I got two emails (I'm sure the 2nd came because I responded to thier request) I had a feeling it was a scam to begin with so I wanted to play abit.
Hello there,
Am vivian steward,i saw your advert ..pls i need someone to help takecare of my pet....Pls firstly where are you located in the city, let me know your area of specialization.I have an healthy well behaved and friendly Border Collie and i will need you to feed and walk my dog while am away,Am on vacation right now and i need a simple and inexpensive way to put my pet inform while am away.Pls let me know the exact address you are located so i will know if u are fit in for me..Pls i need you get back to me if you are available for me..i look forward meeting you...Pls could you get back to me with the below information
1. Can you be doing this for me weekly.
2. How much will you charge me weekly.
3. Tell me the amount you want to charge weekly forget about the distance,the bill can be settled if not too much
4. I would like to pay you 1 month fee upfront cos i need someone arround my pet
5. Let me know ur area of specialization.
Pls get back to me if you are available to work in my yard..
Thanks,
Vivian
I responded to her questions. Then added this thinking she wouldn't respond again: "Here is my website so you can learn more about me, what my specialization is, rates etc. Check out my About Us page, there you will see a bit more about me, for example I retired from the Sheriff's office and Dept of Public Safety, I'm an Instructor with the American Red Cross and so forth. If you need any further info, do not hesitate to contact me! Again, Thank you for contact HPC."
2nd email: LONGER!
Hello,
Thank you so much for getting back to me and i so much appreciate you swift response.I want to have you booked prior my arrival cos time is not on my side.I will send you the payment for a month, am not arround but as soon as all arrangement is made, my sister will be meeting, so as soon as i have your details so that i can have your commitment .I need your assistance and Trust on this,because its not that easy to entrust on someone i have not seen, but i believe we all know each other one day and this will favor you well, cos am a very easy going person and well understanding. My Boss want to pay me off for the Project that i attended in Malaysia, so he's paying me with U.S Cashier Check/Money Orders, which can't be cashed here. If the payment(Check/Money Orders) is sent to you, so i want you to deduct the required amount for your Advance service charges, then send the rest fund or sum to my Traveling Agent, cos its for my Flight Ticket Fees to the states As soon as possible, then keep the remaining balance for me till i arrive to the states. If your Location is far from my House, i will pay for your Transport Down there for the services to be rendered so If you are interested doing this for me, i need the following, Details(information) Below:
FULL NAME :
FULL ADDRESS :
CITY:
STATE:
ZIP CODE:
TELEPHONE:
CELL PHONE:
I need this information to issue the check, because i have to do everything fast and also my Boss is traveling for Business purpose, so he needs this information so he can issue the check and send it to you ASAP, immediately he sends the check, i will forward the Courier Tracking Number to you and it will Deliver Unfailingly within 3 business days. As soon as the information required from you is sent to me and the payment will be issued and get to you contact address Asap Looking forward to hear from you. N.B......Pls email me your referee;s information if available. Thanks.
My final response:
Im sorry but I thought I gave you my website with all that info. Also I do not accept prior arrangements without a formal Meeting, as I do not take on any jobs without meeting client and their pets. This is for compatibility purposes and safety as well, I sure you understand being a traveler like you are. I guess all my years in Law Enforcement has made me cautious.
If you will provide me your address so I can see if you are in my service area that would be a big help. Also if you are and would like to set up a meeting, please provide some dates and times that would work for you.
Again thank you contacting HPC and I hope you understand my policies, many pet sitters have been targets of scams and we can't be to careful!