I got an email last night from someone who was looking up contact information for one of my customers: Piexx Company. She was wondering if someone was trying to scam her. The way the scam works is that someone says they are a hiring agency for some company and posts a job offer for a data entry position where you can work at home, and they interview and you get the job. Then they say, "oh, forgot to mention, you need to buy some software in order to be able to connect with the company's database, etc." You post the payment (via the required Western Union of course) and then they disappear, and since they were using a free email account, you can't track them down. amandadavis38@yahoo.com is one of the current perpetrator's, but I assume that account will be gone shortly, and they'll appear under another name.
Apparently, Piexx gets about four or five requests a day asking if this is for real. And that is just one company, so I assume there are tons of companies being used like this.
Posted by
Jon Daley on
September 17, 2009, 8:51 am
| Read 241871 times
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I was looking into this, the company is real but sells computer components - couldn't figure out why they would have a data entry positions for accounting servicing various companies.
We were asked to set up IM with yahoo and were barraged with messages from Melissa Dressler who could not put a conjunction on a verb or structure a sentence. She produced an application for renewal of trade name in the state of New Hampshire (could be valid, but for what?).
Things that made me wonder: Why, if you worked for a company, did you have a yahoo email address. Why did she want the $200+ money sent by Western Union and why was getting this money her main focus. When asked to whom the money was to be sent she produced a person's name - not a company. Additionally, the "software" that we were supposidly making the payment for was Peachtree, Quickbooks, and several others. You couldn't buy one of these for under $300.
Right - Piexx is a legitimate company - I used to work there in high school.
I assume "Amanda" and "Melissa" are generic names for the same person, and they are some overseas company, where it is hard to find them. Yahoo should be able to do something about it, given that they are using their services to commit fraud.
If I were you, I'd report the username to Yahoo and see what happens.
I'd expect Chris would be glad to get a call from Yahoo to verify that it is fraudulent, as he is currently getting a number of calls a day from people, and there isn't anyway he can stop it.
I am so happy you are exposing this person! She contacted me with an "job opportunity" and wanted my to pay 255.00 to purchase the software that I would need. I saw this post and informed her that I was not sending her any money and that I was aware of the scam she was running. She proceeded to threaten to come to my house and said(in very poor sentence structure)that my life would soon be over! She even went as far as saying that she was already in my house but I just couldn't see her. How pathetic!! Thanks again for posting this so hopefully more people will see this and not get scammed by her!
Yeah, they emailed me, I was almost convinced untill I checked up. thanks for the post !
These are the emails used to msg me.
dew4h01@yahoo.com
melissa.dressler@yahoo.com
thank you for the info. i too almost was convinced until i did some reading
This melissa is a legit person why are you guys spoiling her name i work with her now
Is the Melissa you know using that address? If so, have her contact the police, they are looking for her.
If she is truly legit (and she'll have to explain why she is trying to hire people for a job that doesn't exist) she shouldn't have any trouble clearing up the situation with the police, and I'll gladly post her story here.
Heh - note that "Mrs Patricia" is from Nigeria, so yes, I believe you probably do work with her.
I finally got a response from Yahoo; basically an auto-response, and they hadn't even looked in the appropriate email accounts. I guess that is why these scammers are using Yahoo, and not some other service that would actually want to try to stop the scammers.
Heh, and another person "nick.lee@yahoo" also from Nigeria wrote to say how it isn't a scam. It's funny how all these Nigerians say it isn't a scam, and have such American sounding names.
my wife got an offer today as well the lady that sent her the email was lourie.deanna@yahoo.com. she wanted her to send $200 also for the software, thanks for the comments she wont be taking this job.
SCAM SCAM SCAM!!!! DONT FALL PREY!!! Here is what happen today!!!! read this scam saved on yahoo IM beware!!!
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 12:37:00 PM): hello
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 12:37:08 PM): how are you doing today?
a j (10/23/2009 12:37:41 PM): I am am doing good, How about yourself?
