Crack > Nigerian 419 scammers - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Crack · 08-01-2006, 11:54 AM

I had so much fun playing with Thomas Cole and his "Barrister" here, that I decided to play some more.. I figured General discussion was the best place for this. If not, Mods feel free to move.

First, I opened up 2 new gmail accounts. Why Gmail? Because they hide the org. IP address. The scammers have no clue where you are, from the headers of the e-mail (if they even knew how to look:-P )

The account names are not important to the 'bait' but they need to look legit. The 2 I picked are EcherotATgmail.com and MidinkusATgmail.com (I don't want the scammers googling my account)

I then mass mailed a form letter seen here:

Quote:

Hello!
Your business deal has peaked my interest, but I am sorry I cannot help you right now.
I am in the middle of a large business deal of my own. I barter and sale works of african art to people and companies in Columbus Ohio (USA). I am extremely busy, one of my artists backed out, and now I am currently looking for someone who can take up his slack. I am at my wits end here, you see, he was a very good sculpture artist, and was working for me out of Liberville, Gabon.

You arn't an artist are you? haha! I didn't think so. Oh well, back to searching. You would think, for what I pay these people, they would be more than happy to work for the commission I give them! But no, for the last sculpture he sent me he got paid $23,650US, but did he even thank me? Of course not! Damn his french speaking ass! haha! What I wouldn't do to find a sculpture artist that could at least speak english...

Regurads,
Sidney 3cherot

to every 419 e-mail that I recieved. (which was around 30ish) until I got an 'off the script' response. Seen here from this scammer:

Quote:

Dear Sydney 3cherot,

Could you please sent me picture samples of this deal you are into to enable me see if i have someone here in Lndon who i will introduce you to before we talk about my deal.

Hope to hear from you soonest.

From James.

From that e-mail, I knew I found the greedy bastard I was looking for.

What follows is the e-mail conversation up until today.

Quote:

James,
Oh indeed I can! I usually only deal with artists out of Africa, so I am not sure someone in London can give me what I need here, but I am always open to a new way of doing business!
My firm, Echerot Techart Inc, provides tech companies with artwork for displays in their corp headquarters. Companies like Microsoft, Dell, Sony, and many many more. All the the sculptures I deal with are computer and technologically related (usually Keyboard and mouse, but sometimes laptops and computer monitors) Nothing too complicated. I have attached a few of the older sculptures that I have bought in the past. The price range for what you see there is anywhere from $12,000US for 3 mice, to around $67,000US for the complete computer system, keyboard/monitor/mouse.

The current project I am working on is for AMD. You may or may have not known this, but they have recently merged with ATI, and have commissioned my firm to recreate their top of the line Motherboard in a high quality wood of my choice. I am usually quite partial to cherry wood, but I am open to any ideas. The last image I have attached is what I need reproduced. It is the RS480 AMD Motherboard. I need it in as much detail as possible, and, as always, I have the final say in the project. I have 2 other artists working on other projects right now, and they cannot be bothered to stop what they are doing and work on this new project.

Because this is a rushed project, I was willing to pay $24,600US, but as I am unable to find an artist in such short notice, I have bumped the fee up to $32,500US. I need this done fast.
Cheers,
Sidney 3cherot
3cherot Techart Inc
Columbus Ohio, USA

Quote:

Dear Sidney Echerot,

Thanks for your email and the attachment sent i dont know how to do this or to find any ones who will do this am not into engerinering but wish you good luck you will surely make or get the deal.

So for my proposal can we start it or do i wait till you are done with your deal.

Regards James.

Quote:

Thanks James,
If you have any contacts that you think might be able to accomplish this for me, please send them my way.
I still am unable to fine anyone, so I am offering a $5600 signing bonus to an artist that can assist me.
Sid.[/COLOR]

Quote:

Dear Friend,

I will do my best if i see someone i will inform me but is this about building computer or build the case i will with wooden or plastic?.[/COLOR]

Quote:

It's sculpting the computer part I sent you out of wood.
Not an actual working computer part, just a piece of art.
I have attached the part I will need sculpted out of wood. The size should be about 10 inches by 12 inches, and have as much detail as possible. Not color, just detail. I can give you some more sizes and pictures if you think you can find someone who can help out! I would be dealing with you though, and any money spent on the project would be going through you, and you pay the artist whatever you like. Consider it a finding fee.
Thanks,
Sid

Quote:

Dear Friend,

Hope your fine today?.

