This is kinda long;

I had a guy email inquiring about the temporary boarding of his horse for 3 months while he was traveling. Not an unusual email or request, we have quite a few. Said his wife was a nurse and wouldn't have time to care for the horse while he was away, and when he got back from his travels he was moving, (from California), to our area anyway. There was just *something* about the tone of the email that struck me as odd.

I responded with our rates and told him a little about our facility, then got this email back from him;

----- Original Message -----
From: Samuel Cambert
To: scott.maker@escapeinc.org
Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2011 1:21 AM
Subject: RE: Amelia Acres Boarding

Hello ,
Thanks so much for taking out of your valuable time to respond to my email and i am so happy to have the breakdown and requirement for the boarding,since i will be traveling i have less time to check the place out as my time is limited and have to meet up with my flight arrangement and other necessary things i have to take care with the family before i leave.i plan to move down to your area after the boarding expires,that is why am having my horse moved down from California.

About my lovely horse:

NAME: Surprise
Year of birth: April 2004
Age:6
Gender:Gelding
Breed: American Saddle bred
Height: 0.0 hh
Weight: 1,100 pounds
Color: Bay
Feed:Hay and Grains
Location: Topanga California
Reg. Number: 115022
Reg. Assn: ASHA
Temperament:
1=Very Calm...
10=Very High-Spirited 5

De-worming due:2nd week of every three month
Papers:Insurance,health certificate,Neg coggins
Last Boarding:06/05/2010
Boarding stable: fairhillsfarms

Notes: Surprise is a well broke horse with lots of sense and a wonderful personality. He Loves attention and is easy to be around. This horse has been pro-trained in an arena with show experience. 2009 ASB Show Pleasure Driving Grand Champion. He ties, loads, clips, and stands for his feet to be done. He gets along with other horses and is not bothered by dogs, 4 wheelers, tractors, etc. This horse loves attention and is a pleasure to be around. 100% sound, has never been sick or injured. A Great trail horse that is very sensible and eager to please. This gelding is stunning to look at and a delight to watch. Once you see him you will want him!


I don't have much time as am busy preparing for my vacation but
will have my hauler bring him down to your property,i would love to have the following
info to make payment ahead to reserved a pasture or full stall
boarding at you ranch,email the following info

Your Full Name to make payment out too--------------
Address to Mail Payment to---------------
City----------
State--------------
Zip Code-----------
Phone number--------
Alternative Phone Number------

The boarding start immediately you have the payment with you
and it will include the hauler's fee as they receive their fee before the
delivery,I will be looking forward to have the contract
for boarding for filling and signature,you can reach me on 6267892891 for any further question or information

I'll be glad to read from you soon.

Regards,
Samuel Cambert.

Something didn't 'smell' right, even tho he gave me his phone number and a little more info, so I responded back to him with this;

Hi Samuel,

This is the way we handle temporary boarders here at Amelia Acres;

You will send a check to PO Box 2977, Kalamazoo, MI 49003-2977 in the amount of $840.00, (3 months board, paid in advance). When that check clears the bank and the funds are available for my use, I will notify you and you can call me to make the necessary arrangements to have your horse delivered here to Amelia Acres. You can make arrangements at that time as to how the haulers fee will be paid.

Regards,

Scott Maker


I figured that would be the last I heard from him, but this morning I get this email from him;

Thanks so much for sending me the info i requested for payment,i will overnight the payment to you asap but i need to know if the check should be made out to Amelia Acres Inc or Scott Maker?



Seems like his emails always come around 1 in the morning too, altho that may just be coincidence.

What do you guys think? Should I email him back and accept his check and see what happens? Or tell him the barn is suddenly full?

 

It sounds kind of fishy to me also. If he is asking you to make a payment to someone else I would venture to say it could be a scam. It sounds like the horse is suposidly in Calif. so what would be transportation cost to Mich? I would pass on it & just deal with local boarders that you can deal with face to face.

Did he give any references that are legit that could be checked out?

 

i got the same email request from craiglist

its a scam


is it from a gmail address

This part was excatly the same with the dashes and everything

Your Full Name to make payment out too--------------
Address to Mail Payment to---------------
City----------
State--------------
Zip Code-----------
Phone number--------
Alternative Phone Number------

 

I think I've seen this before too - scam

And always, go with your gut. Even if you can't see the problem exactly, go with your gut. You're a business and you may refuse service for anyone at any time for any reason you see fit. Lord knows I've saved myself some heartache by politely turning down orders.



And who intentionally moves to Michigan?

 

He referenced a polo/country club in California that I'm going to call in a little while.

This guy is from 'live.com', whatever that is.

HEY!




If he turns out to be a scammer, I think maybe I'll call on a few Fed friends into the internet law enforcement arena and see if they want to have some fun.

 

http://www.equine.com/horses-for-sal...d-1044133.html

Why did he email you at your escape address?

Walk away...

 

I answered him with that address. It has more 'Anti' stuff on it.

 

Ok... I think he forgot to deliver the punch line. He told you the check would cover the transportation costs but never asked you to pay the transporter. Probably just an oversight on his part.

 

That's not unheard of in the horse circles. We did it here once, but we knew the person too. I would love to slam this idiot if he IS a scammer, but on the off chance he's legit, I don't want to insult him. Yet.

On another note, I couldn't believe the amount of scammers that have called me from my Craigslist ad on the old International. I've been having a ball with them tho!

 

Ask this guy for the contact info to the person who is currently boarding the horse so you can get copies of his vaccinations, special needs etc.

 

Oh man you aren't kidding about the amount of scammers on CL. I've got a couple ads up right now and I think I got more scammer hits than legit inquiries about my items!



Be real careful with scams. Some have gotten very elaborate and they have gotten pretty good about making the steps of the process to look legit.

 

Looks like a Nigerian (419) Scam...

 

Plus you are going to have to put another rail at the bottom of all your fencing so it doesn't get out.

The animal is only 0.0 hands high.....Surprise!

 

Just found out a LOT of info on this guy. Yes, it is a scam, a BIG scam. And now he's going to get caught! <evil laugh!>

 

Absolutely this guy is NOT a scammer. Take his check and pay the guy who shows up the 25,000 cash from your own account while you wait for his check to clear

Have a little faith in your mankind for crying out loud....the guy told you he is busy preparing for his vacation...cut him a break!