# Fucking scammer motherfuckers **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 28, 2022, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240 "2022-12-28T21:57:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 20
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2024, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/381 "2024-03-13T20:57:22Z")
> [@Machine\_Elf](#): > > One of the best scambaits of all time was the P-P-P-Powerbook! incident. Wow, it’s been 20 years. You have _got_ to see the “artwork” for yourself! The Menu Bar is **Scribbled Apple Shape…File…Edit…Kiddie Pørn…Yams…Close** and the Dock has shortcuts like _Haxor The Planet!_ And under the trash can is a helpful message: **This Is Real**. > **[P-P-P-Powerbook!](https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/events/p-p-p-powerbook)** > > P-P-P-Powerbook refers to a replica of an Apple Powerbook laptop handcrafted by Something Awful member Jeff Harris to prank an eBay buyer who tried to scam him using a bogus escrow service. ---
**Author:** ![Ynnad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/4491bb/32.png) [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2024, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/382 "2024-03-14T12:03:05Z")
I got a voice mail last night that had the same script as the original voice mail from Mr. Goldman except that it was an computer-generated female voice named Ms.Miller, a different phone number but the same New York area code, and the prize was only 2.5 million dollars. The claim number was exactly the same. I called but had to leave a message. I said to contact Mr. Goldman and gave his phone number since he is already taking care of this. I sent a text to Mr. Goldman telling him the new number and name and asking what the heck is going on. I hope I can somehow get the two scammers talking to each other, ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2024, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/383 "2024-03-14T12:52:44Z")
I mean, they might be in the same room anyway. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2024, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/384 "2024-03-14T14:36:59Z")
> [@Maserschmidt](#): > > they might be in the same room They might be in the same chair. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2024, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/385 "2024-03-14T15:25:19Z")
This morning someone posted in one of my Facebook groups about how she bought a laptop and an Apple watch as presents for her husband, only to find out that he was cheating on her, so she’s giving them away and you should contact her if interested. The story smelled to me and lo and behold, there’s a known [“cheating husband laptop scam”](https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2023/09/19/cheating-husband-laptop-scam-how-you-could-be-victim/) that uses wording almost identical to what was posted on Facebook. The scammer shut down comments on her post in the apparent belief that would block warnings about it. So I did a separate post on the scam. My good deed for the day. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2024, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/386 "2024-03-14T18:07:24Z")
Just got one of these “Amazon Test Club” things in the mail. > **[Amazon customers beware! UK police warn of serious new shopper threat](https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/1637108/Amazon-UK-police-warning-scam-threat-shoppers)** > > AMAZON customers have been delivered an important warning by the police ahead of Prime Day 2022 next week. The return address would be a townhouse, if it existed. > **[466 Landeros Dr · 466 Landeros Dr, San Mateo, CA 94403](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UZ3cZ2EwnTfGLJKt8)** > > 466 Landeros Dr, San Mateo, CA 94403 ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2024, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/387 "2024-03-14T18:27:40Z")
Here’s what the thing looks like: [![](https://i.imgur.com/PNcoMZv.jpg) ](https://i.imgur.com/PNcoMZv.jpg) [![](https://i.imgur.com/6LDqiuM.jpg) ](https://i.imgur.com/6LDqiuM.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2024, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/388 "2024-03-14T18:35:19Z")
So the scam stars with something sent via USPS mail from John Lee of San Mateo, CA, but the letter inside is from Mike Thompson and the URL is @jointestclub.com rather than @amazon.com? Rather than coming via email or the actual [amazon.com](http://amazon.com) website? ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2024, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/389 "2024-03-14T18:59:09Z")
Yep, except it’s a post card. By the way, I looked up @jointestclub.com and it was registered by a company from China. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2024, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/390 "2024-03-14T19:02:37Z")
I wonder if the postal inspectors are looking into it? Involving the US mail adds a whole level of illegality. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2024, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/391 "2024-03-14T21:26:02Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Involving the US mail adds a whole level of illegality. But operating the scam from China adds a whole level of impunity. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2024, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/392 "2024-03-14T21:41:12Z")
> [@Ynnad](#): > > I hope I can somehow get the two scammers talking to each other, When Furby was a big thing two people at work brought one in on the same day to show them off. We set them facing each other and watched them converse for a few minutes. I have the feeling this would be much the same. ---
