One of our submitters received a mail which he reported as a scam. Apparently, we assumed that the scammer has intercepted a particular transaction and attempting to scam some money out from the seller.

1) Buyer pays Seller, which includes the cost of goods + pickup.
2) Scammer appears, saying that he is picking up the goods.
3) Scammer ask Seller to pay him the "pickup" amount which Buyer has paid to the Seller (in para 1) together with the cost of the goods.

If the Buyer did not pay hard cash, the Seller should not pay the pickup for the service.
If the Buyer has paid the money in full, the Seller should contact the Buyer to confirm the identity of the collector (Pickup guy).

In this case, the scam appears to be related to a fake cheque (are we right?) and before you can cash it, they will make you pay them cash for other stuff. Get what we mean?

1) Buyer pays Seller a CHEQUE, which includes the cost of goods + pickup.
2) Scammer appears, saying that he is picking up the goods.
3) Scammer ask Seller to pay him CASH for the "pickup" amount which Buyer has "paid" to the Seller (in para 1).

If it is a fake cheque, the Seller will end up losing the CASH he paid for the pickup service.

-----Attachment 1-----

From: PATRICK HAULS [mailto:patrickhauls@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007
To: XXXXXXX
Subject: REGARDING MR JACQUES HAY PICK UP

Hello XXXX Rentals and Farms,
Good day, I am Patrick Etim Inyang, I am writing in regards to Mr Jacques Jeaurond's Hay Order from your Barn.
I will be the one to come pick it up and he has made all neccesary arrangements with me, He informed me he has sent you the Payment for the Hay including the amount needed for me to come for the pick up.
I provided him with my Detailed Information which you will use to send me money via Western Union, Below is the Information to send the Money via Western Union -
PATRICK ETIM INYANG
MANHATTAN, NY
10033
Once you have sent me the money, you will need to provide me with the following information I will need to confirm the payment has been sent -
MTCN #
AMOUNT SENT
SENDERS NAME / ADDRESS
I will be coming with my Truck and other Equipments (Ropes / Rubbers).
I will schedule a day for the pick up as soon as i know when i will receive payment from you.
Thank you very Much and look forward to working with you,
Patrick

-----End Attachment 1-----

And the following appears to be the original mail from

-----Attachment 2-----

From: Jacques Jeaurond [mailto:jacques_jeaurond@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007
To: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cc: <MANY ADDRESSEES HIDDEN>
Subject: I WANT TO BUY YOUR HAY AVAILABLE

Hello,
I am interested in the type of Hay you have for sale, I will want to know what kind of Hay you have available as at of now and where you are located for me to be able to getit.
I will be interested in buying 300 bales, will that be available??
Get to me ASAP.
REPLY ME - jacques_jeaurond@yahoo.com

-----End Attachment 2-----