WARNING: Credit card scam through email.

“Below is my payment and the shipping address details.Split the total amount on the cards below”
This seems to be a common phrase in the latest email scam I’ve been receiving.  The messages are characterized by terrible grammar, and the senders always ask for an order that will need to be shipped and the orders typically total between 3 and 8 thousand dollars. I’ve been asked to provide authorization codes for the charges, and /or tracking numbers for the shipping.

Fortunately, I have a great relationship with my Merchant Service Provider and have never been stung by this scam, but have heard stories about others who have. I must admit I do enjoy playing along and seeing how long I can keep the dialogue going, as I forward all the e-mails to my card processor.

The latest is from someone claiming to be Susan Wilson, and she is ordering $3000 worth of HP Toner cartridges (which I don’t sell). I’ve been dragging it out for over a week and a half and have been given five different credit card numbers with different addresses. All of which have been forwarded to my card processor.

Here are some telltale signs you should look for:

1. The sale was too easy.    If  you quote the price and they instantly reply with their credit card info the sale was too easy.
2. The grammar is atrocious.  Megan, our graphic designer, thinks it was witten in a foreign language and translated with Google Translator,  I’m inclined to agree.
3. The addresses are fake.   Use Google maps and do a search on any address they provide, especially if they add USA, or United States to the end of the address.
4. They supply more than one credit card number at a time.
5. They ask for the credit card authorization codes.
6. They do not supply a telephone number they can be reached at.

Remember, if it seems to good to be true…

Do some research, call your credit card processing company, give them the card numbers, and forward them the emails.