Another email scam wave hitting the golf industry

POSTED ON September 5, 2019 @ 7:31 pm

Similar to last years’ concerning fraud trend, in recent times some concerning accounts of brazen con artists attempting to scam various businesses have resurfaced.

These scams seem to become more prevalent in the hospitality industry around Australia, and golf clubs are not being spared.

Most recently a Golf Academy at a 9-hole course in Melbourne’s south east was approach via email (also same scam sent to GIC editor) by a fraudulent person wanting to book golf lessons for his family, claiming to be hospitalised.

After weeks of organising with dates, cost and shuttle arrangements, when asked to pay, the client then asked the club to pay another $3,000 for a drivers’ fee on his behalf.

Hello,

I am alright with the cost. However, I am having a little challenge concerning the Driver fee that will be handling my Family Transportation to your Place. I am still at the hospital and I need you to do me a favor. The Private Driver does not accept credit cards and requires payment upfront via direct deposit into his account.

I will like you to add an additional $3,000 to the total cost which you will charge on my credit card as payment for the Driver fee to pickup my other kids from different location to your place and when payment clears into your account you will help me transfer the Driver fund to their bank account as his charges for balance of his service fee and handling the pickup and drop off too.

I would have preferred to sort his payment by myself but I am presently in the hospital scheduled for surgery for my hearing impaired condition.I am willing to pay you a tip of $100 for your time if you could assist with this favor. Kindly get back with the grand total cost if this is okay by you.

Thanks for your swift response. I am hearing impaired and am scheduled for surgery soon, i would like us to communicate via email. I am booking this Training on behalf of my family.

I will like to book my kids for new beginner training sessions, 2 times in a week training 1hour duration time for 5(females) Wednesday & Friday, 5pm time for 6 weeks sessions. And can you get back to me with the total estimate for 5 female kids and they can start 23rd Friday August, also want you to know that they will be coming with a private charter bus to the training venue place too…… These are the names and their age below:

Mandy John…… 6th April 2010
Elisabeth Pil…. 12th June 2012
Ruth Thomas….. 24th December 2011
Melissa John…. 12th June 2007
Jane John…….. 5th March 2010.

I will be expecting your reply back with the total cost then your Full name, Address with Mobile phone number for the private Driver bus to locate your place when they are coming for the Training.

Thanks

This sent some red flags to management and with further review the club eventually found the scheme dubious and now wants to alert others in the industry of similar encounters.

Read about other scam reported to Golf Industry Central

General info:

Consumer Protection in Westerm Australia has received reports of a number of swindle efforts targeting vehicle repair businesses among others and the WA ScamNet advice all businesses to:

Never pay money via wire transfer to help a customer access the goods or services you are selling.
Be cautious when dealing with overseas or interstate orders – independently verify who you are dealing with before sending money or goods. If doubtful do not proceed with the order.
Be sceptical if normal banking processes are not available.
When accepting a credit card payment, check with the card issuer for authorisation to avoid accepting stolen credit card details.

For more information visit WA ScamNet

EDITOR NOTE: Any one else out there have similar scam tried out on your club? Please email us and well collect and let the rest of the industry know what to watch out for.