I have used Craigslist many times to rent my rental properties, get rid of furniture, even used to do affiliate marketing through it (years ago). I had an website landing page that I needed translated and I wanted someone local to do it. I contacted a few people, one guy said he could do it for 0.06 cents per word, good price. I asked if he was from Vancouver and if we could meet to do the payment. I said this because I wanted to make sure he wasn’t a scammer. I already knew about online translation sites such as Google Translate. I also realize that it’s far from perfect to translate from English to other languages, so the best thing to do it hire someone to do it properly.
The guy calls himself “Chris” and he said he would start right away. He actually said he was from Vancouver, so I thought it would be fine. The next day (today), I emailed him to see how the project was coming along, and he said it was all done. Two minutes later I get an email from AlertPay.com (It’s an online payment processor, like PayPal) stating that [email protected] wants to be paid $72.00 U.S. Payment for the “translation”
screen shot of the email from AlertPay, from [email protected] (scammer)
Why is it US funds?
I then email him back asking why is it in U.S. funds and he says that he lives in Washington D.C. I told him to call me so I can talk to him, his number shows up as (301)437-9953. Maryland area code which is fine since Maryland is next to D.C. I ask him why he said he was from Vancouver in a previous and he said he needs to check his email (why?).
I tell him I wanted to deal with someone locally so I could meet them in person to make sure they weren’t just using an online translation web site to make some quick cash and scam me at the same time. Online translation sites do a poor job of making the article or words sounds proper. He says that I can let one of my friends who understands French to proof read it. He said he could email 1/2 the article for me to look at and then I could send the payment for $72.00 U.S after I approved. It all seemed like bull sh*t to me, such an easy scam really. “OK, send it and I look at it.”
Anyways he sends part of the article over and I went right to Google Translate and boom, it’s the same exact paragraghs word for word, just translated from English to French. Nice try scumbag.
You can give him a call if you want, (301)437-9953 ask for Chris the scammer. I think the number is a prepaid cell phone. Always be careful, someone is always ready to drain your wallet.
(screen shot of ad on Craigslist.com)
I found some one local who isn’t afraid to meet in person, lesson learned. Be careful on Craigslist.com deal locally!
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