It’s unfortunate, but with our public phone numbers and email address, we have to be especially careful when receiving communiques. Here is an SMS exchange we had this week. We’ve received many of these requests, both via email and more recently via text. The pattern is similar to this reproduced SMS exchange -- warts and all. I played this one along to see how far I could stretch the “conversation”.
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From (260) 633-7151 |
To Mathnasium of Fort Lee |
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hello, I will like to know if you can teach my son john twice in a week starting from July 4th, i want you to get back to me with the total cost per session. |
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I'll need some particulars like his age group and how long you need instruction for. Tuition is monthly. We accept credit or debit cards. Are you domiciled in the area because your phone number is Indiana based? |
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No, I've work in your area and we'll be relocating soon that's why I want the lesson for him John is 15yrs old and his in college already He will be coming 5-6 twice in a week, I want you to get back to me with the total cost for 2months |
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Hi, I'm Ben. What's your name? Your son, is very bright. We teach college on a private basis, $90/hr. That will be about $900. |
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OK Mr Ben, I will be paying you via check for 2month. I need you to get back to me with the full name to put on the check, address, and the total cost $900 right? So I can proceed with the payment, I know John will be so happy to meet you cos he really needs the lesson. Thanks. |
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We accept credit cards. I'll need your card number, expiration, your name, address, phone number. Also the date of birth of John, his full name, school. |
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I don't buy such idea Am the one paying you and I can olly pay you via check my company is the one sending you the check |
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Then I'll need your company's credit card, and similar particulars, including your name and address as legal guardian; and of course your son's particulars for custodial safe keeping. |
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This sound fishy goodbye |
Ooooo, the irony of being called “fishy”! I played the payment issue too hard. The real fishy slipped away!
If I had accepted a check, it would be some inflated sum, along with a request to refund the excess. Anyone falling for this scheme will deposit the check, that will eventually bounce, be responsible for a bad check fee, and out the refunded amount.
Beware, we're seeing improvement in grammar and spelling from scammers. For more information, please read https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0159-fake-checks
Contact:
Ruby Yao and Benedict Zoe, Mathnasium of Fort Lee
201-969-6284 (WOW-MATH), [email protected]
246 Main St. #A
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Happily serving communities of Cliffside Park, Edgewater, Fort Lee, Leonia, Palisades Park, North Bergen, West New York, and Fairview.
(201) 461-6284
(201) 969-6284
