Possible scam targeting firearms Instructors

[Mike S]

Just a heads up that I received a text message yesterday from a 315- area code (Google's as Madrid, NY) mostly vague & in broken English, asking if I 'render Firearms instruction', & if I take payment by credit cards. Claimed to be Christopher Bruno, who Google's as a Prosecutor in NY. (Yes, I do a cursory open source check of prospective clients, including the real Mr Bruno's Linkedin & Twitter feed...).

I recognized it as Spam & ignored it, so no harm or foul.

This morning another instructor forwarded me a referral for a guy named Chris that had texted her wanting 4-weeks of private lessons for his four kids (or 2-weeks later in the details of the convoluted text), & asking for an estimate. After getting the details from her, it appeared to be similar in nature. I shared the "Christopher Bruno" text with her she confirmed it was the same name used in the text she received.

In summary:
- This trend is via text messages vs. email.
- Out of state or long distance number is used.
- Verbiage of the message lacks punctuation, or punctuation is used randomly (ie, a big run-on sentence); random & incorrect use of capitalization; using phrases that sound awkward in American English; provides abstract details (like ages of the kids, but not what actual instruction is desired; kids will be delivered by a driver each day); and/or proposes a big cost (such as private lessons for 4 people, 3-hrs each, twice a week); and may contain conflicting details (4-weeks of instruction, but later in message 'for 2-weeks').
- Using a prominent name that will cursory check as an actual real, reliable person (there's actually around 25 'Chris Brunos' on LinkedIn)
- Desire to pay via credit card, or other remote method. (Assess it will be deposited into your account, then reversed later by credit card company when reported by real owner as a fraudulent charge).

I'd assume in the 'Private Lessons for my kids' scenario, the follow on coordinations would be to arrange payment, then shortly afterwards a cancellation requesting a refund via money order. This fits with the below methodology targeting small photography businesses.

http://neilvn.com/tangents/e-mail-scamm ... ographers/

If you happen to receive something similar that doesn't pass the sniff test, I'd recommend forwarding it to the DPS for their awareness, & to the Tx Attorney General for possible action.

I'm also going to have the DPS remove me from the Opt-In list of CHL Instructors, as I've received more spam from being on the list than real clients.

Stay vigilant, pass along to other instructors, & for God Sakes don't take any wooden nickels!

[dlh]

I'd assume in the 'Private Lessons for my kids' scenario, the follow on coordinations would be to arrange payment, then shortly afterwards a cancellation requesting a refund via money order. This fits with the below methodology targeting small photography businesses.



dlh

[sjfcontrol]

I'd assume in the 'Private Lessons for my kids' scenario, the follow on coordinations would be to arrange payment, then shortly afterwards a cancellation requesting a refund via money order. This fits with the below methodology targeting small photography businesses.



dlh

And... That's funny because?

[dlh]

That is funny because...think about it...you would have to be an idiot to fall for that scam.

I am glad the OP posted it so people are aware of it.

dlh