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Revision as of 04:19, 27 February 2012

Overview

This page presents the translators scam alert reports sent to subscribers to the Translators scam-prevention center. If you are a ProZ.com member you can subscribe to the scam alerts.

Scam alerts

• Ghost client scam:
• Impersonated client scam:
• Nigerian scam: None so far
• Advance payment / overpayment scam: 2/25/2012
• Pay-to-work scams:
• Secret Shopper / Western Union testing scam: 2/24/2012
• "Wallet lost abroad" scam:
• "Employment abroad" scam:
• Dating scam: 2/26/2012
• Phishing "data verification" scam:

February 2012

February 27, 2012

Earlier this month a ProZ.com member reported at http://www.proz.com/topic/217853 that an allegued translation agency based in  Australia had offered her attractive work with the condition that they "accepted to cooperate only with WTACA verified members.” 

Then they added “WTACA is an international Organization focusing on translation certifications, for more details you can visit their   web site www.wtaca.eu.tc” and they requested scanned copy of the translator’s WTACA membership as requirement for incorporation into  the agency’s database.

Admission onto WTACA costed  €100 so this has all the look and feel of a classic “pay to work” scam, where the victim is asked to pay first as condition for getting access to an attractive job offer.

Further investigation showed that several of the “agency” contact addresses belonged to real translators who were unaware of this misuse of their data. Later the web pages corresponding to both "agency" and "association" became inactive.

Now another ProZ.com member reported at http://www.proz.com/topic/219194 that an allegued Australian agency contacted her indicating that "To ensure high quality translation, we only accept STO ( Successful Translators Organization) certified Member. we invite you to visit their website www.sto.eu5.org”

The “agency” presents a PO box as contact address, while the association shows no contact information at all. Admission fee into the STO association is casually €100. At this point the risk management evaluation lights a big red alarm indication. 

Learn more about this kind of scams at http://www.proz.com/about/translator-scam-alerts/default#pay_to_work_scams

February 26, 2012

The following email was reported by a ProZ.com member through support: 

*****
Hello My Dearest one

Hello My Dearest onernMy name is Sandra Williams i saw your Email
today, when i was browsing i then made up my mind to contact you
as my friend so i will also like you to reply back to me, i have
some thing to discuss with you, i will also send you my picture,s
and for us to know each other very well, I believe that distance
can never be a barrier but let's love connect us because love is a
bridge that connected far distance to be close to each other it
will be my pleasure to hear from you soonestrnFrom Sandra,please
reply me with this email, [email protected]
*****

This is a classic example of dating scam, where the scammer
attempts to establish a relationship with the victim to ask for
the transfer of money once this was achieved.  

The profile used for sending this message was deleted and the
corresponding email address was blocked.

Read more about this scam at http://www.proz.com/about/translator-scam-alerts/#dating_scam

February 25, 2012

A ProZ.com user wrote in a support request:
"I received a false request from a scammer and fell for it (see
copy of the scam email below). Please notify all your members
about this scam as many other translators might fall for it.

*********
Greetings!
I'm Alan Cox from Atlanta,Georgia and i'll be leaving here in
Atlanta for the United Kingdom on a business trip
tomorrow.However,i will need your service to translate some
documents for me.I need to make a presentation to some groups of
german speaking people in Munich,Germany on 5th of March,2012.I
will need you to help me translate the papers from English to
German,so each of my audience can have a copy in german language
and they can follow through.I will also need that the work be
delivered by March 2,2012.Please,let me know your rate for a total
of about 4626 words presentation and your methods of payment.I
look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best Regards,
Alan
*********

This is a classic text found in advance payment scams, including
the poor writting and the fact that the translation will be used
to be given to the assistants to a presentation.

Read more about this scam at
http://www.proz.com/about/translator-scam-alerts/default#advance_payment_overpayment_scam

February 24, 2012

The "Secret Shopper" scam has been going strong for the past few
months and continues to affect translators. Please help spread the
word in the interest of protecting other language professionals
who may fall victim.

