Day 83: Mike Shreeve - scammer

Between You, Me and the Lamp Post

Day 83: Mike Shreeve - scammer

At any given time, Facebook is a hotbed for scammers. At the moment one such scammer is Mike Shreeve.

Mike claims to have been working as a freelance writer for the past ten years and now he’s willing to share his success template with you. Just to see what he was up to, I clicked on the link and was taken to a long (and I do mean loooooooooong) explanation of what this template could do for you.

I suspected right away that this was a scam and I was right. Near the bottom of the template Mike's true intention was revealed … to get the secret of his writing success, one had to pay $7.

I think you all will agree that $7 isn’t much, it’s little more than the price of a cup of coffee. Mike knows this and counts on it. If you’re thinking that he can’t do much with $7, you would be right, but a true scam is a long con.

Think about it. Facebook has thousands of members and while $7 may seem like nothing, if 1,000 people fall for his scam, that’s $7,000. He only has to run his ad once a month to make a very comfortable living.

To get to the bottom of this, I did a little research and I have to admit, Mike Shreeve put a lot of effort into his scam. He created a website, he designed his so-called ‘No Pants Project’, he even roped in a few people who supposedly made big money with freelance writing.

Someone called Kate claims to make $100 an hour while Pete claims to make $1,000 a day. Every professional freelance writer will see right through this. There is no way, and I  mean no way, that a freelance writer gets paid $100 an hour or that someone can make $1,000 a day. If that were true, people everywhere would quite there day job and start a freelance writing career.

The thing is though, I had to dig deep to find Mike Shreeve’s contact info. Wouldn’t you think that as a businessman he would make his contact info easy to find? But no, his potential victims have to read a lot of blah blah blah. Blah blah blah that tells them how much they can earn and how easy it is. By the time they reach the end of the page, they are brainwashed that what Mike Shreeve promises is actually true.

There’s only one thing missing … Mike Shreeve’s work. Yes, he has a website and a so-called project, and quite a few sites where he promotes his (scamming) business, but when browsing the Net, he has no articles. Now, wouldn’t you think that such a successful writer would have articles online? Something with his byline?

Yes, some writers are ghostwriters for a magazine or a website, but I dare say that all of these ghostwriters, at one time or another, have written something under their own name. That is not the case with Mike Shreeve, I could find any articles with his byline.

Mike Shreeve also has a couple of books on Amazon, with 5-star reviews. Also bogus. The ‘books’ are barely 80 pages long and contain nothing more than a senseless dribble. All rehashed advice of what he could find online. Basically, copying other writers' work. As for the review … I guess we all know by now that there is such a thing as paid reviews.

Do not fall for Mike Shreeve's scam. Do not pay that $7. If you want to be a freelance writer you’re gonna have to do what any other freelance writer has done … put in the time and effort to produce quality material. Once you make a name for yourself, you will get clients and you will make money. How much money is up to you.

The bottom line is … Mike Shreeve is a scammer, a talented scammer, but then scammers usually are.

https://www.reddit.com/r/freelanceWriters/comments/9ddxtx/the_no_pants_project_an_expos%C3%A9/

Day 77: I feel like such a prize idiot

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Day 77: I feel like such a prize idiot

Have you ever wondered about the expression ‘You could have knocked me over with a feather’? I have. What could be so bad that a feather could knock over a person? After last Friday I wonder no more.

Shortly before noon, I got a call that went as follows:

“This is Anthony Walters with the RCMP. My badge number is 05J6798. What is your name?”

I gave him my name.

“Ma’am, I’m calling because there is a warrant out for your arrest.”

My breath got stuck in my throat, I could feel the color draining from my face and you could have knocked me over with a feather.

“What are the last three digits of your social insurance number?”

I recited the numbers.

“Ma’am this number has been used to open 16 bank accounts, 3 credit accounts, and you currently owe the bank $3.145.000.”

I nearly fainted.

“In addition, there is a case against you for money laundering. Are you aware of any of these actions?”

I managed to squeak out “No.”

“Well ma’am, that is the information we have and as such you will be arrested.”

“How much do you have in your chequing account?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know how much you have in your chequing account?”

“No.”

“How much do you have in your savings account?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know that either?”

“No.”

“Could you look it up?”

“No, I don’t know the number.”

At this point, the cable of the landline phone touched the level of the phone and the line went dead. Lord, above I went into a panic. I had just cut an officer of the RCMP off and he had informed me that I would be arrested. I started hyperventilating.

I thought the best thing to do was call the police and state my case that I didn’t have 16 bank accounts, 3 credit card accounts and knew nothing about money laundering. (Save of leaving some coins in the pocket of my jeans).