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 12:37:59 PM): am fine
a j (10/23/2009 12:38:19 PM): That is good to hear.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 12:39:00 PM): I am Mrs Deanna and i am here to breif you more about this job and the interview
a j (10/23/2009 12:39:31 PM): Okay.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 12:39:42 PM): Whats your full name,sex,age and where are you located?
a j (10/23/2009 12:41:01 PM): My full name is A J. I am a female. I am 30 years old , and I live in California , which is right outside of Sacramento, California.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 12:41:33 PM): Are you aware that this is strictly and online job and a work from home job? Are you currently employed?
a j (10/23/2009 12:43:11 PM): Yes I am fully aware. I recently went on disability from the state of California, so I am looking for extra income since disability doesn't pay well and I am limited in what I can do outside of home.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 12:43:45 PM): Will you be able to devote 5 hours of your time toPiexx Company ? have you work as an Accounting Clerk,BookKeeping,Customer service Or Data Entry postion before?
a j (10/23/2009 12:45:29 PM): Yes I can devote more time than that if needed. But yes, I certainly can. All of my positions for the state have entailed data entry , customer service, and some sort of book keeping.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 12:46:27 PM): Do you have a Printer, Fax Machine,Scanner and a Photocopier? What do you understand by privacy and code of conduct?
a j (10/23/2009 12:50:09 PM): I do own a all in one fax , printer, scanner, and copier machine. My last job with the state we had what is called security and disclosure. Basically it meant that everything we read or view was confidential and only accessed as a need to know basis. We were good at making sure we did not violate anyone confidential records ever. Code of conduct is a standard that most offices expect their employees to abide by and how to conduct them selves. I do understand.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 12:50:47 PM): Have you ever worked from home before? What do u understand by petty cash?
a j (10/23/2009 12:51:26 PM): ALso with code of conduct is the rules when your at work or not. I feel both is very important . I always treat someone elses information just as if it were my own. Guarded carefully and securely. It is very important nowdays.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 12:52:11 PM): How would you describe your self? What is your greatest weakness?
a j (10/23/2009 12:53:27 PM): I have only done a little work from home in my younger days. I understand that petty cash is ONLY used for company purposes only. Supplies, expenses, etc. Never personal.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 12:54:16 PM): How would you describe your self? What is your greatest weakness
a j (10/23/2009 12:55:08 PM): I say about myself that I am a self starter, I work good with or without supervision, and I love to help. I pride myself on doing a great job not just because of the company but for myself as well. I love to work. I am very loyal and dependable individual.
a j (10/23/2009 12:55:34 PM): My greatest weakness would be migraine headaches every now and then but I have then in check now.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 12:55:37 PM): What would you like to be doingprofessionally in 5 years time? Do you know your clerical speed?
a j (10/23/2009 12:56:54 PM): In five years I would like to being supervising a group of indivials at a company I can grow with. Learning a few new languages and traveling.
a j (10/23/2009 12:57:55 PM): My time speed is 43 words a minute per August 2007, I have a typing certifcate to show if needed as well.
a j (10/23/2009 12:58:19 PM): I am much faster with 10 key though.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 12:58:24 PM): How do you handle work in high pressure situations? Do you have an idea of how to use ms excel?
a j (10/23/2009 12:59:56 PM): I feel that high pressure situations make the day go by faster so it doesn't bother me. I am used to working in that type of environment. I take it head on. Yes I know how to use and navigate through most Microsoft programs.
a j (10/23/2009 1:00:20 PM): I am a very fast learning. I catch on fast and easy
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:01:24 PM): How would you like to be Paid ? Weekly Or Bi-Weekly ? What means of Payment do you prefer ? Wrie transfer OR Direct Deposit ?
a j (10/23/2009 1:02:22 PM): Good question, It would not matter if it is weekly or bi weekly Im pretty flexible and wire transfer would be okay.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:03:05 PM): what bank do you operate with? You will Earn $25 per hour,You will receive your pay via Direct deposit every friday of the week
a j (10/23/2009 1:04:27 PM): I bank with Golden One Credit union. I am a little scared of giving my bank account information out though I just had bank experiences in the past. Is there any other wa
a j (10/23/2009 1:04:44 PM): sorry about that I meant any other way.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:05:27 PM): am not asking youfor you bank information
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:05:30 PM): Okay..
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:06:34 PM): You will receive your duties everyday via email and i will be online to assist you with any difficulties
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:06:43 PM): As for your duties, they will be as follows: Your Primary duties include: Preparation of Balance sheets (Mini), account balancing, invoicing recording, proper data analysis of sales records and recording pay slips into accounting database all these will be done through the use of the Accounting Software. Secondary duties: Now, your secondary daily duties would be to report to your Supervisor, who would be attached to you online, He/She would assign logs of duty daily and you would be required to work according to instructions, using the Microsoft Office tools and the Accounting software. Now the function of the Accounting software is to arrange, formalize and manage the data you have processed, sent to your supervisor via E-mail.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:06:58 PM): can you handle this duties??
a j (10/23/2009 1:07:45 PM): Yes , I can. Sounds great !