A ProZ.com user reported today via the Support service: "I was
contacted by a Tom Baker, from a company called Secret Shopper,
claiming to be a Proz.com member, ... with a job involving the
evaluation of Western Union Services in France. The transactions I
carried out were by means of travellers cheques which my bank now
informs me are fakes, and of course it is impossible to contact
this company. I have been defrauded of 4000 €." 

Read more about this scam at 
http://www.proz.com/about/translator-scam-alerts/default#secret_shopper_western_union_testing_scam

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Translator scam alert reports
Claire Muniafu Kenya Local time: 21:39 Swahili to English + ... Bid for Project #111771 - 30 January 2012 Apr 10, 2012 I am one of those translators who fell for the scam as provided below. The Job came through the usual notification and I submitted my bid, for which the client responded as below: Hello. I accept the price and I am a private person. right now am in uk for vacation. Perhaps I can send you a cheque in the range of payment? That should cover payment for the translation translate the document in word and dont translate the pictures. I will need your data for the payment. Full Name:... See more I am one of those translators who fell for the scam as provided below. The Job came through the usual notification and I submitted my bid, for which the client responded as below: Hello. I accept the price and I am a private person. right now am in uk for vacation. Perhaps I can send you a cheque in the range of payment? That should cover payment for the translation translate the document in word and dont translate the pictures. I will need your data for the payment. Full Name: Address: Phone numbers: Thanks. Flora flora mcmannaman [email protected] ▲ Collapse   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
Laura Bertolin  Canada Local time: 12:39 Spanish to English + ... White Briggs scam Apr 25, 2012 Hello, I too have been contacted by the so-called White Briggs ([email protected]) using exactly the same responses as the ones quoted above. These are the e-mails they have sent me: "You have been sent a message via ProZ.com. Author: Briggs [NOTE: The author is not a registered ProZ.com user or was not logged in when sending this message.] Author's IP address: 184.105.146.8 Message type: Job-related ----------- Hello, I write... See more Hello, I too have been contacted by the so-called White Briggs ([email protected]) using exactly the same responses as the ones quoted above. These are the e-mails they have sent me: "You have been sent a message via ProZ.com. Author: Briggs [NOTE: The author is not a registered ProZ.com user or was not logged in when sending this message.] Author's IP address: 184.105.146.8 Message type: Job-related ----------- Hello, I write to inquire for the service of an English to Spanish Interpreter for an upcoming event in Spain.Kindly reply if interested. Warm Regards, White Briggs" Next e-mail: "Thank you very much for your reply.I am interested in booking you for 3 to 4 days between 11th to 15th of June. Purpose: To work as a liaison Interpreter between myself and 3 Spanish speaking independent business men. Venue: Barcelona, Spain Time : 9am to 4pm daily Subject: To develop marketing Concept and Strategies on how to introduce a new product in Spain. Kindly note that the website is under construction and i shall supply you any other information as we unfold issues. I am a very busy person and i will be happy to get what the fee for your service will be so i can plan along with it because I have many assignments on my neck between now and the next 3 weeks. Will await your response. Warm Regards, White Briggs" And the last one: "Or are you saying I make a deposit now or make payment after the exercise?" I did not go any further because I found this thread warning about the scam. I hope nobody else falls for it. ▲ Collapse   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
Ana Nicolau  Spain Local time: 20:39 Member (2012) English to Spanish + ... White Briggs Scam Apr 26, 2012 I have also been contacted by "White Briggs", I have received exactly the same emails as Laura has. I haven't given him any information either as I found something in his emails strange. Thank you for posting these alert reports!!   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
evalenzuela Local time: 14:39 Arabic to Spanish + ... GONZALO BENJUMEDA FRAUD Apr 27, 2012 Hello, I was contacted by GONZALO BENJUMEDA the 11th of April. He asked me for a translation from Arabic to Spanish. I delivered the translation and he sent me a copy of a false transfer to my account, that of course it never arrived. I lost track of him as soon as I sent him the translation. I hope that more translators read these postings so they are aware. Best regards, Estefanía   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
