Scammer Bait of the Week Thread

With a shout out to @bhull1 for his fun check names… here’s a thread
for ways to troll advance fee scammers.

I now send them an authorization form, including an authentic request for a notary stamp,
and give a strict deadline of “This form must be faxed at least one fortnight before the inspection”. This really helps separate the pretenders from the serious scammers!

Nachi Fake Inspection Form Faxb.pdf (57.8 KB)

For the guy below I might just tell him I’m also a plumber and will just do the plumbing repair. Or, just report his gmail to:
https://support.google.com/mail/contact/abuse

TYPE DATE NAME/NUMBER MESSAGE BODY
Received 05/25/2024 11:11:38 AM +13022790864 Hi, My name is Irvin Bradley. Are you available for home inspection on 13th June in Berkeley?
Sent 05/25/2024 11:15:21 AM +13022790864 All requests must include MLS number and come from broker/realtor.
Received 05/26/2024 7:57:06 AM +13022790864 Please provide me your estimate for the home and radon testing, including the termite inspection. 2709 California St, Berkeley, CA 94703 its 2beds 1baths 1,061sqft let me know your estimation.
Sent 05/27/2024 12:43:09 PM +13022790864 $1400 for all three. You must use my services for termite inspection and radon testing. One check in advance for all services.
Received 05/28/2024 12:17:05 PM +13022790864 Okay … Your Price is reasonable. Enough, the house will be empty for you guys on the scheduled date, and all utilities will be at your disposal. The scheduled date and time for the inspection is 13th June at 10am. Please let me know whether that time is convenient for you as well.
Sent 05/28/2024 4:55:26 PM +13022790864 The 13 June time is fine. Remember that payment for all three services must be made in one check or zelle transaction. In the case of the cancellation the amount will be held and can be applied to a future inspection. No refunds.
Received 05/29/2024 2:41:15 PM +13022790864 Okay that’s fine. Here my name is Irvin Bradley And my email is irvinbradley576@gmail.com
Received 05/29/2024 2:41:23 PM +13022790864 Every report needs to be sent to me via email. Text me your address and the name of the payable person so I can send the check to you as soon as possible. I will work on the inspection payment later today or early tomorrow morning so we can move on with the inspection.
Received 05/29/2024 2:41:32 PM +13022790864 Text me your payable name and mailing address where check should be sent to
Sent 05/30/2024 10:51:06 AM +13022790864 Make payable to Harley Davidson [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX]
Received 05/30/2024 10:58:22 AM +13022790864 I got it! Thank you.The property is vacant; therefore, I employ you to call me at the time of the inspection. I would let you through to get in, and all utilities would be made available for as well. You will be appropriately alerted once the Check is on the way later today or tomorrow morning.
Received 05/31/2024 8:21:27 AM +13022790864 Good morning
Received 05/31/2024 8:21:57 AM +13022790864 Please Once you’ve received and deposited the Check with you this new week, do let me know. The check was received to cover both your payment and the payment made to the plumber guys so that we could move forward with the inspection. The plumber people might have been handled by me! however I don’t have either of those bank apps called Cash App or Zelle! The payment was made in a single form because of this! Just keep an eye out for the check and let me know when it arrives, alright?
4 Likes

Awesome!!!
I use Harold Carabina
1060 W Addison
Chicago, Il 60613

Latest check
“Drawn” on Old National Bank
Routing Number 086300012 (which itself appears legit).

The scam continues. The guy filled out my fake form:

But it seems there were problems with the Zelle payment (perhaps because I reported the email addresses to Zelle… never know).

So now the poor sucker/scammer thinks I’m sending him a paper check to one of his mules:

Lucas Wayne Thacker
28 Russell Ave
Mineral, VA 23117


The guy alternates between not having a cash app, and his WIFE having one that works for receiving funds but not sending funds. It’s as credible as online fake news.

