Another scam has emerged in the Brisbane Metropolitan area
Small business operators are receiving initial contact via email from a person claiming to be female and with an impairment that prevents her from being able to communicate in any other manner.
The email requests a quote for what would be a welcome income for the small business.
Once the quote is provided and accepted, the female provides a credit card number and then informs the business that there will be other costs associated with the transaction going ahead. She goes on to explain that due to her impairment she is unable to pay the additional costs (for example a driver, transport etc). To overcome her difficulty and proceed with the transaction she asks the business to charge additional money on top of the cost of their services to pay for the other costs.
She requests this money to be sent via a wiring transfer to a person located in another state.
This is a third party transaction and is also unlawful. To sweeten the deal, she ‘approves’ an extra monetary tip for the business.
If you have been approached in this manner please report the details to Crimestoppers and take the time to make a SCAMWATCH entry on the internet as well.
Please pass this on to other businesses as an advisory!