Deborah Fletcher  Local time: 20:39 English to Spanish + ... May 1, 2012 Laura Bertolin wrote: Hello, I too have been contacted by the so-called White Briggs ([email protected]) using exactly the same responses as the ones quoted above. These are the e-mails they have sent me: "You have been sent a message via ProZ.com. Author: Briggs [NOTE: The author is not a registered ProZ.com user or was not logged in when sending this message.] Author's IP address: 184.105.146.8 Message type: Job-related ----------- Hello, I write to inquire for the service of an English to Spanish Interpreter for an upcoming event in Spain.Kindly reply if interested. Warm Regards, White Briggs" Next e-mail: "Thank you very much for your reply.I am interested in booking you for 3 to 4 days between 11th to 15th of June. Purpose: To work as a liaison Interpreter between myself and 3 Spanish speaking independent business men. Venue: Barcelona, Spain Time : 9am to 4pm daily Subject: To develop marketing Concept and Strategies on how to introduce a new product in Spain. Kindly note that the website is under construction and i shall supply you any other information as we unfold issues. I am a very busy person and i will be happy to get what the fee for your service will be so i can plan along with it because I have many assignments on my neck between now and the next 3 weeks. Will await your response. Warm Regards, White Briggs" And the last one: "Or are you saying I make a deposit now or make payment after the exercise?" I did not go any further because I found this thread warning about the scam. I hope nobody else falls for it. [Edited at 2012-05-01 17:05 GMT] [Edited at 2012-05-01 17:06 GMT]   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
Cristina Fuentes  Local time: 20:39 English to Spanish + ... White Briggs scam May 2, 2012 I too was contacted by him. The emails are exactly the same as the ones above, thank God I saw them and didn't fell in. In this case, he requested an interpreter for four days in Barcelona. He offer to pay everything (and more for extra unexpected expenses) in advance. It all sounded strange from the very beginning. It seems the "African prince" scam has changed its looks a little bit but it is the same thing again. I also hope nobody falls in. Thanks a million, Cristi... See more I too was contacted by him. The emails are exactly the same as the ones above, thank God I saw them and didn't fell in. In this case, he requested an interpreter for four days in Barcelona. He offer to pay everything (and more for extra unexpected expenses) in advance. It all sounded strange from the very beginning. It seems the "African prince" scam has changed its looks a little bit but it is the same thing again. I also hope nobody falls in. Thanks a million, Cristina ▲ Collapse   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
Usha KAIAVA TIROUVANZIAM  France Local time: 20:39 English to French + ... May 11, 2012: new impersonation of the "project book" scam A new impersonation of the scam reported May 12, 2012 I also received it on May 11 from James [email protected] 46 Belgrave Rd Redbridge, London Zip Code: E11 3QW, Country: UK +447035937886 I found something sounded strange in this negociation: the "client" wanted to pay 1/3 in advance by check. The volume of work was quite big (12Kwords) he even sent me a word file when I asked for details about the text to be translated. After exchanging few mails, I was... See more I also received it on May 11 from James [email protected] 46 Belgrave Rd Redbridge, London Zip Code: E11 3QW, Country: UK +447035937886 I found something sounded strange in this negociation: the "client" wanted to pay 1/3 in advance by check. The volume of work was quite big (12Kwords) he even sent me a word file when I asked for details about the text to be translated. After exchanging few mails, I was amazed by the low writing skills of the "autor" and made a search. Hopefully I found this page. ▲ Collapse   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
PaulineGarnier France Local time: 20:39 English to French + ... White Briggs + Fernando Javier Gonzalez Lorenzo (he exists) May 30, 2012 He did the same to me. So any things from Fernando Javier Gonzalez Lorenzo or White Briggs is a fraud. Be careful, they are really clever. Don't accept any internation EXPORT check. I lost 2000 pounds ...   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