**Author:** ![Ynnad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/4491bb/32.png) [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2024, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/393 "2024-03-17T15:17:30Z")
I sent $17,550.00 in cash to the Publishers Clearinghouse’s accountant in Palm Bay, Florida. The post office _sua sponte_ was kind enough to put a large sticker on the back apologizing for the damage to the mail. (ETA: Looking at the pictures the scammer sent me a little closer, It looks like the post office sealed the whole thing in a plastic bag. This is awesome!) I just got a call from the spammer. Now I have to send it again using United Parcel Service (UPS). The weather is not so good today so I will probably be inside with nothing to do all morning. A UPS receipt doesn’t look too hard to create. I have a thousand fonts to select from so the only other challenge is the many different font sizes they use. Besides, all the scammer is ever going to get is a blurry picture via text. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2024, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/394 "2024-03-17T15:25:56Z")
You’re doing God’s work. Bless you. ---
**Author:** ![Fugazi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f08c70/32.png) [@Fugazi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fugazi)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2024, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/395 "2024-03-18T17:12:51Z")
Let me see if I have this story straight. You sent the scammer a damaged package so he would think the $17,550.00 had been stolen? And his response was “rustle up another $17K and send it to me UPS” instead? Wow. Even if this were a 100% legit way to send someone money, there’s no way I’d send another 17K after the 1st 17K went missing. ---
**Author:** ![Ynnad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/4491bb/32.png) [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2024, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/396 "2024-03-18T20:42:58Z")
I don’t think this scammer is all that smart. I asked him where Palm Bay, Florida is and he said it was in Florida. Technically, I suppose he was correct. He also said it was against the law for the post office to charge someone money just to mail a letter. I explained to him how this is actually incorrect. I have to call him this afternoon for instructions on how to send the money via UPS. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2024, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/397 "2024-03-18T22:11:11Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > \*Curiously, the vast majority of them seem to be of porn stars. Huh. All of mine are middle-aged divorced (or widowed) men. Should I feel insulted? Not that some of them might not have been porn-worthy at some point, and they still look decent enough, but I don’t think they’d be starring in any current productions. On the vehicle report scam: I wonder what a scammer might do if you gave THEM the VIN to run the report. Could that be used fraudulently somehow? Like, getting a replacement title then you suddenly no longer own your own car? Fraudulent insurance? ---
**Author:** ![Ynnad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/4491bb/32.png) [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2024, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/398 "2024-03-19T00:59:39Z")
The scammer has instructed me to buy a “deep fryer” to ship the money in. He got somewhat angry at first when I said that seemed a little silly but I reassured him that he was the professional and that this is all new to me. I am to separate the cash into two piles and wrap each pile in aluminum foil, put the wrapped cash in two different places in the deep fryer, and put the deep fryer back in the box and put the box in a plain brown cardboard box, and then ship it United Parcel Service overnight. I have to take pictures of each step. The pictures of the bare cash should get him excited, I don’t have a deep fryer but I do have an electric skillet still in the box that I have never used. That’ll have to do. I am not really shipping it this time, just going to text some pictures. The new address is 0.6 miles from the last address in Palm Bay, Florida. Just like last last time, he said to send it “no signature required.” Now I wonder if the money mule is also a porch pirate, He really wants the tracking number. The receipt I have prepared with the tracking number includes a special character that could be a 2 or an 8 or a 3 or a 2 over 3. He is going to have a fit when UPS says the tracking number is invalid. When he does, I am going to tell him that’s between him and UPS. You would think he would give up after that but he probably won’t. Oh well, time to get busy taking photos of cash, aluminum foil, electric skillets, UPS receipts, etc. Also, he asked me at least four times if I knew what aluminum foil was. I assured him that I did. ---
**Author:** ![Ynnad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/4491bb/32.png) [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2024, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/399 "2024-03-19T02:20:25Z")
Just as I was finishing up with my photos for Mr. Goodman, Mr. Sloan (the previous PCH scammer) called. I haven’t heard from him in 10 days. He might have been a little drunk. He wanted to know if I was playing games with him or if I thought he was stupid. I never broke character but I did tell him that he was not very good at public relations or prize giveaways. He said he reviewed the security cameras from the post office on the day I mailed the money and that I was not there. He also said the Postal Inspectors told him that I was not there on that day. After about 20 minutes , he then made several inquiries about the safety and welfare of my wife and daughter (I don’t really have a daughter) and then terminated the call by saying he would be in contact with the FBI and Homeland Security. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2024, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240/400 "2024-03-19T04:08:05Z")
> [@Ynnad](#): > > Mr. Sloan (the previous PCH scammer) called. I haven’t heard from him in 10 days. He might have been a little drunk. You are my hero! 🙇‍♂️ 🙇‍♀️ 🙇‍♂️ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240.md?page=19) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-scammer-motherfuckers/977240.md?page=21)