I saw someone who is from is from Africa he said that before he starts that consultation fee must be paid the sum of $300 from the mail and your samples i showed him he will do the job perfectly.

So what do you say?.

Hope to hear from you soonest.

Quote:

James, it is good to hear from you!
I am sorry, my firm does not pay any fees up front without seeing a sample of the work to be done. Rest assured, we do pay well, but if we started giving out advances to aspiring artists, everyone and their brother would want to try and play artist! If you would like to tell him that any work he does for my firm will be paid handsomly as soon as samples are seen, that would be fine, but any money in advance is out of the question. I can provide e-mail and telephone numbers of artists I have worked with in the past if you would like to contact them as a reference.

It is company policy to pay out 1/3rd of the total sum of the money when photographic evidence of quality of work is shown. For this project, that would come to around $10,833US when samples are seen, and the rest ($21,667US) when the final piece is delivered to the office. If that will work for your artist, then let the project commence!
Sidney 3cherot

Quote:

Dear Sydney,

Ok i will forward your mail to him which will tell him more about what you said though weve talk on phone before i replied your mail.

I will want you to send detail information or samples of what you will need him to do.

I look forward for your response soonest.

These are the "samples" I sent to him:

and a picture of the mobo I want carved:

Now... as I quote most people in my life

Quote:

Originally Posted by dad

"Son... you won't amount to nuthin"

If I actually get my hand carved wooden motherboard from a nigerian 419 scammer, I wouldn't care what anyone ever said again, I would be successful!

EDIT:
Can everyone read the green/blue text? If not, I can pick a different color.

EDIT2: Fine, no more colors.

geez, I try and add a little color to a bleak and sad world, and this is what I get...

shoegirl · 08-01-2006, 12:26 PM

They're both pretty bright for me - the blue much brighter than the green. All text colors aside, I sure hope you get the carved motherboard.

maleficent · 08-01-2006, 12:28 PM

you really have too much free time on your hands crackster

but the prankishness goes perfectly with your avatar

btw the colors are pretty much illegible...

stevo · 08-01-2006, 12:29 PM

i can read it fine, but why would he send you the piece of art before you paid him his 1/3? I don't know. I just figured you would wait for them to pull one on you. I guess you are what they call 'proactive'

shoegirl · 08-01-2006, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevo

I guess you are what they call 'proactive'

I was thinking he's more of what you'd call 'bored at work'.

Redlemon · 08-01-2006, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crack

EDIT:
Can everyone read the green/blue text? If not, I can pick a different color.

It's completely illegible when using the "vBulletin 3" theme, which uses light backgrounds.

Crack · 08-01-2006, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevo

i can read it fine, but why would he send you the piece of art before you paid him his 1/3? I don't know. I just figured you would wait for them to pull one on you. I guess you are what they call 'proactive'

I have always had an uncanny ability to talk my way out of, or into pretty much anything.

You want your money?

The board of directors says the pictures are not clear enough to sign the advance, but if you want to send the piece over, I can assure you that I can have them send the money "next day delivery"

You want to over-night it to me, and then have me send the payment through western union?

Fine, Fine.

Fact: They are greedy bastards and will do pretty much anything to scam you out of cash.

Fact: I love them so much for just that reason.

Brewmaniac · 08-01-2006, 01:06 PM

Watch out, Crack is at it again!

rockogre · 08-01-2006, 01:25 PM

I love this plan. I'm 110% behind this plan. I've baited a few before and led them on a while, but this is too cool! I can't wait to see how this plays out.

CaliLivChick · 08-01-2006, 05:02 PM

Wait, so you're playing scam the scammers?

Tell you what... you can come down to my place and do some work, because you obviously have too much time on your hands where you're at. =)

JStrider · 08-01-2006, 05:05 PM

hahahahaha! awesome!

tell them you need the chipset fan to be able to actually spin if someone blows on it.

stevo · 08-02-2006, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crack

I have always had an uncanny ability to talk my way out of, or into pretty much anything.