Eleanor P  United Kingdom Local time: 19:39 Spanish to English + ... WHITE BRIGGS Jun 1, 2012 I received exactly the same e-mails as reported below, relating to an interpreting job in Barcelona. Despite feeling that it was all rather strange, I went along with it, giving him the benefit of the doubt as I had no intention of paying out any money or giving any bank details. I received a cheque which I paid into my account, thinking that if the cheque went through ok, then everything must be fine and that I had nothing to lose. Only some two weeks later did I see that the cheque had "b... See more I received exactly the same e-mails as reported below, relating to an interpreting job in Barcelona. Despite feeling that it was all rather strange, I went along with it, giving him the benefit of the doubt as I had no intention of paying out any money or giving any bank details. I received a cheque which I paid into my account, thinking that if the cheque went through ok, then everything must be fine and that I had nothing to lose. Only some two weeks later did I see that the cheque had "bounced" and my bank had charged me 90 Euros as a fee for this. This is when I saw these messages on the forum as well. I have paid out no money to this guy or whoever he is, and he still has no other details about me. I am waiting to receive the cheque back from the bank, and to know more about the origin of the cheque and what other consequences there may be. I intend to fight the bank charges, but that is another issue. I'm still trying to comprehend exactly what kind of scam this is, as so far "he" cannot have received any benefit from this. I feel that there must be something even nastier around the corner, but I have no idea what! If any one else has anything else to share about this guy, with a similar experience, it would be greatly appreciated. Also, I don't know exactly how I should proceed with this matter - should I report it to the police? ▲ Collapse Tamara Demetro   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
Sara Costa Local time: 19:39 English to Portuguese + ... White Briggs Jun 20, 2012 I've been also contacted by "White Briggs". He said he was in Lisbon and needed an interpreter, the check arrived and with much more than what I asked, as we say in Portugal "too much charity makes the saint fall", so I found it very strange and thankfully I found this posts in the forum. I'm not depositing the check, but I only gave him my address and nothing more personal. I don't understand what does the guy wins with this. Tamara Demetro   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
Alexandra Gui Local time: 19:39 English to Portuguese + ... White Briggs Jul 5, 2012 Hello, The exact same thing has happened to me! I was suspicious since the beginning of his e-mails and fortunately I found these warnings on the internet just has I received his payment by check! I have reported it to the police even though it will probably go nowhere! But, at least I feel like I am not sitting at home, doing nothing, while these situations keep on happening! Coincidentally I received another one of his e-mails just this morning, asking me ... See more Hello, The exact same thing has happened to me! I was suspicious since the beginning of his e-mails and fortunately I found these warnings on the internet just has I received his payment by check! I have reported it to the police even though it will probably go nowhere! But, at least I feel like I am not sitting at home, doing nothing, while these situations keep on happening! Coincidentally I received another one of his e-mails just this morning, asking me to keep 600€ of the check's payment (which was 3500 pounds) for the inconvenience, and return the rest to him. I haven't return his e-mails for about two weeks now, and he just keeps trying his luck! I hope nobody else falls for this scam! Thank you for the warning! Alexandra (Portugal) ▲ Collapse   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
Charlene Siffre  Spain Spanish to French + ... GONZALO BENJUMEDA FRAUD Jul 12, 2012 Hello! I was contacted by Gonzalo Benjumeda as well a few months ago, he asked me a spanish to french translation. I delivered the translation and didn't receive anything from him. It is a big scam, he even sent me a false transaction paper and then absolutely nothing. Please be careful! This morning I have been contacted by Stiven Wilson, the "private investor". Thanks to this page I won't answer.   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
Naya Lizardo  United States Local time: 14:39 English to Spanish + ... GINGER WOMACK refund scam. Nov 11, 2012 Hi, I was recently emailed (yahoo address) by GINGER WOMACK with the following message: "We are looking for a translator that can translate from English to any foreign language. I have a book project at hand that demands all foreign language because we have newborn every minute all over the world. This is concerning the training of our children for a better tomorrow. The book is title **TEACH YOUR CHILD THE RIGHT WAY** This book has been written in English to help parent ... See more Hi, I was recently emailed (yahoo address) by GINGER WOMACK with the following message: "We are looking for a translator that can