1 Like
TYPE DATE NAME/NUMBER MESSAGE BODY
Received 06/02/2024 6:08:24 AM +17865678610 Hello, Obviously Inspect !
Received 06/02/2024 6:12:08 AM +17865678610 It’s Irvin Bradley requesting the home inspection. How are you doing today ? I’m texting you from my other phone so we can stay connected. I hope this message finds you well.
Received 06/02/2024 6:18:57 AM +17865678610 I want you to be on a lookout for the paycheck via USps courier and let me know once received and deposited with you so we can proceed. Okay ?
Received 06/02/2024 12:10:10 PM +17865678610 Hello, kindly acknowledge you got my messages !
Sent 06/02/2024 12:10:47 PM +17865678610 Provide tracking number
Received 06/02/2024 12:11:45 PM +17865678610 Okay, I will provide you the tracking # soon as I have it here.
Received 06/02/2024 12:14:22 PM +17865678610 Please be reminded the paycheck was to cover both your fee and the shipping courier fee as communicated with you in previous message. I could’ve sort it out myself but I don’t have either of the bank app(Zelle or cashapp) they requested to get paid prior the inspection.
Received 06/02/2024 12:14:45 PM +17865678610 Please be on a lookout and keep me posted once received and deposited with you so we can all get set. Okay ?
Received 06/02/2024 12:53:05 PM +17865678610 Are we communicating ?
Sent 06/02/2024 1:30:17 PM +17865678610 It is the weekend kindly keep your communication to the weekdays. At that time please provide the plumbing company name and their license number that needs to be coordinated with.
Sent 06/03/2024 12:12:13 PM +17865678610 Please provide the name and license number of the plumber
Received 06/04/2024 7:07:19 AM +17865678610 Hello, Obviously Inspect !
Received 06/04/2024 7:08:31 AM +17865678610 Your item(paycheck) arrived at the usps facility and it’s currently in transit to its destination. Please be on a lookout and let me know once received and deposited with you so we can proceed. Okay ?
Sent 06/04/2024 1:04:18 PM +17865678610 Please provide the name and license number of the plumber
Received 06/04/2024 1:17:21 PM +17865678610 Okay, I will provide you the plumber contact information and how it wants to be paid once funds is deposited and cleared with you.
Sent 06/04/2024 1:32:13 PM +17865678610 This form must be received prior to payment processing
Received 06/04/2024 1:32:55 PM +17865678610 What form ?
Sent 06/04/2024 1:39:05 PM +17865678610 The attached form in the text message
Received 06/04/2024 3:41:14 PM +17865678610 I’m sorry but I can’t read the file, can you please have it sent to my email
Received 06/05/2024 8:19:47 AM +17865678610 Here is the tracking # via usps courier (9470116873214212043241). Let me know soon as you received and deposited the check with you today.
Received 06/05/2024 11:50:00 AM +17865678610 Please be reminded the paycheck received was to cover both your fee and plumbing fee as communicated with you in previous message.
Received 06/05/2024 11:50:57 AM +17865678610 They requested to get paid via Zelle or cashapp prior the inspection that’s why check was issued out in a single form. Please proceed to get check deposited so we can all proceed. Okay ?
Sent 06/05/2024 11:59:53 AM +17865678610 Please provide the name and license number of the plumber and all relevant payment information.
Received 06/05/2024 12:01:55 PM +17865678610 I only have the plumber Zelle info they requested to get paid prior the inspection. Please let me know soon as you have check deposited.
Received 06/05/2024 3:00:28 PM +17865678610 Check deposited ?
Sent 06/05/2024 3:00:58 PM +17865678610 Okay the check is with the bank.
Received 06/05/2024 3:02:14 PM +17865678610 Do you have check deposited with your bank ?
Received 06/05/2024 3:06:45 PM +17865678610 Please text me a picture of the deposit slip to keep record of deposit today and to also keep record of payment.
Received 06/06/2024 6:46:55 AM +17865678610 Hello, good morning !
Received 06/06/2024 6:49:24 AM +17865678610 The total amount ($2980) has been deducted my account online and should be posted your account for use by now.
Received 06/06/2024 6:50:18 AM +17865678610 We should be able to proceed to get the plumber guys fee deposited via their Zelle now so we can all get set. Okay ?
Sent 06/06/2024 7:48:15 AM +17865678610 Please send the name and CSLB license number of the plumbers.
Received 06/06/2024 8:01:29 AM +17865678610 Ops, I don’t have the license # I no know about what you are talking about. I would have the plumber contact you shortly. Okay ?
Sent 06/06/2024 8:02:18 AM +17865678610 Just get the license number from them and everything will be legitimate.
Received 06/06/2024 8:14:23 AM +17865678610 The plumbers are still working on the CSLB license their name is Matt. They’re just waiting on their deposit to complete their job in the house so we can be good for the inspection and they’ve provide their Zelle information. Please just let let me know we can deposit their fee via Zelle now. Okay ?
Sent 06/06/2024 8:14:43 AM +17865678610 Please send over all information
Received 06/06/2024 8:16:06 AM +17865678610 Give me a moment while I text you their Zelle information.
