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  • Aaaaand, They're Back (long, scammer fails)

    Had a rather quiet bit of the month where I didn't have any major suckitude to deal with for a couple of weeks. Of course though, the tide returned in full, with a nice red tinge.

    Mr. Gimmes, Pt 1

    MG: So, hey, I've seen you on a forum, and was wondering if you have any PSDs of your designs you could give me. I'd just like to tweak them a bit.

    Seraph: Uh, no, sorry, I don't give source files to anyone but the client.

    MG: But I'll tweak them a bit before I sell them

    Seraph: ...So you want me to give you hours of my work, for free, so you can sell it and profit off it?

    <MG has signed off>


    I've Read It, But I Don't Get It

    Oblivious SC: Ok, so looking at your premades, I saw that the example widgets that can be included are "x, x, and x". Does that mean those are the only ones that I can include?
    Seraph: It states that they're examples of what CAN be put on the site
    Oblivious SC: Right, so I can only pick from them, then, since they're the examples?
    Seraph: No, it means that they're just examples....
    Oblivious SC: So...
    Oblivious SC: I don't get it, I must be missing something.
    Seraph: They're just EXAMPLES, you can pick from the typical widgets, they're just examples of what you can do
    Oblivious SC: Oh, so I can pick whatever, those are just examples?

    Sadly, this went on for TEN MINUTES.


    Obvious Scam, Meet Failwall

    Scammer: I'd like to order a <huge project>, and I'm sorry, but I can only pay you in Amazon gift cards. I'll throw in an extra $50 for the trouble.

    This sets off red flags straightaway. Not only is that really weird, but there's been word going around about some guy who has been going up to random people in my industry and offering to trade $100 amazon for $90 Paypal. Coincidental?

    Seraph: I'm sorry, I only accept payments through the options listed.
    Scammer: I'll pay you $100 extra for it, I really can't pay you for it any other way, paypal isn't in my country...

    Scammer proceeds to regale me with his sob story of how he cannot get paypal, other major payment methods have rejected him due to various strange circumstances, blah blah.

    Seraph: I'm really sorry, I can't accept any other methods. I'm sure you understand.

    Scammer: Ok, I can pay you via Paypal, this won't be an issue then. I'll pay you after everything is completed, ok?

    Ha HA. Pull the other one, pal.

    For lulz, I quickly ask one of my friends who was approached by the scammer, for a screenshot of the convo. She delivers, with a bonus addition of his reply after she denied him -- apparently he threatened to hack her website, get into her personal finances, and "ruin her". She also informed me that he sent her the amazon gc anyways, telling her now she was completely obligated to pay him the paypal. A quick call to Amazon confirmed that the GC was funded by a stolen CC, and she was actually in the middle of talking with a CSR right then about what to do.


    Seraph: No, as I've told you, a deposit is required. Also, just out of curiosity, this wouldn't be you, would it? <links scammer to the screenshots>

    Scammer: THATS NOT ME

    Scammer: SHE IS LYING SHE STOLE MY MONEY AND I AM CALLING THE POLICE ON HER SHE IS OBLIGATED TO PAY ME MY MONEY AND SHE STOLE IT

    Scammer: IF YOU ARE HELPING HER I WILL HACK YOUR SITE AND YOU WILL SEE, YOU BETTER WATCH OUT

    Seraph: Ah, that struck a nerve. Yeah, I think I'd rather pass on your project, seeing as it'd be one of the worst decisions I'd make in a while. See you, and just between you and me? She called Amazon, and the police, and they know you used a stolen CC.

    <Scammer has logged off>


    Mr. Gimmies, Pt. 2

    MG: Hey, can you give me free lessons on how to be a better designer?

    Seraph: I'm sorry, no, but hey, I can offer you miniclasses at $xx/hr.

    MG: what the **** can't you just help me out?

    Seraph: Well, you have to look at it from my point of view. I'd basically be training my competition, and having to put aside paying clients to do so. I have to make this worth my time.

    MG: not worth it, I can learn from youtube, I know you did

    Seraph: Actually...YouTube wasn't around when I was learning. I had to read books and look at tutorials on actual WEBPAGES. How Stone Age of me.

    MG: You, what? YT's the only place to learn!

    Seraph: Yeaaaaah....no.

    MG: Whatever, can't believe you won't help me. You just don't want to. **tch.

    <MG has signed off>


    You Just Don't Get This

    This actually started a couple months back, but wrapped up just a bit ago.

    SC: Hi, I am in need of some website updates, and I need them PRONTO. I will pay any rush order, I just need them by the end of this week.

    Seraph: Sure deal, sending you the invoice now, you know the drill....50% deposit, I'll get cracking as soon as that hits. =)

    SC: Ok, send it on over so I can pay, I need this QUICK QUICK QUICK.

    <twenty minutes later>

    Seraph: hey, uh, did you get that invoice? Just wanted to make sure.

    SC: Yes, I did. Did you get started yet? I need these soon, I want to make sure you're on the ball with this.

    Seraph: No, no I haven't started, I haven't gotten a deposit.

    SC: I haven't paid it yet.