You want your money?

The board of directors says the pictures are not clear enough to sign the advance, but if you want to send the piece over, I can assure you that I can have them send the money "next day delivery"

You want to over-night it to me, and then have me send the payment through western union?

Fine, Fine.

Fact: They are greedy bastards and will do pretty much anything to scam you out of cash.

Fact: I love them so much for just that reason.

excellent

sapiens · 08-02-2006, 06:38 AM

Your thread describing your last enccounter with a Nigerian scammer was hilarious. However, I would be hesistant to actually take something of value from the scammers (other than their time).

newtx · 08-02-2006, 06:52 AM

Keep them guessing Crack. Scamming the scammer. I like it.

Toaster126 · 08-02-2006, 07:00 AM

Theoretically speaking, how much prison time would Crack get if this actually went down completely?

Crack · 08-02-2006, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toaster126

Theoretically speaking, how much prison time would Crack get if this actually went down completely?

none! that's the beauty. They are theives, liars and conmen. For all they know, they are still scamming me. I am, in essence, a 'real' business man, looking for legit business. They choose to 'sclupt' whatever I want out of greed. They either do it themselves (which I hope) or pay some villager to do it (which I could care less about) it doesn't matter.

Would it seem better if I was having some mugger, or rapist waste his time doing this instead of commiting their crimes? It's basically the same thing. Remember, I didn't just send out random e-mails to just anybody. I sent the 'form letter' out to people trying to get my money, by whatever means they can.

The longer I spend fucking with them, the less time they have to rob little old ladies of their medication money.

JumpinJesus · 08-02-2006, 08:06 AM

I got one from an egyptian man today. Crack, you're my inspiration. I just might bait this one along for awhile.

Crack · 08-02-2006, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JumpinJesus

I got one from "a Nigerian man, pretending to be" an egyptian man today. Crack, you're my inspiration. I just might bait this one along for awhile.

fixed it for ya! Have fun with it! See if you can get some pictures!

noodle · 08-02-2006, 02:31 PM

Not only has one of my relatives died in Nigeria and left me masses of money, but... I also won the UK LOTTERY!!! Woo hoo!

Crack, I completely support what you're doing here. It's fantastic. Try the UK Lottery one. It's a blast.

oberon · 08-03-2006, 08:11 AM

I think your Hobbes avatar is well-suited.

You should totally submit your works to 419eater.com.

blahblah454 · 08-04-2006, 01:19 PM

I love reading these. I sure hope you get that sculpture, that would sure be something.

Toaster126 · 08-05-2006, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crack

none! that's the beauty. They are theives, liars and conmen. For all they know, they are still scamming me. I am, in essence, a 'real' business man, looking for legit business. They choose to 'sclupt' whatever I want out of greed. They either do it themselves (which I hope) or pay some villager to do it (which I could care less about) it doesn't matter.

Would it seem better if I was having some mugger, or rapist waste his time doing this instead of commiting their crimes? It's basically the same thing. Remember, I didn't just send out random e-mails to just anybody. I sent the 'form letter' out to people trying to get my money, by whatever means they can.

The longer I spend fucking with them, the less time they have to rob little old ladies of their medication money.

I understand what you are doing. I'm just thinking that somehow leading someone to create a product with a promise of financial reward then not paying seems somehow illegal. Maybe I'm wrong. Seems along the lines of an oral agreement, which is enforcable in court, but it's more provable because it's in email.