Received 06/06/2024 8:38:17 AM +17865678610 Here is the Zelle info they provided, kindly have $1500 sent via Zelle to the Zelle info below Please have $1000 sent first and have the balance $500 sent afterwards… Zelle name: Ramona Gregory Zelle email: mandycanbe74@gmail.com Please have it sent now and get back to me with a screenshot of the Zelle sent confirmation for record purpose.
Sent 06/06/2024 8:40:09 AM +17865678610 Why is the Zelle name different than the plumber license name? Also the funds don’t yet show as deposited.
Received 06/06/2024 8:41:46 AM +17865678610 That’s the Zelle information they provided…
Received 06/06/2024 8:44:26 AM +17865678610 Okay… please keep looking through and let me know once funds is posted your account for use.
Sent 06/06/2024 8:58:35 AM +17865678610 Okay no worries. Now it seems you might not be from this area right? In our area all plumbing work requires a city permit number and a CSLB number. As soon as you have those from the plumber :plunger:, we can move forward. Some plumbers are dishonest but don’t worry I will inspect their work for you as I am also a licensed plumber.
Received 06/06/2024 9:11:02 AM +17865678610 How much do you have posted for use at the time ?
Sent 06/06/2024 9:29:13 AM +17865678610 No funds are posted available. Please provide the city and CSLB permit numbers to proceed.
Received 06/06/2024 10:46:58 AM +17865678610 The funds would be posted your account for use first thing tomorrow morning. Please let me know soon as you have funds posted for use.
Sent 06/06/2024 1:37:34 PM +17865678610 I will check the funds in the morning. Please provide the city and CSLB permit numbers to proceed. If you do not have City or CSLB numbers you’ll have to get those from the plumber :plunger:. If the plumber does not have these we will have to proceed accordingly.
Sent 06/06/2024 8:36:24 PM +17865678610 Okay there are funds available. Please send the contractor license number and permit number so we can proceed.
Received 06/07/2024 6:08:08 AM +17865678610 Hello, Good morning !
Received 06/07/2024 6:13:53 AM +17865678610 This is getting too far for me to handle, I’ve asked them about that before and they said they’re just working on it and also I’ll have to send their money to them before they can provide me any information from there end as well. Please let’s do it this way, I’ve already talked to my wife and she said she can also setup up a Zelle account. I’ll send her Zelle info to you shortly and you can have the money sent to her so she can handle the plumber payment for me. Okay ?
Received 06/07/2024 7:29:38 AM +17865678610 Hello, are we communicating ?
Sent 06/07/2024 7:59:12 AM +17865678610 Okay it’s early morning here. You must be in a different time zone. Go ahead and send the wife method.
Sent 06/07/2024 9:28:25 AM +17865678610 I will be on an inspection all day so let’s handle this right away.
Received 06/07/2024 9:30:03 AM +17865678610 Please have the Zelle sent now and get back to me with a screenshot of the Zelle sent confirmation.
Sent 06/07/2024 9:30:35 AM +17865678610 You have not sent your wife’s zelle information yet.
Received 06/07/2024 9:38:26 AM +17865678610 Do you get that ?
Sent 06/07/2024 9:44:04 AM +17865678610 Please send the new zelle information. Please let’s do it this way, I’ve already talked to my wife and she said she can also setup up a Zelle account. I’ll send her Zelle info to you shortly and you can have the money sent to her so she can handle the plumber payment for me. Okay ?
Received 06/07/2024 9:45:36 AM +17865678610 I sent you the Zelle info, did you get it ?
Received 06/07/2024 9:48:03 AM +17865678610 Hello, did you get the Zelle info I sent you ?
Received 06/07/2024 9:51:35 AM +17865678610 Do you get that ?
Received 06/07/2024 9:52:27 AM +17865678610 Are you getting my messages ?
Sent 06/07/2024 9:57:44 AM +17865678610 You said you are sending new zelle information. Please send.
Sent 06/07/2024 10:04:41 AM +17865678610 You forgot to send the Zelle, and did not answer your phone when I called.
Received 06/07/2024 10:07:59 AM +17865678610 Here is my wife Zelle info… have $1000 sent first and get back to me with a screenshot of the Zelle sent confirmation.
Received 06/07/2024 10:09:24 AM +17865678610 Have it sent now and get back to me with a screenshot of the Zelle sent confirmation for record purpose
Sent 06/07/2024 10:11:31 AM +17865678610 Your Zelle information is incomplete. Please resend or I will cancel the inspection.
Received 06/07/2024 10:15:22 AM +17865678610 What other Zelle info do you need ?
Sent 06/07/2024 10:16:04 AM +17865678610 You need to send the name of your wife and the phone number or email for the payment.
Received 06/07/2024 10:25:15 AM +17865678610 I sent that to you… Zelle name: Katie Anthony
Received 06/07/2024 10:25:38 AM +17865678610 Zelle email: gemini77.ka@gmail.com
Received 06/07/2024 10:25:58 AM +17865678610 Please send me a screenshot for better understanding.
Received 06/07/2024 10:28:21 AM +17865678610 Do you get that ?
Sent 06/07/2024 10:31:32 AM +17865678610 I think that you are not from this area. You don’t know how it works. This is Oakland California where many plumbers are dishonest. They will take your payment and never do the work. I just talked to my best plumber and he will do the work for the same price. And we’ll do the work better. So you don’t need to do anything! His work will be of good quality and past the inspection… So you are getting a very good deal. It was hard to get him and he is very busy but made a special exception just for you so we can get this property inspected and certified by the city.
