Fraud

Oct. 8, 2009 my boss was contacted via- e-mail from a person in a neighboring town stating they wanted to purchase self contained split systems as a gift to their friend. They were in need of three of these units.

There was no phone number where he could call and discuss what they were looking for, stated that She was deaf and had a tel;am hearing impaired.
The price was negotiated and the units were ordered and we were told they would pick them, up and pay via credit card.

When the units came in my boss sent a e-mail and ask when they wanted to pick them up or if they wanted us to deliver them to this neighboring town (Which is only 40 miles from here).

Then is when the weird stuff started happening.
They wanted to pay by credit card but wanted the amount divided into 3 equal payments and put on 3 credit cards.
Still at this time, I was not questioning it a lot. But when running the credit cards the middle number was declined. The other two went thru okay.
She then e-mailed a new number which went thru.

We at that time did not notice that all the numbers were exactly alike except for the last four numbers.

Another e-mail ---now where can we deliver these units to?
The next e-mail blew our socks off......... WHERE?.....Africa???? WOOO.....I don't think so...... Then it began to look fishy. We started investigating......
Verification of Name on Credit card with card number..... Our banker told us who to call for verification.

She also stated she was called out of country since her husband was in a auto accident. But wanted the units shipped via XXX as soon as possible.

My boss called for verification on the credit cards.
OF COURSE the only thing they would tell us....NO that is not the name on those credit cards......Their words....SIT TIGHT DO NOT SHIP....

You got it....A SCAM........ Had we shipped the units to Africa we would be out a lot of money. Two days ago the credit card company called in regards to this shipment, and I told him he could only speak to our boss... and gave him his cell phone number.

Within 30 minutes my boss called me, and told me that I was to credit the credit cards back their money and tell Julie to ship the units back to our supplier it is a total scam.

He also e-mailed us CODE 10 information.

So now after working here almost 30 years I have an additional book in my collection over here: (Fraud Prevention).

They also told us that where the person wanted us to ship, was a phony address.
And they were dealing with a lot more charges then just our deal.

I SURE HOPE THE CATCH THIS GAL (WHOM THEY SAY IS A MAN). And does not live in Illinois.