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:08:02 PM): you will also be undergoing a 3 days online training and oreintation which the company will be paying you for it
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:08:08 PM): I need you to email me with the folowins infos Your full name,home address,Phone number send all that to me via E-mail..ok
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:08:21 PM): send that to me here on IM
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:08:23 PM): Okay
a j (10/23/2009 1:10:08 PM): deleted for privacy. Here is the inforamtion per you request.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:11:00 PM): Ok
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:11:13 PM): Piexx Company is located New Hampshire , providing technology products and support services to Small to Medium sized Businesses (SMB's), Nonprofits Organizations and Local Governments throughout Middle New Hampshire . We provide consulting services, LAN/WAN design and installation, Internet and network security, systems integration and network support. We also provide premise & data center wiring design, upgrade and support. Our Professional Services Team has experience supporting small to large scale implementations projects, Hardware/Service rollouts, Migrations and Resource Acquisition/Management services.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:11:20 PM): Network | Internet Security & Support Systems & Wide-Area Storage Solutions IT Project Managment Piexx Company was founded and thrives on the simple concept of providing excellent service. Reliability, responsiveness, courtesy, honesty, and far-sightedness are qualities of the way in which we conduct business. This has allowed us to build a loyal client base. Experience has taught us that solutions for IT problems are as varied as the organization themselves. So we take the time to listen, and consider our client’s business focus, IT resources and future growth plans, before recommending or implementing a technology solution.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:11:22 PM): Okay
a j (10/23/2009 1:12:13 PM): Yes I understand.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:12:40 PM): before you start you will be needing some accounting softwares you will be needing to purchase from the company retailer and also she will be shipping all information about the company to you as a document okay
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:12:48 PM): Viking Software Solutions professional data entry software, Legacy Family Tree Genealogy Software, cscar/software/dataentry Quick book 2009 prom, Demos for HR Software, CRM, ERP, Accounting and Manufacturing Software ,accountingsoftware411,For Peach Tree Software
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:12:56 PM): you are to pay the retailer via western union..you will be reimbursed back along your first pay check on friday And also you will be recieving Benefit : Medical Benefits,and other benefits,because the company will be paying some of your bills like you cell bills and other bills
a j (10/23/2009 1:13:51 PM): Sounds good.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:14:21 PM): which will cost you $250
a j (10/23/2009 1:14:38 PM): okay
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:15:00 PM): do you have a credit or a debit card?
a j (10/23/2009 1:15:08 PM): yes i do
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:15:40 PM): you can have the fund send online at www.westernunion.com
a j (10/23/2009 1:15:59 PM): Where do I need to send the western Union to?
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:16:18 PM): i will provied you with that
a j (10/23/2009 1:16:27 PM): okay.
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:16:31 PM): are you on the page
a j (10/23/2009 1:16:40 PM): yes I am
a j (10/23/2009 1:18:42 PM): I see where it say send money online
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:18:53 PM): ok
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:19:06 PM): Click on that
a j (10/23/2009 1:19:17 PM): ok
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:20:11 PM): here is the internation retalier western union information
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:20:12 PM): Name: Uduebor Benjamin City: Ikeja State: Lagos Country: Nigeria Zipcode: 23401
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:20:20 PM): got it
a j (10/23/2009 1:21:28 PM): okay let me get this going
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:21:48 PM): do you is this: Select the state you are sending money from:
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:22:44 PM): ??
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:23:30 PM): still there?
a j (10/23/2009 1:23:45 PM): I just read on google that you scam someone out of 200.00 dollars and after they sent the money you disappeared and they couldnot track you down , you should google yourself and now i will report you to the better business bureau , thanks for wasting my time
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:24:27 PM): who is that
lourie.deanna (10/23/2009 1:24:39 PM): what are you talking about?
Wow. They spend a good bit of time trying to get you to sign up. I guess for $250, it is worth talking on IM to convince you to sign up.
I heard from Chris, the owner of Piexx that probably this post did some good, as his phone calls (usually 4-5 a day) all but disappeared for a week or so, presumably until they started using the new lourie account.
Hopefully folks will be smart enough to search for Piexx and find this post, as the scammers change yahoo addresses.
Now using the name of Pamela Jackson (PamelaJackson12 @yahoo)