Received 06/07/2024 10:31:34 AM +17865678610 Please have $1000 sent first and get back to me with a screenshot of the Zelle sent confirmation for record purpose.
Received 06/07/2024 10:33:09 AM +17865678610 I don’t need you to employ a plumber for me… please have the funds sent to my wife now and let’s get done with this please
Received 06/07/2024 10:35:11 AM +17865678610 I want you send the money sent to my wife and I have provided you my wife information. I do appreciate your concerns. Please have the funds sent to my wife Zelle information
Received 06/07/2024 10:36:17 AM +17865678610 Can you please have the funds sent to my wife Zelle now… I do appreciate your concerns. Thanks
Received 06/07/2024 10:37:33 AM +17865678610 Please have the funds sent to my wife Zelle info…
Received 06/07/2024 10:40:32 AM +17865678610 Are you trying to get away with my funds. What are you trying to pull here. I sent you my wife Zelle information.
Sent 06/07/2024 10:40:48 AM +17865678610 Maybe you were telling me that the plumber does not have a license. The way it works here is you have to pay those people in cash. The Zelle is now tracked by the US government! So the only way is to bring cash to the inspection. And give the cash only if the work is of good quality. Sometimes they want a little extra money in cash, I will even deduct that from my fee just to help this process along. I know it can be stressful to buy a house and there’s so much to keep track of especially when you don’t know the area.
Received 06/07/2024 10:40:53 AM +17865678610 That’s shouldn’t be hard for you to send the Zelle payment.
Received 06/07/2024 10:42:50 AM +17865678610 Please have the Zelle sent to my wife Zelle info that was provided to you. I told you I would take care of the plumbers myself.:
Received 06/07/2024 10:43:09 AM +17865678610 Why is it so hard for you to make the Zelle payment t my wife Zelle info
Sent 06/07/2024 10:43:18 AM +17865678610 I am an expert in local permit work. You may be able to do that elsewhere but not in Oakland California. Your inspection will fail.
Received 06/07/2024 10:43:27 AM +17865678610 Are you trying to get again with my funds
Received 06/07/2024 10:44:00 AM +17865678610 Please have the funds sent to my wife Zelle info. That’s okay with me
Received 06/07/2024 10:45:06 AM +17865678610 Yes, I wish to cancel the inspection. Have the funds sent to my wife Zelle information
Sent 06/07/2024 10:45:48 AM +17865678610 I can apply the credit to a future inspection. Or refund if I had the same method of a check. So please provide a mailing address if you wish to have your refund processed by paper check in the mail.
Sent 06/07/2024 12:11:45 PM +17865678610 To cancel this transaction please provide a postal address to mail a check to. To proceed you can use my plumber.
Received 06/07/2024 12:29:33 PM +17865678610 Can you just have the funds sent to my wife Zelle information.
Sent 06/07/2024 12:30:20 PM +17865678610 The refund policy is refunded by the same method. Happy to refund you by check. Please provide a postal address.
Sent 06/07/2024 1:55:29 PM +17865678610 Since I have not heard from you I will send a refund to ink LL 910 Randall road Nisksyuna New York 12309-2512
Received 06/07/2024 2:00:09 PM +17865678610 Here is the address check should be mailed below Name; Lucas Wayne Thacker Home address; 28,Russell Avenue Mineral, Virginia 23117 Please have it sent via usps next day delivery and get back to me with picture of the tracking receipt
Sent 06/07/2024 2:34:41 PM +17865678610 USPS next day is too expensive. If you want that level of service you’ll have to zelle me the cost of the overnight postage. Otherwise it will go regular mail.
Received 06/07/2024 2:36:08 PM +17865678610 You have have the usps next day delivery mailing fee deducted from the amount you have with you.
Received 06/07/2024 2:38:32 PM +17865678610 You should have the usp next day delivery mail fee deducted from the amount you have with you… you should go ahead and deduct $100 to cover the usps next day delivery fee from the amount you have with you. Please send a total amount of $2880
Sent 06/07/2024 2:39:26 PM +17865678610 No I won’t do that. If you want the fast service you must make a zelle payment.
Received 06/07/2024 2:41:53 PM +17865678610 I need you to stop making this unnecessary difficult. I can see you are only trying to get away with my money
Received 06/07/2024 2:43:02 PM +17865678610 And this wouldn’t end well for you… you are putting your business reputation at risk
Sent 06/07/2024 3:34:20 PM +17865678610 The refund policy will not be altered. Your refusal to comply with local permit procedures and use of a sketchy plumber is the problem. You will receive your refund in due course. :dove: Peace If you wish a quicker shipment then send $28 via Zelle for the express service.
Sent 06/08/2024 5:01:11 PM +17865678610 You will be without an inspector but I can refer you to someone else who may to be more willing to work with you: Inspector name: Richard Roe at 510-XXX-XXXX Richard is just as qualified as I am and can help meet your tight deadline for the inspection.

