Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Playing with scammers

In today's internet world, you can do almost anything. Talk, share, learn, teach, tease, buy, sell, scam and many more things. Did I say SCAM?? Yes I did.

I recently posted an item on the internet for sale. I received an email requesting to buy said item and that they would pay me through paypal, which everyone knows is secure money. I even talked to paypal so I would know how secure it is, and no money is put into an account unless the funds have actually been accounted for.

Now here's were things get funny. I received an email from paypal stating that the money has been transferred to my account, however the money is $2000 more than for my item and that I must send the $2000 to the shipper of the buyer via Western Union. There are links to click onto to check your account, etc. in this email also. It looks just like what you would receive from paypal, but why would they be involved in the deal (they are basically a bank) and why would they not have me use paypal if I was to transfer funds? I check my paypal account (not through their links) and of course there are no funds there, so I call call paypal to report a suspected fraud, as well as the Internet crime service.

In the meantime, I am receiving emails questioning why I am not responding since they transferred all this money to my account. I decide to hold off my response a couple of days, and darned if I don't receive and email from "paypal" that is also being sent to the FBI for defrauding them, by not sending the funds immediately through Western Union, and they are going to arrest me if it isn't taken care of within 24 hours.

Now you know that I notified Internet crime (FBI)about the latest fake email, since it also included them! Then I responded to the scammer. MY, oh my! What is this that is happening? Did you (the scammer)somehow put your money into a fake paypal account? I heard they are out there. It wasn't in mine, and I checked my emails after I checked paypal and noticed there was one from them dated before I checked! I think we've been scammed, let me know what you think so we can notify Internet crime.

Now I guess the scammer thinks we are all stupid, but I have news for them. Yes some people will fall for their scams, but I have some tips for them.

Clue #1. Learn proper English grammar. The grammar in these "official" emails was terrible and we all know that these organizations don't issue notices that are poorly constructed.
Clue #2. Give the person time to repond before getting all bent out of shape. The whole thing from beginning to end took place in 4 days and of those 2 were Saturday and Sunday. I don't have a computer at home and therefore don't see my emails everyday.
Cue #3. Give the world a break and find something good to do with your skills. You can't be totally stupid to think up all this junk.

In the mean time, I'll be looking for your money in my real account to call off the dogs! Like that would happen!!!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Cowboys in Indy?


Well, it's that time of year again. You know, when all the people of every (and I mean every) background gather at a large piece of ground and look at whatever the ambitious average soul has been up to this past year. The STATE FAIR!
Our state fair is a great...... come on join along in the song!... state fair.
Actually, Indiana is know for having one of the best state fairs in the country. Something for everyone, and it's right in the middle of the capital city, so even the city folk can feel country for the day if they want.
The "Family Arts" building is my favorite. Not only do they have the traditional pie baking contests, but the original works of arts by professional as well as the non professional are great. And the quilts! I've made a few and I understand the time and patience they take. WOW!
But my favorite thing at the fair, besides the afore mentioned, and pork chops, turkey legs, lemon shake ups, etc, is the people. I love watching the people. Even the Indiana cowboys that I didn't think existed. huh......

Friday, August 14, 2009

Living in the Burbs

The people in our cul-de-sac are alot like the characters in the movie "The Burbs" in that it isn't likely that much could go on without everyone knowing.
We have the older couple next door that you don't see very much, but their son is out all the time taking care of things. A couple of retired fellows, one single and still in his teenage rebel stage. He rides a Harley, has his ears pierced and sports a lovely mohawk! He does keep an eye on everything and even takes care of the other neighbor's dogs. The other retired guy knows everything that goes on. I'm sure he could tell you exactly when anyone leaves or returns home. He is always puttering outside, but more watching everything, than really doing a lot. He has a great garden that he shares the fruits of, too!
Then there's the guy that drinks a little to much and is a little too friendly. His wife yells constantly, hence the drinking. The young couple next door, always waves, but rarely converses (part of his persona maybe since he's a private detective). And last, but not least is the couple with the son just getting out of his teens, but hasn't learned the meaning of responsibility. Likes having late loud parties, next to the retired guy that stays up all night, bedroom window. I wouldn't think the parties would bother him much, since he tends to stay up half the night anyway, but maybe he is thinking about his wife who has to get up in the morning for work.
All of this leads to my deep surprise when Mrs yells alot came walking out of her house yelling(of course) that some *!**!! had robbed them. Where were all the nosy neighbors that day? I've never seen the block so empty. I came home to police cars and a crowd of people wondering what happened.
My confusion increased by the fact that their dog was in the home (mine won't even let family in if I'm not there) and Mrs YAL wasn't frightened one bit. They still leave the garage door open at all hours and go on like nothing happened. Maybe they figures is isn't likely to happen again. After all, there is always someone around. Usually.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Excuse me, has anyone seen my tiara?


I know many people think that interior design work is just a lot of fun shopping and having fun with rich people. Oh, if it were only so! The fact is that it is a lot of hard work, math, paperwork, digging up the creative juices inside you (sometimes that is easier said than done),and in my case sewing. All while working to keep a smile on your face, when Aunt Lily's precious collection of salt & pepper shakers has been handed lovingly to the client, by Aunt Lily herself, with instructions to display them proudly.

My clients range from middle class people that have decided to use the money they have saved up for a someday makeover or improvement, to the guy whose wallet goes ca-ching every time you see a train car. It may be as small as a new valance over the kitchen window, or as big an entire a new house of unfathomable square footage. Although I do enjoy doing the kitchen valance (everyone should have something custom in their homes that is special)I really love the big new house.

There's nothing like starting with a bare pallet. I recently had a job to do with a couple that has a little money and big ideas and taste. Was it ever fun! The place felt like a palace when it was all put together. The living room window treatment could only be considered regal. A room where you snap your fingers and someone runs in to grant your every wish. Farm boy, fetch me that pitcher.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Cheer up, it ain't all bad!


What a day! Woke up early after just a few hours of sleep. I don't know why, but I just couldn't get to sleep last night. Tossed and turned and tossed and turned. If I didn't know better I would have thought that I was in a dryer. Today would have been a great day to sleep in or just cuddle up with a good book. Rain, rain, rain. We got 4 1/2 inches by 11 AM and it hasn't quit.

My daughters are experiencing flooding. The one in Louisville talked to her Dad this morning and said it was really bad down there, but she is fine. Many people having to be helped. My other daughter sent me a photo of her lake side view ( also known as the street), taken from the bedroom window. It looked like she was standing on the roof waiting to be rescued. Wasn't up to the door yet, thank heavens. My husband's business lot is completely underwater and the porch floated away into a neigbor's yard. I guess it would make a good raft! We know it floats! My place of business is very quiet today. A few limbs down and a little water in the basement, but nothing serious. Of course there's water in the basement! I imagine I'd be a little wet below if I were 110!

Anyway, it's been a great day to work on a project with very cheerful fabric. A fun dust ruffle in plaid, with coordinating insets. It'll brighten up someone's day, besides mine!