translate from English to any foreign language. I have a book project at hand that demands all foreign language because we have newborn every minute all over the world. This is concerning the training of our children for a better tomorrow. The book is title **TEACH YOUR CHILD THE RIGHT WAY** This book has been written in English to help parent know their obligation to teenagers. The book contain 30 Pages, Words count is 10,000 Thousand. There will be no editing as regards translating it..." She then asked for me for my (U.S.) address ("no PO Box") and the amount I would complete the project for. I had an inkling it was a scam; to be sure, I sent her an amount and a made-up address. She responded a few days later saying her book editor mailed me the check, but mailed it for a larger amount than my bid. She said I should cash the certified check when I get it and send the difference via Western Union. This was clearly a refund scam. Please be careful. Naya ▲ Collapse   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
Ines Cunha Jorge  Portugal Local time: 19:39 Member (2005) English to Portuguese + ... I was contacted by this Flora today Nov 16, 2012 Bad written emails + [email protected] or gmail + Interesting documents + long deadlines = scam   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
Teresa Lopes  Portugal Member (2011) English to Portuguese + ... Mrs Flora Mcmannaman role-playing Mr Briggs Nov 23, 2012 I also received an e-mail from Mrs. Flora mcmannaman with a document "article_business_sustainability_framework" with about 15k words. I informed her of the price and told her that I would need some advance payment to start the job. She promptly agreed to my price and said a check of the total would be sent to me. I answered that I would start the job as soon as the payment was credited to my account. Then, I forgot about it, because I wouldn't start working without some guarantee, but gav... See more I also received an e-mail from Mrs. Flora mcmannaman with a document "article_business_sustainability_framework" with about 15k words. I informed her of the price and told her that I would need some advance payment to start the job. She promptly agreed to my price and said a check of the total would be sent to me. I answered that I would start the job as soon as the payment was credited to my account. Then, I forgot about it, because I wouldn't start working without some guarantee, but gave her my address. Today I received a check with a badly written note asking for excuse for the late payment. The check is from a Spanish Bank and the amount is 3200Euros, 5 times the price of my expected job. I thought someone had mixed envelopes and sent the wrong check to the wrong person and I went to my bank with it, to show it to my bank adviser and ask what to do. I was informed that the check would take 45 days to be cleared and I would have to pay expenses for submitting it and then more expenses if it bounced. The note that arrived with the check said, among other things like asking how the weather was: (sic) "The payment was mail out to you on behalf of our client based on instructions from my boss. Please notify me once you receive the payment and kindly take it to your bank for a deposit and it will take two working(2)days for the funds to be credited into your account. It is for your bank to get the cash into your bank account." I sent Mrs. Flora an email, playing the naive and telling her that I had received a check that I assumed was from her, although her name wasn't included, and asking what was the meaning of this. I got this answer: "Dear Teresa Thanks for your update,yes the check you receive is from my client Mr Richard King. Is Owing me Some Money for our business transaction and i told him to send the check to you for the payment of the translation job,So i want you to go and deposit the check into your bank and account and it will take just 3days to clear and deduct your money which is 637,44€ and i will let you know how to get the balance across to me. Hope you understand me. Thanks Flora" I started thinking of money laundry, which is also possible, and then I started searching the Internet and I found this thread. Alas! Well, the check looks so perfect that, as I have to go to Spain next week for a personal matter, I think I'll drop by at a police station and leave it there!!! Sorry Mrs. Flora for being such a bad sport. Teresa And also... searching on the internet for Mrs Flora Mcmannaman I just got this link: http://iowagravestones.org/gs_view.php?id=357240 A gravestone????? Oh my God, I got a check from High Above!!! [Editado a las 2012-11-23 17:48 GMT] ▲ Collapse   Subject: Comment: The contents of this post will automatically be included in the ticket generated. Please add any additional comments or explanation (optional)
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