Editorial note “Richard Roe” is “just as qualified as I am” because he is me, on a burner phone number.
The CSLB is the California State License Board with regards to contractors.

3 Likes

6 Likes

Hugh Jazz…lol

Bert is at it again. :+1:

2 Likes

It’s so funny these guys aren’t even smart enough to clean-up their grammar. These scams are so easy to spot it’s hilarious. With AI, etc. you’d think it would be easy for them to write emails that’s aren’t so obviously scams.

There’s a funny things they routinely do to me - I’m still licensed and technically employed by my old Oregon company but live here in Maui. They always text my Hawaii # and ask for an inspection in Oregon. It’s happened a least a dozen times and I suspect they have some automated system that combs our info here on InterNACHI and the way I have things listed it gets confused.

And, I love all the check names… IMO, @bhull1 still holds a sizeable lead for the best with Harry Paratestes. :rofl:

1 Like

What amazes me is the huge amount they spend on postage. It’s 25 30 bucks for the envelope not to mention whatever the check paper costs them.

Are they somehow scamming on the postage also?

I always forward their labels and checks to the US postal inspector…

I wish I had enough energy to deal with these chumps.

Clue 1. Asking for an inspection 11 days in the future by text. (That’s two clues really)
Clue 2. What exactly is it that they want me to inspect, just wants it done before he gets there.
Clue 3. Seller of the house? Well, it’s up for Auction, so if he’s an auction house, that might be pertinent information.
Clue 4. Not working with a realtor? Drew might be unhappy to hear that.

I just stopped responding.


https://www.uspis.gov/

Criminal Investigations Service Center
Attn: Mail Fraud
433 W.Harrison Street, Room 3255
Chicago, Il 60699-3255

These guys are so eager to send me checks, they don’t bother with sufficient details. They want that check “deposited” so
they can launch into phase 2 of the scam.