The officer at the switchboard put me through to ‘Communications’. I stayed on the line for close to 20 minutes and eventually hung up. I would try again later. When I called back the officer told me that the communications division was very busy. He put me through again, and again I waited and waited and waited.

And then I got an idea ... since it was an officer from the RCMP who called me, I would call the RCMP and ask for Anthony Walters.

The officer I spoke to told me that there was no such person as an Anthony Walters. I recited his badge number and he said that there was no such badge number either. When he asked what this was in regard to, I told him in broad strokes about the arrest warrant.

“It’s a scam,” he said. “We’ve had other calls of citizens over the course of the week. Did the caller ask you for money?”

No, he hadn’t, but then again, he didn’t get the chance. I had cut him off.

It was only later when I’d calmed down a bit that I started thinking. Why would the RCMP ask for my name? Surely if there was a warrant out for my arrest they would know that. And why would the RCMP be interested in how much money I have in my chequing and savings account?  

So this was a scam and I feel like such a prize idiot.

Day 75: A bit of information to save you some aggravation

Between You, Me and the Lamp Post

Day 75: A bit of information to save you some aggravation

   

If you’re planning on selling something on Facebook, beware, danger is lurking. Scammers are on the loose and this time you might not even know that you’re being scammed.

It goes somewhat like this …

You list an item for sale on Facebook and sooner or later you’ll get the response “Is this item still available?” If you say that it is, the person will show a great interest. He or she might respond with “I really love this”, “I’m really interested in buying this”, or “Please hold the item for me.”

Next there might be a price negotiation and eventually the person will make arrangements for pick up or if you’re planning on mailing the item your email address to pay via PayPal. This is where it gets dangerous.

If you never had dealings with this person, DO NOT give out your address. Rather arrange a meeting in a coffee shop, park, street corner or even the lobby of your apartment/condo building.

If the person asks for your email address to pay via PayPal, be VERY CAREFUL divulging this information.

The dangers of giving out your address are obvious … the person now knows where you live and can use this information for all kinds of mischief.

If you think that giving out your email address can’t do much harm, think again … this is how identify theft starts and other nonsense.

Usually I’m good with spotting scammers, but in this case I fell for it. Not once, not twice, but three times.

I listed two rugs, a set of curtains and a set of rings for sale and it didn’t take long for the scammers to notice this. I received comments such as 

“Oh how gorgeous, I want this”

“I’m at work right now but I’ll pay you as soon as I get home”, or 

“This is exactly what I’m looking for”.

Of course, once they had my email address, I never heard from them again. If it happens to you, they will sell your email address a be paid handsomely for it. How will you know that your email address has been sold … you’ll get lots and lots of junk mail in your inbox.

You’ll get emails for all kinds of insurance, foot care, laser surgery, gutter cleaning, mattresses, pest control, etc.

I fell for their scam not once, not twice but three times, but the third time is definitely the last time. I thought I’d pass on this bit of information to save you some aggravation.   

Day 51: Ken D. Foster - Scammer?

Between You, Me and the Lamp Post

Day 51: Ken D. Foster - Scammer?

Most writers who are serious about their craft are constantly looking for ways to improve their writing, market their books, sell more copies, or how to find a publisher. When I noticed this ad, I have to admit, my interest was peaked.

How alignment and momentum is the key to your success to become a best seller author How knowing about the 7 essential laws Laws, especially the Law of Sufficiency and Abundance is key How mastering your energy is the foundation to building and maintaining your success How to visualize and feel your way into best-seller status How what you desire, desires you!

I signed up for a series of online sessions. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend the first two sessions because of work. According to Ken Foster this was not a problem as the videos could be watched at any time.

Then yesterday I received an email from him that changed everything. The email read …

1. The most important thing to do before you write a single word!
2. How to write your book in 90 days or less
3. Should you self-publish or go with a traditional publisher?
4. 12 Stupid Mistakes made by Wannabe Authors

Right there and then I knew I was dealing with a phony. If there’s one thing that angers me it’s people telling other people they can write a book in 90 days or less. I emailed Ken Foster and shared my opinion with him.

One can write a short story or even a novella in 90 days or less, but a book … no. This is one of the reasons there is so much trash online. Anyone and everyone, even children, can write something, publish it and voila it’s available on Amazon and other sites. In the process, self-publishing has received a bad reputation.

As for Ken’s question to go with a traditional publisher or to self-publish, I told him that any writer worth his sold would prefer a mainstream publisher vs. self-publishing. After all, if a mainstream publisher accepts a manuscript, everything is taken care of by the publisher: editing, layout, cover design and marketing/selling the book. Not to mention that the author receives an advance and regular royalties.