Mark23 · 08-19-2006, 07:10 PM

There is absolutely no chance of a Nigerian scammer trying to take someone to court over emails when the only thing they are trying to do in the first place is scam people! How does that work? What he is doing may be technically illegal, but morally it is sound and I say keep scamming the scammers!

radiantmoongirl · 08-29-2006, 10:41 AM

Hi there....after receiving relentless e-mails from "Barrister Thomas Cole" and playing with his mind a wee bit, I googled the name and found this forum and your posts. What a hoot!!! I was pleased to find you here and had a such blast reading your postings I signed up here!! Kudos to you for having the patience to play his game.
Cheers, Lynn

08-01-2006, 12:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	you really have too much free time on your hands crackster but the prankishness goes perfectly with your avatar btw the colors are pretty much illegible... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

08-01-2006, 12:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
stevo Rail Baron Location: Tallyfla	i can read it fine, but why would he send you the piece of art before you paid him his 1/3? I don't know. I just figured you would wait for them to pull one on you. I guess you are what they call 'proactive' __________________ "If I am such a genius why am I drunk, lost in the desert, with a bullet in my ass?" -Otto Mannkusser

08-01-2006, 01:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
Brewmaniac Searching for the perfect brew!	Watch out, Crack is at it again! __________________ "That's a joke... I say, that's a joke, son"

08-01-2006, 01:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
rockogre I aim to misbehave! Location: SW Oklahoma	I love this plan. I'm 110% behind this plan. I've baited a few before and led them on a while, but this is too cool! I can't wait to see how this plays out. __________________ Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom

08-01-2006, 05:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
CaliLivChick In Transition Location: Sanford, FL (between Daytona and Orlando)	Wait, so you're playing scam the scammers? Tell you what... you can come down to my place and do some work, because you obviously have too much time on your hands where you're at. =) __________________ Don't trust anything that can bleed for a week and not die. Oh wait, that's me... nevermind... you can trust me.

08-01-2006, 12:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
shoegirl Addict Location: Ohio	They're both pretty bright for me - the blue much brighter than the green. All text colors aside, I sure hope you get the carved motherboard.

08-01-2006, 05:05 PM	#11 (permalink)
JStrider Poo-tee-weet? Location: The Woodlands, TX	hahahahaha! awesome! tell them you need the chipset fan to be able to actually spin if someone blows on it. __________________ -=JStrider=- ~Clatto Verata Nicto

08-02-2006, 06:38 AM	#13 (permalink)
sapiens Junkie Location: Some place windy	Your thread describing your last enccounter with a Nigerian scammer was hilarious. However, I would be hesistant to actually take something of value from the scammers (other than their time).

08-02-2006, 06:52 AM	#14 (permalink)
newtx Addict	Keep them guessing Crack. Scamming the scammer. I like it.

08-02-2006, 07:00 AM	#15 (permalink)
Toaster126 Extreme moderation Location: Kansas City, yo.	Theoretically speaking, how much prison time would Crack get if this actually went down completely? __________________ "The question isn't who is going to let me, it's who is going to stop me." (Ayn Rand) "The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers." (M. Scott Peck)

08-02-2006, 08:06 AM	#17 (permalink)
JumpinJesus Junkie Location: Chicago	I got one from an egyptian man today. Crack, you're my inspiration. I just might bait this one along for awhile. __________________ "I can normally tell how intelligent a man is by how stupid he thinks I am" - Cormac McCarthy, All The Pretty Horses

08-03-2006, 08:11 AM	#20 (permalink)
oberon Quadrature Amplitude Modulator Location: Denver	I think your Hobbes avatar is well-suited. You should totally submit your works to 419eater.com. __________________ "There are finer fish in the sea than have ever been caught." -- Irish proverb

08-04-2006, 01:19 PM	#21 (permalink)
blahblah454 Let's put a smile on that face Location: On the road...	I love reading these. I sure hope you get that sculpture, that would sure be something.

08-19-2006, 07:10 PM	#23 (permalink)
Mark23 Upright Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland	There is absolutely no chance of a Nigerian scammer trying to take someone to court over emails when the only thing they are trying to do in the first place is scam people! How does that work? What he is doing may be technically illegal, but morally it is sound and I say keep scamming the scammers!

08-29-2006, 10:41 AM	#24 (permalink)
radiantmoongirl Upright Location: North of Toronto ON, Canada	Also in touch with Thomas Cole!! lol Hi there....after receiving relentless e-mails from "Barrister Thomas Cole" and playing with his mind a wee bit, I googled the name and found this forum and your posts. What a hoot!!! I was pleased to find you here and had a such blast reading your postings I signed up here!! Kudos to you for having the patience to play his game. Cheers, Lynn