    Seraph: Ok....well I can't start until then.

    <SC has logged off>

    A week later, with no response from him, I delete his invoice. He immediately replies.

    SC: WTF, why did you delete that invoice? Have you finished my work yet?

    Seraph: No, you never sent the deposit, I waited a WEEK, and I saw that you logged in to look over the invoice several times, yet never sent the deposit.

    SC: Well, you need to start on that, I need this stuff by the end of the weekend!

    Seraph: Then I guess you need to send me the deposit now =P

    <SC has logged off>

    Three weeks later...

    SC: Hey, sorry, I had stuff come up. I still need those updates done, ASAP! Can you resend me the invoice?

    Seraph: Yes, but again, I exhort to you that I WILL NOT START WORK UNTIL THE DEPOSIT HAS BEEN RECEIVED.

    SC: yes yes, I know already! Send the invoice.

    Seraph: its sent, please check your email.

    SC: Got it, thanks.

    I decide to not waste time on this, and get back to work. I'll get notified if he actually does pay, but I'm not sitting around and waiting. A couple hours later:

    SC: Have you started yet?

    Seraph: Have you sent the deposit yet?

    SC: you know, since I've paid you for the last project, you'd think you would have a little more trust in me. I need this project done soon, I will send the deposit, just please get to work!!!

    Seraph: Actually, the last project, you were a month late in paying, and ended up owing a late fee. As for this current stuff, you'd told me how many times now that you're sending a deposit, and haven't? I'm not working, until I get a deposit. That's final.

    <SC has logged off>

    I never did hear back from him again, or get that deposit. His problem, he's now blocked because, well, I don't want to waste more time on someone who obviously isn't going to be paying.


    Mr. Gimmes, Pt. 3

    MG: Ok, so I wanted to ask, could you post a detailed guide on how to be a good web designer, like an ebook, and I'll get it up and approved and posted on the forum!

    MG: you know, make it free, and help out a lot of people!

    Seraph: Sorry, no. That's falling into the consultation stuff I've mentioned earlier. I honestly do not have the time to do this sort of thing. You keep asking for me to invest my time on this sort of thing, and you really need to understand, I can't just volunteer my hours for this sort of thing. I have bills to pay, projects to complete, and now you're asking me to spend 10+ solid hours to writing a free ebook for you?

    MG: you just don't want to help others!

    Seraph: No, I'm just not wanting to potentially not be able to pay a bill, to help train a competitor. because really, you just want it for yourself.

    MG: this will ruin your reputation on the forum, cannot believe you're being such a *****.

    <MG has signed off>

    I actually contacted said forum about him harassing me. Turns out, MG is a low-tier staff member who begs a LOT from everyone, and they've been wanting to get him banned. I provided the fodder for his final "write up" of sorts, they told me if he bugs me again, let them know, that'll be the last of him.


    Its FLATTERING!

    So, going back to the same forum that MG was on, I noticed there was a popular thread with one of the designers on there, selling logos and designs. I checked it out, not sure WHY, but I'm glad I did. Right smack in the middle was a clear ripoff of one of my logos. I posted a comment relaying as much, and PM'd him directly stating I wanted it removed. Surprisingly, I got a reply shortly afterwards:

    hey. yeah, its a copy of yours. I figured I could clone your work, sell it off to people who wanted it. its free advertising for your site, really, and its just because your work is really good. so I figured I could sell it for you, sorta. I'll put a link to your site and tell people thats where I copid it from.
    Uh....no. I promptly let him know that, no, cloning is NOT ok, I invested a lot of work into developing that logo, and that it was disrespectful to trivialize the hours put into it like that. I also told him that it needed to be removed, no ifs and or buts.

    ok...removed.... how do you like my work? I really admire yours, you're a great designer, and im sorry if i upset you. its removed though
    Let's see.... <rolls dice> I'm sorry, your roll of 1 on a check for Puppy Eyes has failed to meet the requirements of beating my Dealt With Too Many Of These Morons. I thanked him politely for removing it, though, told him that he had potential, as long as he didn't waste his talent cloning others, and developed his own creativity.


    Bonus Awesome Client

    I have this one client I love to pieces, and I typically will drop everything for them if they show up. They pay really well, are super nice, and we've actually become good friends. I don't require a deposit from them because they're paid on time, every time, and have done so for 5+ years.

    Well, they placed a small order for a couple graphics...and....life hit me and I forgot. I completely lost their order in all the chaos. They waited a few days to just ask how things were going, and were super nice when I freaked out and was like OMG I LOST THAT HOW DID I LOSE IT AHHHHHH. In fact, they offered to wait until the current craziness was over, but I said nope. I had their graphics ready the next day.

    Doesn't stop there, though. Again, craziness was going on...and I forgot to bill them. They completely forgot as well, but showed up this month. "Hey, so we just had a thought, did we pay you for those graphics last month?" Shocked, I looked through my records and had to say no. They insisted on paying right then and there.

    I'd like to see how many of my other clients would have come back and reminded me if that had happened.
    By popular request....I am now officially the Enemy of Normalcy.

