I got to this website. What a lifesaver! I immediately responded to her that I researched TNT, and found out about the scams and would hate for her to lose out on the tv and her $400+ and for me to lose out on the purchase. I also told her that we will be looking for a tv closer to home. I wonder if she'll respond?
By the way- this all just happened in the last 12 hours!


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 Post subject: Re: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 1:43 pm 
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Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2010 1:30 pm
Posts: 1
Wow I knew it was too good to be true.

mzcakes7 ,,, I bet her name is Arianna,,, she/he/it is trying the same with me ... Exact same details but different TV!

Wonder if there is any way, that working with the authorities, we can gut this fish while its still on the line!!


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 Post subject: Re: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 6:11 pm 
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Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2010 5:57 pm
Posts: 1
so horrible. my 8 year old son has been researching the iPad for months, ready to spend his "life" savings- has been writing emails to steve jobs at apple for a "discount"- made business cards for neighbors to do jobs to earn the rest of the money. he literally gets online each morning and watches the documentary videos on the different usages of the iPad, etc. he recently has been searching e-bay as well as craigslist....and low and behold found a listing from ariana flanagan....he has been in contact w/ this terrible person for days now...i have been doing research and luckily found this website!!!! Her latest response:

Hi Zane,

The serial number is V5019RUEETV.
I won't return home so soon. I'll have to send it to you from here.
I found a way to sell you the ipad that will cover the both of us. It's a worldwide delivery company called TNT. They have a service that will allow you to test the ipad before I receive my payment.
Please go to the TNT website below and read their procedure so we can be on the same page:

http://eutpg.com/tnt.express.torino.dep ... nsactions/

I will pay the TNT shipping fee.
It breaks my heart that I have to teach this life lesson to my son so early.


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 Post subject: Re: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2010 12:52 pm 
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Site Admin/Co-Founder

Joined: Mon Mar 31, 2003 10:09 pm
Posts: 2921
marlaa wrote:
It breaks my heart that I have to teach this life lesson to my son so early.


Better that he learns now not to trust people on the internet, rather than learning what it feels like to become a scam victim.

_________________
Shawn Mosch
Co-Founder of http://ScamVictimsUnited.com
There is strength in numbers!

Share your story with the media and educate others about scams! Details here http://scamvictimsunited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=6319
Sign our petition http://www.change.org/actions/view/crea ... s_programs
Follow our blog http://scamvictimsunited.wordpress.com/
Find us on Twitter, Facebook and more http://www.retaggr.com/page/ShawnMosch
_______________________________________________
Has this site helped you?
Buy us a coffee to say thanks ~ http://www.scamvictimsunited.com/donations.htm


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 Post subject: Re: TNT International Express & Craigslist & Wolverhampton FRAUD
PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2010 3:02 pm 
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Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2010 2:44 pm
Posts: 1
I had the same experience with Arianna, though "she" didn't get me, here is my transcript, hopefully it helps someone else:

> On Nov 3, 2010, at 10:33 PM, Arianna Bowring wrote:
>
> > Hi, I am getting back to you regarding the 64GB 3G iPad from Craigslist
> >
> > My name is Arianna and I am now in Torino, Italy.
> > I am selling the ipad for $450 USD. I have attached some pics with it to this email.
> > The ipad is still available and I hope you are still interested. The ipad was bought brand new from Apple a few weeks ago.
> > About the ipad I can say it's in perfect shape, as I used it only for a few weeks. Included in the $450 price is everything that came with the ipad.
> > The ipad is here with me.
> > I tried to be as thorough as I could with the presentation so you can have all the info if you decide to go ahead and buy it.
> >
> > Please get back to me and let me know if you like the ipad if you're really interested in buying it.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Arianna
> >
> > Chief Logistic Officer
> > http://www.niinivirta.it<Ipad1.jpg><Ipad2.jpg><Ipad3.jpg>



Arianna,
>
> I am interested, but if you're in Italy now, how will I pick it up and how would I pay for it?

On Nov 4, 2010, at 2:01 PM, Arianna Bowring wrote:

Hi Chris,

Well, I found a way to sell you the ipad that will cover the both of us. It's a worldwide delivery company called TNT. They have a service that will allow you to test the ipad before I receive my payment.
Please go to the TNT website below and read their procedure so we can be on the same page:

http://eutpg.com/tnt.express.torino.dep ... nsactions/

I will pay the TNT shipping fee.

Thanks.



Arianna Bowring
Chief Logistic Officer
http://www.niinivirta.it


This sounds great Arianna, just send me the company code to send the wire transfer to and we can get rolling. Also, can you send me the serial number for the iPad and a better look at that receipt.

I really appreciate it and I'm looking forward to getting that iPad.

Chris

I haven't heard back yet as I just sent this to her. Either way, this is a pretty slick scam. I was pretty disappointed but glad of course when I figured out the scam. I appreciate all of you for sharing this information.

Have a great one!


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