BEWARE! - Lots of Phishing via text

[PLS7393]

Beware as the last week I've been receiving texts from east coast phone numbers trying to Phish!
They were dumb enough to reply to my question where they got contact info, and theyreplied California Land Surveyors Association.
Unfortunately CLSA can not protect contact information on "Find a Surveyor".

One number was (419) 408-9849, Hindlay, Ohio
Second number (732) 800-2464 Manasquan, NJ

Both had foreign accents when they even had the nerve to call. Yes I had some fun with them, and acted in a professional manner that my mother would have even applauded, well maybe, but she would have approved! LMAO!!!

There, that's my Monday Public Service to you!

[subman]

It has reached the LA area also. Got contacted by 419 408-9849 from Findlay Ohio (Reverend Franklin Jard) note spelling difference. They were buying a parcel in Simi Valley to build a custom home. Seemed a little odd. I drove to the property and it was listed for sale. I sent them a contract and they signed it and returned it. Then it got a little odder when they wanted to pay by credit card. They declined to use the two processing services I have accounts with, then reluctantly agreed to use Square after I said no to the service they wanted to use. Then they said they would send me two payments, the first my 50% retainer, then one for $4000 that they asked me to send to the architect on their behalf. So I called the listing agent for the property and there has not been an offer made on the property from the above individual.

I suspect the email address has been black-balled by a number of credit card processing companies: "sailorjard@gmail.com"

[pls5528]

I only wish the people who Phish, would be caught and prosecuted! With that, I may go fishing?

[Dave Lindell]

And you can bet the $4000 you send to the "architect" will be a cohort of theirs and the payment you receive to cover it will bounce.

[PLS7393]

Subman, it sounds like you went further than I. I requested an email with property address and such to research, but never received one.
They continuously text me and asked if this good time to call. They couldn't follow my simple request, so that's where I got suspicious early on.
I think surveyors are smarter than that, and hope no one took their bait.