A few months back I started posting an ad offering help and repair under services for Computers on my local Craigslist. Within a short time I was stunned to find numerous offers asking me to reload the OS and the rest of the SW onto multiple laptop computers. Anywhere from 5 units to 20, I couldn't believe my good luck, and as always, if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
I began googleing the subject and it turns out that this is a fairly well known scam. The offer is made and then a price is agreed upon and a bank check is sent to you to cash from which you are to take your fee and then send the rest to an address, usually foreign. I didn't realize how easy it is to fake up a cashiers check or an official bank check.
Sometimes, when I'm in the mood to mess w/ these people I send back the following message:
Hi:
This is what I would need from you before any transaction could occur:
1.Laptop Type ( Dell ##-### ), Serial Number, Service Tag Number.
2. All Software titles to be installed as well as all serial / CD Key information ( as I create Ghost-based CD’s with all information for each system ).
3.Exact problem(s) with each system ( as a note with type, serial number and service tag information.
4. What company you are affiliated with – as well as company contacts for verification.
I do not accept checks, only electronic payment via PayPal – I can send you an e-mail to make your payment.
Larry
For some reason, no one gets back to me.