Ken Foster responded that I had a lot to learn about the publishing industry. He stated that he had a friend who was accepted by a mainstream publisher and received a $300,000 advance.

I nearly burst out laughing. Having been in the publishing industry for years I know several best-selling authors and none of them have ever received a $300,000 advance. First time authors receive between $5,000 and $10,000 while the more established authors receive between $25,000 to $75,000 but none of them, absolutely none of them ever received more than a quarter of a million.

It would appear that Ken Foster doesn’t know much about the publishing industry either. He calls himself a best-selling author, but he’s nothing more than a self-published writer. It’s not because he’s written a few books, that he’s a best-selling author. By definition, a best-selling author is someone whose book was listed on the New York Times bestselling list. If not on that list, then anyone claiming to be a best-selling author is putting on airs and graces.

If any of you gets contacted by Ken Foster, be wary of him. He has a hidden agenda. 

Day 38: The Peraglow Scam – How to Cancel Your Payment

Between You, Me and the Lamp Post

Day 38: The Peraglow Scam – How to Cancel Your Payment

It could happen to anymore. It might have happened to you and it definitely happened to a lot of other people.

Peraglow offers a moisturizer for only $7.49 and while you place your order, they trick you into buying a serum as well, also for $7.49.

You might think that you make a good deal, but you’ve been scammed.

Not only is Peraglow inferior to other creams, once they have your credit card number you get billed $80 a month.

Not to worry, you can get out of this scam. Here’s what to do:

First of all, call your credit card company, cancel your card and request a new one.

Call Peraglow at 1-888-622-8765 and cancel your order. Ask for the name of the person you are speaking to and obtain a cancellation number.

Call your credit card company back and give them the name of the Peraglow representative and the cancellation number.

It is important that you do this because cancelling your credit card is not enough. Peraglow can claim that you never canceled. This is why you have to call back your bank and give them the name of the person you spoke to and the cancellation number.

Know that your order of $7.49 is not the end of it. Your credit card will be billed month after month for $80. So it’s important that you call your bank now, and follow the steps explained earlier.

All those who fell for the Peraglow scam really should have known better. They claim that Tom Cruise was putting his acting career on hold to support his wife with her Peraglow cosmetics line. 

Next, they stated that Chris Hemsworth was saying goodbye to his acting career to support his wife with her Peraglow cosmetics creations.

The Peraglow company took it a step further though. Not merely content with Hollywood celebrities, they claimed that Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge was taken time away from the Royal Family to concentrate on her Peraglow skincare line.

Nonsense, pure nonsense.

What I wonder about though is ... why don’t these celebrities fight back? Surely, they know that their names are being used in a scam.

For future reference, whenever you're in doubt about a product or service visit the Snopes or Better Business Bureau (BBB) for information. You'll find the answer there.

https://thecopcart.com/peraglow-cream-reviews/

http://www.fox13news.com/consumer/scammers-using-likeness-of-a-list-celebs-in-fake-skincare-ads

https://www.snopes.com/news/2017/05/26/skin-care-free-trial/

https://nationalpost.com/entertainment/skin-care-scandals

Day 165: Elizabeth Ray – scam artist

My project: 365 Creative Writing Prompts

Day 165: Elizabeth Ray – scam artist

You probably pride yourself on being smart, but how smart are you really? Can you spot a scam?

Yesterday, I was approached by Gloria Allendorfer-Anderson on Facebook who told me that she was awarded a grant of $50,000 and that I might be eligible too. All I had to do was get in touch with Elizabeth Ray (email elizabethray938@gmail.com)

Just for fun I sent Elizabeth an email and of course she let me know that I was eligible for a $50,000 grant too. I knew right away that I was dealing with a scam artist, but I decided to have some fun with her.

When she asked for my name, address, phone number and monthly income I gave her bogus information and when she wanted to know whether I wanted the $50,000 in cash or with a cheque, I opted for a cheque.

Then came the kicker … in order for the money to be delivered to me by UPS she wanted $1,000. Yeah, right, like I was going to send a complete stranger that much money.

I played along and said that I would send her the money. She suggested that I go to Walgreens or a CVS store. When I told her that no such store is in my neighborhood, she suggested I transfer the money via Western Union.

I suggested that I pay her directly to her bank account, but she was having none of that. If she gave me that information, it would be very easy for the police to track her down.

Not that tracking her down is much of a problem for those who know how. With her I.P. address they have her in a matter of minutes if not seconds.

This kind of scam, or shall I say all kinds of deceit makes me mad though. Generally, people work hard for their money and then a scam artist like Elizabeth Ray comes along and steals folks' hard earned cash. She herself probably probably never has done a day's work. She spends her time sending people emails and hoping that they fall for her scam. If only five people a day believe her nonsense, that's $5,000 for a few hours of 'work'.   

