Lighting Scam -

[Kelite]

I received word this afternoon of a NJ dealer that received a purchase request for Lowel and DeSisti Lighting equipment. The 'buyer' contacted said dealer through a relay service for the hearing impaired and was attempting to purchase the large lighting gear order shipping via overnight air service using a stolen credit card.

While we know this type of scam is attempted everyday, be mindful to pay close attention to potential large equipment purchases made by unknown contacts, especially those purchases which must be shipped immediately. (As most orders from Apollo seem to be!)

Caveat venditor!

[BillESC]

Same guy tried me as well.

[dvsDave]

I used to work on a Pro Camera Shop where we sold Nikon and Canon "Big Glass", heck, we sold everything in the Nikon/Canon Catalog.

We used to get these calls from relay services about once a month. We developed a script for these calls that basically went, "I'm sorry, but we do not conduct business via relay services. Please ask the caller to visit our website to see our products or email us using the contact page on our website."

Any large phone orders were also required to be shipped to the Credit Card's billing address and we would call up the Credit Card Issuer and verify the billing address of the card in question, explaining that a large order was placed to be shipped to that address. That ensured that we did our due diligence and if the deal turned out to be a scam we were still covered against any fraud.

We also required an Adult Signature on all shipments over x amount, this covered us against shipping fraud with UPS. We had a 5k package go down to Australia that "never arrived", turns out a former employee signed for it and walked off. That took us off the hook for the package and we got the insurance money from UPS.

We also only shipped UPS internationally, which could be really expensive for the buyer, once they paid taxes/tarrifs. We never mislabeled our packages as "gifts" to help the buyer avoid the taxes. This policy kept us from getting some sales, but it also saved our butts on more than one occasion.

[ship]

Been thru one of two of the scams before and one or two real sales.

First I have heard of the hearing impared angle for it though. As with Dave but adding to it a rush sale for no matter how much when over seas or even to Canada often should not be considered for completion unless you know those requesting it. After that, there is options for a more long in duration to supply sale - including pre-payment for the sale given the first over seas sale for this client which is perfectly reasonable and requiring insurance for the shipment. In general, all sales but especially those overseas can be risky - this especially for first time customers in asking for a bulk order.

Sorry, often the best answer in passing on the sale.

[Kelite]

Yes, it is a shame that the scammer's approach undoubtedly makes it more difficult for the genuine hearing-impaired shopper.

Heck, this reminds me of a vm left on my cell phone from my 'bank' requesting additional info for my account...


Uh huh...