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February 20, 2008 Bartels family defies scammer by Karin L. Nauber They didn't lose any money, but it could have happened. The Gary and Donna Bartels family of rural Bertha almost became victims in another scam that is running its course through our area. "I am thankful to the Independent News Herald and Mrs. Axum for the recent story about scams (January 30, 2008 issue) because it made me aware of things to look for," said Donna. She said that there seems to be a new trend which is very disheartening. That new trend? Scammers are using the relay service to attempt to defraud others. The relay is a program that provides access for people with hearing loss or a speech disability to communicate over the telephone. The Bartels family raises and sells boxer puppies. "We received a relay call responding to our ad to sell boxer puppies. I was happy to give information to the person calling," said Donna. The caller asked her to e-mail him and send photos of the puppies, which Donna did. "I explained to him where we were from and that we would be willing to meet him to do the exchange if he needed," she said. While she was at work, Gary received a reply e-mail from the potential buyer. "He called me, astonished at what he was reading," she said. The reply e-mail (This is exactly as it was received, typos and all) "Hi. Thanks very much for your email, you have to bear with me as I have hearing problems, hence the use of relay. The reason I am sending you this email is to make the final reconfirmation of the companionship (puppy). Payment will be by certified cashier check or United state postal money order. In view of this I need you to email me any information that may be required to send the check, as I do not want to send the check to a wrong location lest they gets into the wrong hand. Am in illinios where i live with my kids, i run a Truck in ilinios i own, I really want to get the Puppy to my Home for companionship. I will still need you to send me pictures ok, I am not currently in town,am on vacation... "Regarding the shipping, I have a company that takes care of the pick up of my consignments for me and ship to my destination anywhere in the U.S.A., you do not worry about shipping, the company will send down a representative to arrange the sales documentation and the pick up from your end for onward transfer to my destination." The e-mail continued on to say that he would send an overdraft certified cashier check or United States Postal Money Order which would cover the cost of the shipping as well as money to be paid to the company that will take care of the pickup and documentation with them. They were supposed to cash the check or money order "immediately, deduct the money that accrues to you, and send the balance to the Head Office of the company that handles the shipment via the nearest Western Union." The e-mail also asked for details like the Bartels full names, their full mailing address, not a P.O. Box number, their direct telephone numbers (home, office and cell). The e-mail also stated that he would give the Bartels an extra $100 if the puppy was a male. When Donna arrived home and read the e-mail, she was certain it was a scam. "I forwarded the e-mail to the sheriff's office and they are now looking into it," she said. Donna initially thought that if she cut off all communication with the scammer they would be done with it, but the scammer had other ideas. On February 6, she received another call from relay. "It is upsetting that I felt uncomfortable even taking a call from relay. I told the operator that I did not want to take the call unless they could tell me who the caller was. They could not. "Once again the caller asked if I had puppies available. This time I asked who they were and heard a lot of typing in the background (the relay operator). "Just then a supervisor came to the phone and also felt as though it was an attempt to defraud us. The relay customer service informed me that often these calls are traced back to areas out of the United States and that is why it is so hard to catch these individuals," said Donna. What frustrated her more than just the fact that these criminals not only defraud people who cash the bogus checks or money orders, but they are also defrauding the hearing and speech impaired by raising the public's suspicion about any relay call. Donna said that she received a return e-mail from Sheriff Pete Mikkelson. One of his investigators who has contacts in Canada where several recent scams have originated said it is really difficult to catch these people. Fortunately, this time no money was lost. Donna said that also, unfortunately, she will be less willing to take a call from relay again. Todd County Sheriff Peter Mikkelson said, "We need to stress to people that they should not give out personal information at all unless they know that they are dealing with a legitimate source." If you feel a source is not legitimate or if you feel you have been the victim of a scam, you are encouraged to call the Todd County Sheriff's Department at 800-794-5733. |