I might not have a Harvard degree, but I’m smart enough to spot a scam a mile away. Unfortunately, scammers are smart too. 

In the case of Elizabeth Ray, she will change her name and her email address and bamboozle who knows how many more people.

In conclusion … be wary of Elizabeth Ray and her partner in crime Gloria Allendorfer-Anderson, they might even be one and the same person.

If you keep the following in mind, you should be safe:

Never trust that a stranger wants to give you money. Nobody is going to give you money out of the goodness of their heart.

Never give your real name, address or phone number to a stranger.

Never trust a stranger who wants you to use Western Union as a money courier.

And last but not least … if something seems too good to be true … it usually is.

Day 149: Another Facebook Scam

​My Project: 365 Creative Writing Prompts

Day 149: Another Facebook Scam

Most of us pride ourselves on cleverness. When a scam is going around, we either know about it, or we think we’re smart enough not to fall for it. However, scammers came in all kinds of different forms and when one of those forms is a trusted friend, the scam is not so easy to recognize.

On Sunday morning I received a text from Steve (not his real name) starting with a simple “Hey”

Wiping sleep from my eyes I texted a “Hi” back.

“How are you?”

“Good. How are you?”

“Very good and very excited.”

“Oh?”

“I came into some money. $100,000.”

“You’re joking. Did you win that with the lotto?”

“No, through a grant program that is aimed at the unemployed, elderly, disabled, students, etc.”

“And you qualified?”

“Sure did. UPS delivered the money yesterday.”

“UPS delivered the money?”

“Yes. The online agent asked me if I wanted a cheque or cash and I said cash.”

“And UPS delivered that?”

“Yes. $100,000. I paid off my bills and took the rest to the bank.”

“That’s great. Congratulations.”

I found it a little strange that UPS delivers money but okay, if Steve said so, I wasn’t going to doubt him.

“You can get the same grant,” he went on. “I saw your name on the list. If you contact the online agent, you can get the grant too.”

It didn’t occur to me that this could be a scam. After all, this was Steve I was ‘talking’ to and why would he lie to me? The amount of money was also believable. Talk of millions of dollars would have raised a red flag, but $100,000 seemed reasonable.

“Contact the agent now,” Steve concluded. “His number is XXX-XXX-XXXX. Tell him that a friend saw your name on the list.”

“Okay, I will. Thanks.”

Moments later I fired off a text to the number provided and within minutes I received a text back.

“Your name is indeed on our list of grant receivers. Since we place high value on security, I will need your personal information so there can be no duplication of the grant.”

“Okay, I understand.”

“Are you ready to fill in the form now?”

“Yes”

I was mentally doing a dance of joy. $100,000 … could this be for real? Common sense told me this was too good to be true, but this message came from Steve and I trusted him.

Moments later I received a set of questions from the online agent:

Full name:

Address:

Gender:

Date of Birth:

Copy of Driver License or other photo I.D.:

Hm, now I did see a red flag. I’m notoriously hesitant of sharing my personal information, especially where it comes to government issued documentation. Before doing that, I wanted to verify with Steve that this grant program was for real and he had indeed received $100,000.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get hold of Steve, so I tried his girlfriend next. Doreen (not her real name) told me Steve has stepped outside for a moment, but he would be back shortly. When I got to talk to Steve, he sounded a little flat, not at all like a man who had just received a sizeable amount of money.

“Hi Steve, congratulations on the money.”

“What money?”

“The hundred thousand dollars.”

“What hundred thousand dollars?”

“You didn’t receive hundred thousand dollars from the grant program?”

He immediately knew what I was referring to.

“It’s a scam. My Facebook account was hacked and several of my friends were contacted by the scammer.”

“Oh I see.”

"You didn't fall for it, did you?"

"I did, sort of, but I didn't give him any vital information."

"Do you really think that if I won $100,000 I would tell everyone about it?"

That made sense. Mentally I saw $100,000 go out the window.

The scammer didn’t give up easily though. Throughout the day he send me messages such as

“When can you send me photo I.D.?”

“We have been waiting for you, we have a lot of people attending to.”

And then his last one … “Should we terminate your grant?”

This, I suppose, was to spur me into action. I took action of a different kind, I notified the authorities, if for nothing else than to have a case number in the event of identity theft. I kept Steve’s name out of the conversation. Not that my call was necessary. Mr. Scammer was known to them and an investigation was underway. Mr. Scammer’s days were numbered. They knew who and where he was and his scam would soon be terminated.