posted on August 10, 2002 11:08:23 AM
Very Interesting....If this message helps one individual, it's worth posting.
A few days ago, I came across an auction where you "purchase" information for "FREE" merchandise. These auctions always seem to pop up in a majority of my searches. Out of curiosity, I decided to take a look at the feedback ratings. I found a complaint and decided to e-mail the individual who made the complaint. Here's her response:
He basically tells you to act like a company, and ask other companys for
free samples. Here is the letter I got back from the website he
recommended working with. I was stupid for buying it, but I thought
maybe someway he had a good idea, along with a convincing
website...
Here's the response from the Company:
Dear *********,
Your request for a Free Sample is being investigated. There is concern
that you are participating, either knowingly or unknowingly, in a
fraudulent activity by misrepresenting yourself as a commercial buyer.
Your inquiry for a Free Sample from a ******* client will not be
processed without your providing more information about your company.
A form is provided below outlining the information required. Please hit
If you are not a commercial buyer, and you have purchased information
through an online auction service on how to make requests for Free
Samples of products by representing yourself as a commercial buyer,
discontinue this activity. Please advise us of the source of this
information.
You may wish to ask for your money back from the seller or online
auction service where you purchased information on how to request free
samples in this manner as well as send comments to the seller regarding
the fraudulent method promoted in the information you purchased. Most
auction services provide a place for users to comment on the quality of
the service they provide.
Should we not hear from you within 48 hours, your e-mail will be given
to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC), and the appropriate national Customs authorities,
for further investigation. We welcome your prompt and full cooperation.
