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Welcome to Techsurvivors => Community => Topic started by: Xairbusdriver on February 07, 2013, 04:13:52 PM

Title: Help with my Frustrations
Post by: Xairbusdriver on February 07, 2013, 04:13:52 PM
Some of you may remember I set up a website last year to ALERT, display and discuss SCAMs sent by MAIL. Thus, the domain mailscamalert. I have also included a form for use, I thought, of those who had more information on the SCAMmers/frauds/fakes/thieves already on the site or for additional/new ones. While I have received the usual fake messages, and a few actual 'Thank you' notes, the vast majority come from people who can't seem to understand the whole point of the site. Here's the latest message:
QUOTE
Message:
A Gatewaw retrieval llc is claiming this check was bounced for insuffent funds, however my bank would have notified me to come in and cover it.  they are trying to collect $299.00 For them to clear this bad Check? I am 82 yrs old and in financial straights,pleasehelp me in this matter! David Wxyz 123-456-7890 Thank you!

Referring Page Title: Margaret Von Sacher
I've edited out the real last name and the actual phone number. Like the majority of responses, the sender is not recognizing that my site and the SCAMs listed are two different things. My usual reply starts with a reminder that the site is a collection of SCAMs and that I have absolutely no connection with any of them. Each page has the following in very large text at the very top:
QUOTE
[Category of scam] SCAMs...and how to avoid them!
Lies, Fakery, Greed and Tomfoolery
[Category of scam] SCAMs
There is then a paragraph reiterating how this category usually operates and that the list following are all SCAMs. There are six categories, and each has its own discussion about that type of SCAM.

Here is another letter indicating a lack of reading skill:
QUOTE
Message:
I sent you a money order back in Dec., for my order.,didn't get it. You told me I would receive it so I could start playing my lucky numbers on Jan 8th. What is going on with you. I'm having second thoughts about what you say you can do. Please respond back soon as you get this email.

                            sincerely,
                           abcdefghi930@wyxz.com
This one is also amazing:
QUOTE
Message:
I have already sent the $40 check and still have not received any information or envelopes to stuff..... Please contact me 1234 Rapanata Dr Texas, Tx. 10575   or 330 663 5039[address and phone numbers edited]

I use the word "SCAM" (almost always in ALL-CAPS) so much that I fear it may become irritating to the reader! smile.gif Apparently not. rolleyes.gif

My question comes down to how I can make it more clear that the pages on the site are describing... SCAMs?! wallbash.gif
Title: Help with my Frustrations
Post by: kimmer on February 07, 2013, 07:47:38 PM
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Feb 7 2013, 03:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My question comes down to how I can make it more clear that the pages on the site are describing... SCAMs?! wallbash.gif

Sneakers said to write them back and ask them:

"What part of STUPID don't you understand?"



laugh.gif
Title: Help with my Frustrations
Post by: Xairbusdriver on February 07, 2013, 08:06:53 PM
I've had that thought with almost every contact. That's part of why it's frustrating. First, I just don't want to believe there are so many people that stupid AND with access to the interweb!! But I have to accept that these are the people who keep the SCAMmers in business! About the closest I've come to asking the "stupid" question is asking what they think the combination of ALERT + MAIL + SCAM means... rolleyes.gif laughhard.gif
Title: Help with my Frustrations
Post by: krissel on February 08, 2013, 12:58:16 AM
The best thing would be to have in SUPER BOLD print on the form page is a disclaimer that you have nothing to do with these SCAMS and writing to you for help will do no good...you are not in a position to act on the problem, only report it to the general public.

rolleyes.gif

At least you are getting some hits.  smile.gif
Title: Help with my Frustrations
Post by: Xairbusdriver on February 08, 2013, 08:19:03 AM
I have that kind of statement there, just not in bold print. rolleyes.gif
QUOTE
don’t waste time asking me if any of these SCAMs are legitimate or how you can recover any monies you have sent them. They are, by definition, NOT legitimate! That’s why they are here. I am not associated with these entities in any manner. I am not part of their organization. I am totally against their behavior, methods and plans. The only reason they remain active is because people continue to send them money.


The problem comes down to the fact that we (and I'm including myself!) don't always carefully read any print, even if it's normal size. The Contact form was originally designed for gathering new info for SCAMs I didn't have, not for seeking help with problems people created for themselves. Oh well, I just hope most of these folks don't vote! wink.gif
Title: Help with my Frustrations
Post by: Xairbusdriver on February 09, 2013, 10:12:41 AM
QUOTE
Name: Terry

Email: removed to protect the "innocent"

Message:
On Jan 19/13, I was charged with a DUI. A charge which I will be challenging.  However, not necessarily wanting to go that route, I request a miracle.  I would like all charges dismissed, and my license immediately returned to me.  Please grant me this miracle.  Thanks.

Referring Page Title: Sister Sedona
Lesson learned: Don't abuse miracle providers. nono.gif
Title: Help with my Frustrations
Post by: RNKIII on February 09, 2013, 12:08:55 PM
I see a book in the making here....just collect "the best of" and you will have a best seller!!  People always love to read about other people's stupidity...

Bob K.   rnkiii
Title: Help with my Frustrations
Post by: Xairbusdriver on February 09, 2013, 01:48:27 PM
QUOTE
People always love to read about other people's stupidity...
Good idea! I probably should start by writing about my own... blush-anim-cl.gif
Title: Help with my Frustrations
Post by: RobW on February 09, 2013, 06:42:27 PM
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Feb 9 2013, 11:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
Name: Terry

Email: removed to protect the "innocent"

Message:
On Jan 19/13, I was charged with a DUI. A charge which I will be challenging.  However, not necessarily wanting to go that route, I request a miracle.  I would like all charges dismissed, and my license immediately returned to me.  Please grant me this miracle.  Thanks.

Referring Page Title: Sister Sedona
Lesson learned: Don't abuse miracle providers. nono.gif

I used to work with somebody who told me "God answers all prayers. Sometimes the answer is 'No.' "