Writers Scam Beware
There is a Writers Scam circulating the internet. I have been contacted twice. First, it was from a woman named Jane Smith, then another woman named Jane Wentworth. Apparently, Jane suffers from Apraxia which means that I cannot speak to her directly. There is a phone number that does not work, but she suggests you text. Jane needs a writer. And she is ready to pay. $1.00 a word for 2550 words. That’s right, $2550.00 total. Yep, you heard it here first. That includes the little words like “a,” “it,” “to.” OMG, I just made three dollars. Red flag.
As a general rule, when you are unsure of an email, look at the bottom to see how the email was sent. Jane sent hers by Zoho mail. That is an untraceable email server. Proton mail falls under that category as well. If you want to send someone a news tip and don’t want to be traced, you can open an account to protect your identity.
Well, Jane has a sponsor and a budget. Red flag. The word “sponsor” is an old-fashioned business term. This language means that the person is most likely overseas and learned Queen’s English. Just aside, when you do deal with online scams, watch out for the language. For example, they will often use the word “dear” and other words that just don’t seem to fit, like “sponsor.”
Jane wanted me to write about how computers negatively affected people and even supplied me with the outline. By this time, however, I knew it was a scam. Who in their right mind would pay a dollar for the word “it?”
Naturally curious, I decided to go down the rabbit hole, so I sent Jane a sample back, and she was thrilled. Next, she wanted my mailing address, my full name, and phone number. (This is information that they will use to threaten you later.)
So I said, “no, no Jane, I only use PayPal.
To which Jane replied. Well, my sponsor is old-fashioned, and he only uses a bank check. A certified bank check. What could go wrong? Big bright red flag. That’s where I stopped the nonsense.
The people who run these rings are rough trade, so I didn’t want to poke the bear. The word PayPal should be enough to send them away.
But here’s the question that you’ve been burning to ask. “How do they scam you, Kay.”
Here goes.
If you get to the point when they have your address, they will send you a check. But that will be a check over the amount. Say for $3000.00. They will admit the mistake, have you deposit the certified check into your bank account, and send them the $1000.00. By the time that happens, their check has bounced, and you’re in for the money. Below please find an example of the emails sent to me.
LETTER ONE
My name is Jane Wentworth, an academic consultant. I have a speech
distorting condition called Apraxia. I got your contact details online
, and I need your service. Can you write an article on a specific topic
for an upcoming workshop? The article is to be given as a handbook to
the attendees of the workshop. I have a title for the article and have
drafted an outline to guide you. Please get back to me for more
information
(310) 924 ****
LETTER TWO
Hello,
I am pleased to know that you are interested in handling this project.The article is to be used for presentation in a workshop coming up soon. The attendees are students and young professionals. I will require your service to write an article on the topic “Exercising : The Health Benefits”. It has to be 2,550 words and I will pay $1 per word. You are saddled with the responsibility of doing the research and finding the appropriate materials to write article. That should not be a problem as there are tons of materials on this subject matter. Please note that I do not want a particular tone or texture, I
just want the essay to be educative and informative enough for my audience. The deadline for the submission of the essay is one month
starting from 3–28–2021. This is the outline of the essay:
1. Introduction to Exercise
2. How to Exercise your body for effective result
3. Your Diet and Fitness
4. Kinds of Exercise:
(i) Cardio
(ii) Muscles
(iii) Weight loss
5. Nutrition
6. Conclusion
Finally, what would be your preferred mode of payment? Though I’m proposing a certified bank draft, a cashier’s check, or bank certified cheque. Get back to me with your price quote.
I look forward to reading from you soon.
Best regards
Sent using Zoho Mail
LETTER THREE
Hello,
Thanks for the comprehensive response to my message. Considering the amount to be paid for the job, cashier’s check or bank certified checks are our best bet. My sponsor doesn’t use online payment platforms. He’s an old-fashioned businessman. The check will be issued and mailed to you, and you should receive it in 2 days. Please get back to me with your details in the format below:
1.Full Name( as it should appear on the check)
2.Physical address
3.Mobile number.
The check will be issued and mailed out as soon as I receive these details. Please note that the project will not be turned in until payment has been delivered and cleared in your account. I await your quick response.
Regards
