As if Blackwater agents worked at AVIS
But the fact that this imaginary caricature doesn't really exist hasn't prevented people from seeking out a way to live out their wheelman fantasies, even if there is little promise of gunfights and getaways.
Search "driver" throughout Craigslist.org's section, and the results will be populated with requests for delivery drivers, CDL-licensed bus drivers, TLC Lincoln jockeys, and, occasionally, an obscure ad that reads to the effect of: "Looking for a good driver. If you don't have your own car, tell me your preference, and I will arrange it. Part-time, compensation of $700 a week." Or how about this one: "My wife will be in town for shopping and needs a driver for 2 hours for 3 days during the week."
Wow, $700 bones for some detail-less job? Sounds neat. They'll provide the car as well? So I can request a BMW750li and put on suit to drive some apparently wealthy businessman's spoiled missus around Manhattan? Sounds too good to be true.
Well, it is. The above examples are just some of the many scams that transpire on job sites, most notably on Craigslist. These anonymous swindlers put forth a scenario for anyone with some free time to make an easy few hundred dollars, when in actuality, they'll be tricking you into sending them hundreds of your own.
One near-victim states that he almost went through with the whole affair and says that he was sent three money orders, $850 each, and was told to take out $500 for himself and cash out the remaining $2300, which would be wired to his "wife's assistant." Huh?
It didn't make much sense, but this near-victim still went to the bank where, thankfully, the branch was wise to the clearly fake money orders. Had he proceeded, that $2300 would have been taken from his account and sent to the scammer. The money orders would then have come back as fakes, and he would have had no way of recovering his money.
Now, this is not limited to potential drivers, but seeing as how this is the auto department, scams looking for drivers will be our focus.
I'll bet you're curious to see what an e-mail like this looks like—because I know I was. To find out, I answered two different ads with embellished details stating that I have extensive luxury car experience, am in the NYC area, and am eager to learn more about the position. I did, of course, remember to remove my contact info from the signature. And here's what I got back:
Hello,
Thanks for your response and I'm glad to read from you as regard the driving job. My name is Stephen and i live in Chicago but the driving will take place in your local area. I have informed my wife concerning the pick up at your nearest airport and for other purpose which she might need you for in your local area. I believe you are fit for this position in as much you will prove yourself as a reliable and good person. Her arrival date is June 10TH. I will prefer you have your car ready & available, but if you don't have a car, i will provide a car for you. I am offering you $100 for an hour and an extra $100 for a gas and you will make yourself available on June 10TH and 11TH for 2 hour each day at your convenient time. Also I want you to know that my client will be sending you the payment will be in excess. You're to deduct your salary & the remaining funds will be use by my wife for her travel expenses, accommodations and any other expenses, Get back to me with the following details of yours:
*Your full .................................
*Your Home Address..........................
*City.......................................
*State.......................................
*Zip Code...................................
*Your phone number...........................
*Your age...................................
*the Best time that you can make yourself available on the June 10TH and 11TH for the driving position in your local area.Get back to me on time with your details so that the
payment can be issue on your name and sent to your address overnight.Thank you for your co-operation and I'll be looking forward to hearing back from you as soon as possible.
Regards
Stephen
N.B.... I would need your update in regards to this job to be sure if you are interested and willing to do this. I want you to keep it touch with me via email everyday..
First of all, I like how his wife becomes his client and then quickly becomes his wife again. I get a kick out of the broken English, despite the fact that this person is supposedly called "Stephen Baker," and I guess “N.B.” is P.S. in whatever country he's actually from. The feigned attempt at responsibility is also a nice touch as he asks me to "keep it touch" every day, most likely to keep tabs on the stranger in charge of his client-wife.
"My name Simon Baker, I send you many monies"
But the real sad part is that people do step into these traps, not because they're foolish, but for scams like these, it means that they're looking for work, and I can appreciate that (AutoKinesis doesn't pay all the bills). It saddens me that people trying to make ends meet are being swindled by international criminals who, in all likelihood, will never suffer any consequences.
In general, for those of you who frequent sites like Craigslist or eBay, or if you ever receive questionable emails, remember: The Nigerian prince doesn't need your money, you, despite never entering, did not win a cash lottery, and you are not, and never will be, Jason Statham.
N.B. Here are some helpful links about hoaxes, internet scams, and the like:
Hoax-slayer.com: a database with information on a wide variety of scams
eHow: a how-to article about avoiding money transfer scams
Yahoo! Answers: a thread related to the e-mail example from above
Article originally posted on the VM Blog.
Alex Kalogiannis shares Statham's enthusiasm for cars, suits, kung fu, and haircuts.