    "What is unobtainium? To Seraph, it's a normal client. :P" -- Observant Friend

  • #2
    So you still don't have a normal client then since your good one is an awesome client instead!

    I have been known to make those phone calls saying "you haven't billed me yet" because I hate owing stuff and possibly losing track of it. I get the weirdest responses when I do though!
    I am so SO glad I was not present for this. There would have been an unpleasant duct tape incident. - Joi

    Comment


    • #3
      I'm surprised the amazon scammer didn't pull a - ermm could you send me a free tutorial on how to hack you?
      That would be super - mkay.

      Crap, the people you have to deal with would make me loose what little is left of my sanity.

      Comment


      • #4
        About PayPal, I too have a problem with using it, for various bureaucratic reasons which should probably be mentioned on Fratching instead of here.

        Unfortunately not everyone who can't use PP is a scammer, though yours "seems illegit". I just hope more people will learn as time goes on that PP isn't always the only or best option.
        Why do they make Superglue but not Batglue?

        Comment


        • #5
          Oh, Seraph......how....is your brain not mush yet?

          Comment


          • #6
            The last client is a great example of the right way to treat an independent contractor. It costs them nothing but paying on time and professional courtesy, but gets them priority service. Wish more of your clients could figure that out Seraph, would make your life much easier (though our lives would be much less entertained).

            Comment


            • #7
              Quoth Zoom View Post
              About PayPal, I too have a problem with using it, for various bureaucratic reasons which should probably be mentioned on Fratching instead of here.

              Unfortunately not everyone who can't use PP is a scammer, though yours "seems illegit". I just hope more people will learn as time goes on that PP isn't always the only or best option.
              This may very well be true, but personally I like it a lot. I don't have a credit card, so any site that does not use PayPal is off my list of places to buy from. Of course, nothing is perfect.

              As for the scammer, I laughed at his "YT is the only place to learn!" Yeah, right buddy...
              When you start at zero, everything's progress.

              Comment


              • #8
                Quoth Zoom View Post
                About PayPal, I too have a problem with using it, for various bureaucratic reasons which should probably be mentioned on Fratching instead of here.

                Unfortunately not everyone who can't use PP is a scammer, though yours "seems illegit". I just hope more people will learn as time goes on that PP isn't always the only or best option.
                I told him he could pay me through Paypal, credit/debit card, or Serve. That's a fairly good selection, but he wouldn't do any of those. =/
                By popular request....I am now officially the Enemy of Normalcy.

                "What is unobtainium? To Seraph, it's a normal client. :P" -- Observant Friend

                Comment


                • #9
                  It's weird to me how many people think that doing work without a deposit is expected. I guess maybe because some major industries work that way? But those are all situations where there are contracts and liens and collections agencies involved. When you're freelance it's just *not* like that!

                  I had somebody the other day contact me saying he was concerned because he didn't see his project on my project list. I'm all "Yes, that's because you never paid me anything."
                  The best advice is this: Don't take advice and don't give advice. ~Author Unknown

                  Nobody can give you wiser advice than yourself. ~Cicero

                  See the fuzzy - http://bladespark.livejournal.com/

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Most of the mass market people that *do* offer to do custom work require 100% payment up front.

                    So why would they think 50% down is a foreign concept? *looks at site name* oh yeah...
                    https://purplefish-quilting.square.site/

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Quoth Seraph View Post
                      MG: You, what? YT's the only place to learn!
                      Man, if that's the case, then why are you looking outside of YouTube for lessons?

                      I admire your no-nonsense attitude with these clowns. It's amazing what some people think they can get away with.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Well, my husband is in roofing, where they do the work first and then bill you, but as I said, they have recourse if somebody backs out on it, they can put a lien on your house if you refuse to pay. Somebody like me doesn't exactly have that option!
                        The best advice is this: Don't take advice and don't give advice. ~Author Unknown

                        Nobody can give you wiser advice than yourself. ~Cicero

                        See the fuzzy - http://bladespark.livejournal.com/

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          MG: Whatever, can't believe you won't help me. You just don't want to.
                          Hell, I can't think of anyone who WOULD want to help him.
                          MG: this will ruin my reputation on the forum, cannot believe you're being such a *****.
                          fixed it for you.

                          SC: you know, since I've paid you for the last project, you'd think you would have a little more trust in me. I need this project done soon, I will send the deposit, just please get to work!!!
                          ever notice the less they pay on time and in full, the more they act like their payment was the biggest thing ever?

                          Bonus Awesome Client
                          this is almost scary. like end-of-the-world kind of scary.
                          but I'm glad you have at least one client who's not an asshat

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Quoth spark View Post
                            It's weird to me how many people think that doing work without a deposit is expected.
                            I know, right? Its flat out ridiculous. We had to finally break down and get a renovation of our bathroom done...first thing I asked the contractors was how much of a deposit they required. Kinda floored them, LOL.
                            Last edited by Ree; 09-19-2012, 01:48 AM.
                            By popular request....I am now officially the Enemy of Normalcy.

                            "What is unobtainium? To Seraph, it's a normal client. :P" -- Observant Friend

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