G-Shock Car Shock Promotion
Recently I got the following strange text message from (724) 242-0422:
I decided to check it out, and fill out the online form (which was hosted free by jotform.com). The form asked some basic questions about my car and my contact information.
A few hours later I got the following email from a gmail.com account. Not sure why it didn't come from Casio or from a marketing company:
Subject: Re: G-Shock Promotion Mix -
From: "Sierra Shelley"
Date: Thu, September 14, 2017 4:16 pm
To: xxx...@cryan.com
Congratulations, I am happy to inform you that you have successfully been entered into the paid to drive by G-Shock Promotion Mix program. An expert, who will meet you has been allocated to install the decals on your car. You will therefore receive your payment alongside the money that will be paid to the national car Specialist(expert) in the mail. So when you get the payment, you will take out your first week pay of $500 and give the rest to the Specialist. This is to afford mutual relationship between you and the Specialist. A check of $2170 would be mailed to you to cover your money and the Specialist money. In view of this,
Please confirm the following details:
*How long do you intend to carry the advertisement on your car? One(1) month, two(2) months or three(3) months?
*Do you use your car everyday?Also reconfirm your name and address as it should be on the check, where your payment should be mailed. You are to be checking your email daily for updates and while your check will arrive in the mail.
Regards
Wait...What Did I Win?
Wow a check for $2,170? Wait a minute... what?
It's a bit weird that they would rush out a check and not schedule an appointment with the specialist. In addition at no point have I been notified of the rules of the program. I haven't signed any contract. Some thoughts came to mind if this was a legit program:
- What happens if pieces of the sticker go missing, am I obligated to notify the company?
- What if I was going on a long vacation or a business trip? Am I allowed to leave the car in my garage and still get paid for the week.
No rules. No Contract. So, ya something is weird.
I decided to see how far this would go. I confirmed the information and a couple of days later I got the following email:
Check in the Mail
Subject: Re: G-Shock Promotion Mix -
From: "Sierra Shelley"
Date: Tue, September 19, 2017 3:16 pm
To: xxx...@cryan.com
We like to bring to your notice that our representative have mail out payment to you and we have been informed that Payment of $2170 was send to you that will cover the decal expenses and your first week payment via USPS with the Tracking #940550...320131979711 it will deliver to you today or tomorrow.
- 2017 CASIO AMERICA, INC.
www.casio.com
So, I haven't signed any commitment and already I am getting paid? Oh and good luck trying to find an image of what the casio "small sticker" looks like.
I created this mockup so other people will see what a G-Shock Car Wrap would look like.
Check Arrived!
Yes its a Cashier's Check! Wahoo! I got $2,170 in the mail. But that's all that was in the Priority Mail envelope: an 8 1/2 by 11 paper.
Fake Cashier's Check
There are several things wrong with this check, here's a few observations:
- Printed on a plan 8 1/2" x 11" paper and doesn't contain any invisible fluorescent fibers
- Cashier's Check have the issuing bank telephone number on it. That is missing.
- The Authorize Signature line is supposed to have a micro print. That is missing.
- Contains a "Reorder 140-5187 Form #7200" on the bottom. Which is Avanquest Software's Business Voucher Checks ($29.19). Do you really think that Navy Credit Union would be using this paper for their Cashier's Check?
Not Over Yet!
There's more to this story. I'll update with lots more to this story. It's not over yet!
Phone Numbers Used in Scam
- (724) 242-0422 - Original Text message to socialite the offer.
- (813) 419-2870 - Correspondence after the letter was received
Addresses Used in this Scam
- vanessase4@gmail.com
- 1500 Rankin Rd, ARLINGTON Texas 76015 - Where $1,670 was to be sent
Additional Information
You can learn more about Cashier Check Scam at How to Spot Cashier's Check Fraud - Examples of Scams
