Recently we’ve been getting e-mails asking for pricing information for a product we sell at work. The name in the message and e-mail address name actually add up and seem reasonable, not fake. But they ask for a quote on a variation of our product that we don’t sell, and if they’d been to our website they’d know that. We’ve been getting one or two messages a day for a month or so, some ask for different quantities or sizes, have different names, etc.
I just can’t figure out what their goal is. There’s no link to follow in the messages, there’s no attachment or bad-looking scripts in the message. I don’t think it’s a Nigerian thing because there’s no mention of shipping or weird payment methods. I tried answering a couple of them acting like we could fill the order, but no response.
Anybody else see anything like this?
Maybe it’s a variation of the toner pirate scam? They’re trying to ping for valid e-mail addresses, then they’ll e-mail about the special they have on toner, and can they verify the model of your printer so they can ship you the last batch they have at the Very Special Price?
Hmm, haven’t heard of that but sounds like a likely explanation.
Yes, I get those, and I don’t actually sell any products or have a web site. Irritating.
Why not respond to them with a completely BS price and stock number, and see if they take the hook? Tell you what, offer them this:
TripCo’s
TPS Meter, Part #582-105, $44.95 each. Meter feeds come in 1, 2, and 4 foot lengths, and are $12.95, 22.95, and $39.95 respectively.
Tripler
Seriously. Send them my info.
Even though they are asking for sizes we don’t have, I have answered two of the e-mails and not mentioned that we had no chance of filling the order. No answer back.
Tripler, GO GET 'EM! I love doing stuff like this.
More power to ya!
DON’T respond back as that will confirm that your email address is valid. They will, in turn, sell your email address to other individuals who will try to spam you, sell you crap, etc.
Ditto with those stupid “Free Cancun Vacation” faxes that tell you to call an 800 number to have your fax number removed. Not only will they not remove it, but they’ll sell your fax number to others.
Best bet is to delete and/or add them to your Blocked Address list.
Heh, I’ve had my e-mail address since 1994, I am on pretty much every spammer list out there.
While I completely agree with you, I must also point out the futility in doing so: email-emarketers propagate their potential client lists to each other like sharks flock to chum–any way to make a buck. I hear the Nigerian bankers are especially good at it.
Why not throw a line in the water and see what bites? Hell, for fun, see if we can’t get some free toner out of the deal or something.
Tripler
Look, this is a chance to practice scamming the scammers. C’mon people!! 