Your Better Business Bureau has received reports of at least two glass businesses in the Destin area who have been contacted by scammers looking to place a fraudulent order. This is not really a new scam, and BBB warns that other industries may be targeted as well.
The new twist is that the scammers have been using Sprint TDD Relay Service, apparently in an attempt to add legitimacy to the call.
Thomas Dodd, owner of BBB Accredited Business Double D Glass and Mirror, alerted BBB to this scam. He reported that he received a call through Sprint’s TDD Relay Service, during which the caller requested his e-mail address. While Dodd was on the phone, a Sprint Supervisor interrupted the call warning him that the call sounded fraudulent.
BBB thanks Thomas Dodd for alerting us to this and providing a copy of the e-mail requesting a quote for a large order, which is included below. The e-mail is full of grammatical errors and stresses that they must be able to use a credit card to pay for the order. Of course, in these scams, the credit card is later discovered to be stolen or deactivated.
For additional information and advice you can trust, start with bbb.org or call our office at 850.429.0026 or toll-free at 800.729.9226.
###
From: water frank
Subject: Glass Order Urgent For Church ....
To: Double D Glass and Mirror
Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 12:21 PM
Hello Donny
Please get back to me with this Glass price and the total cost including sales tax
42 pieces of 30 x 30 quarter inch clear tempered glass with all the edges polished
Please if i may ask do u accept Credit Card for the payment ? dont forget to reply me with your contact address and phone number where i can reach you am buying the glas for my new church ministry has gift donation items
Thank You
Rev Frank Water