Scam alert for stove traders

[BowlandStoves]

Hi,

 

Unfortunately, we were the target of an attempted scam this week involving the purchase of 2 stoves. We have various systems and checks in place so nothing was lost but just to share the details.

 

We were approached via email by:-

 

[email protected]
NORTHGATE SOLUTION (surprise surprise, the company does not exist)
Lyntown Trading Estate,
Lynwell Rd, Eccles,
Manchester M30 9QG
Tel: 01616814143

 

She enquired about 2 small stoves at a combined cost of £949. She accepted the price and requested an invoice for immediate payment which seemed fine. The invoice was sent over with bank details, etc when 24 hours we noticed a cheque for £2629 had been deposited at a local branch into our account. This was £1680 more than had been agreed - red flag lol

 

We were obviously suspicious about the transaction, even more so when we received an email from the "customer" apologising and asking us to return the over payment of £1680 by BACs immediately. Yes, before their cheque had even cleared - they must think we are stupid lol

 

Surprise surprise, the next day we get a call from the bank saying the cheque has been returned, "not paid", at which point we contacted the "client" again. Surprise surprise, no response and not a further word to this day

 

Becareful - the scammers are about

Edited September 12, 2019 by BowlandStoves

[Tom D]

My dad had that scam before, he too became suspicious and didn't pay. His was for £90k I think!

[BowlandStoves]

Tom,

 

They must think we are stupid?

 

However, I can maybe imagine some seriously large companies falling for the scam after seeing money coming and going from their account all of the time. In this day and age no company should be scammed by this very very basic tactic - dont return money or send goods until you are sure the payment funds are clear.

[Steve Bullman]

First clue was the use of a gmail email account

[BowlandStoves]

Using an email address which does not reflect your business looks bad and you have to ask yourself why anyone would do it - so, yes, great point Steve

Edited September 12, 2019 by BowlandStoves

[Bunzena]

The trouble is - it's a numbers game.  All they need is one or two people/businesses to pay-out and they're ahead.

 

All it takes is a momentary lapse of concentration...

 

Vigilance, people.  Vigilance.

[trigger_andy]

On 12/09/2019 at 15:43, BowlandStoves said:

They must think we are stupid?

I dont think they think we're all stupid, just fishing for the few stupid people out there. And there is plenty of fish out there who take the bait.