Scam Alert: UK Vacationers Seeking Dance Classes in Toronto
Several dance institutions on Toronto have reported receiving email from a person overseas seeking dance classes and hotel stays for a group of visitors to Toronto. The messages are very similar, but come from completely different email addresses and senders. The message is usually of this format:
How are you doing today ? My name is name . I want to book dance classes with you.
Our vacation in your country will last for some number of weeks and within this period, We shall be needing a dance classes. The dance classes shall be in any of the following; list of dance genres. Do you teach any of the above?
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? We also need guest rooms or any 3* or 4* star hotel accommodation Our stay will last some date range.
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during our proposed holidays. Do you accept credit cards? Kindly send me the following;
: total cost for the whole classes
: hotel cost for six single rooms
: Name of the Manager/OwnerYour swift response is highly needed.
Best Regards,
Name
Address
London, UK
If you are a dance studio or teacher and receive a message like this take heed. The address given is usually in London, and they are usually rather non-specific about the type of dance they want to learn. They don’t care what they’ll be learning — just anything will do!
The scam usually involves “booking” something for quite a large sum and then getting the dance instructor to cash a fraudulent cheque which is made out for more than the agreed upon amount of the lessons.
Be wary if they send you a cheque for more than the amount you negotiate and then ask for the difference back or ask you to send the difference to a third party such as a travel agent. More info about the scam here:
http://www.419scam.org/419-fraud-dance-teachers.htm
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This post has 74 comments
November 20th, 2009
They are still at it! The following is the latest suspicious message (Note: the postal code does not match the address):
————————————-
from: Arvel Thurman
toeelyle@gmail.com
date: Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 10:56 PM
subject: ARE YOU A DANCE TEACHER
Hello,
How are you ? Are you a dance teacher/instructor with a full capacity to train a teaming young dancers. If you are still active in this business,your quick response shall be appreciated.
My name is ARVEL THURMAN.I want to book for dance classes for our new dancers who shall be on vacation to your country for 5weeks.We want a total of 36hours of intensive classes and Your sound experience in any of the entertaining dances like;Salsa,ballet and Ballroom etc will be an advantage. Our stay in the area will last from the last week of February to April,2010.
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange a studio for the classes
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
ARVEL THURMAN
107-123 Queen’s Gate,
South Kensington ,
London , UK , SWd7 5LR
March 18th, 2010
Now the scammers are targeting hockey instructors!
================================
Hello,
How are you ? Are you a HOCKEY teacher/instructor with a full capacity to train a teaming young adults. If you are still active in this business,your quick response shall be appreciated.
My name is ARVEL THURMAN,from BOBBY CHARLTON’S Soccer & Sports Academy UK. I want to book for HOCKEY classes/training for our youths who shall be on vacation to your country for 5weeks.We want an intensive classes and Your sound experience in any of the entertaining hockey games will be an advantage. Our stay in the area will last from the last week of April to May,2010.They are ten in number and within the ages of 18 to 26.
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for the classes
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
ARVEL THURMAN
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL
May 31st, 2010
They are now also targeting Pilates Instructors. See the email I received…
Hello,
My name is ARVEL THURMAN,from BOBBY CHARLTON’S Soccer & Sports Academy UK. I want to book for pilate services
training for our athletes who shall be on vacation to your country for 5weeks.We want an intensive classes and Your
sound experience appreciated. Their stay will last from the last week of August to September,2010.They are all
beginners and six in number .
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for the classes
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your
proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
ARVEL THURMAN
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL
July 13th, 2010
I think they are targeting martial arts instructors like us, read this email to me…
Hello,
My name is Arvel Thurman. I want to book training services for a group of six who shall be on vacation to your country for 5weeks.We want an intensive training sessions with you. Their stay will last from the last week of August to September,2010.They are all beginners and six in number .
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for the classes I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
Arvel Thurman
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL
August 23rd, 2010
I just received the same bs.
Thank you for posting.
Mark
September 13th, 2010
Yes, I am a self defense instructor and just recieved that same e mail.
Todd
December 1st, 2009
Does this look familiar?
-Jim
MUN BLDC
From: Dean
> Reply-To: explorewithdean@yahoo.gr
> Subject: Dance Teachers Needed,
>
> Greetings,
>
> My name is Dean Colburn, A nationality of United kingdom but currently based in
> Greece.However, i want to believe you are a dance teacher/instructor that LOVES
> teaching dance, reliable with a good teaching experience. I would like to book
> for 3 weeks dance classes for 3 hours each day Monday to Friday
> (morning/noon/evening hours) for a group of 12. We are asking for 3 hours per
> day for 3 weeks – Monday – Friday.
>
> The dancers are all in BEGINNERS level. What kind of dances do you teach? We
> need dance classes/private lessons like Jazz,Hip Hop,Salsa, Swing,Ballet,
> Ballroom.ANY three of the above can serve.
>
> Do you have a training studio/facility where you will conduct the classes?
>
> DATE: Jan 8th, 2010 TO Jan 29th, 2010.
>
> I would love you to get back to me with the Grand total cost or a
> quote/estimate. What are your charges and payment options? Do you accept
> credit cards?
>
> I would be grateful if you will be willing to do the work to teach quality
> classes and make us happy.
>
>
> Best Regards,
> Dean
December 7th, 2009
Thanks for the post. They are still going and I’m glad that there is info out there about this. I am located in New York, so they have expanded out of Canada. I received the same email from “Arvel Thurman” just this morning.
December 7th, 2009
I have received several of these to my e-mail.
Instead in mine ‘he’ says he has people from outside the UK wanting to come here (the UK)
Watch out beautiful dancers!
Erina x
December 20th, 2009
Still at it in the USA – with added inquiry about Point of Sale capability / credit card machine on premises. Person sending is John Kwame, a common name used on scams.
December 28th, 2009
Hi There,
I think we are talking about the same John Kwame. What email addresses does he use?
Karin
January 3rd, 2010
Hi,
Looks like they are targeting Golf Professionals now in the UK. Scam e-mail sent on new years day. I shall pass onto my professional body (PGA) who can let other Pro’s know what to look out for.
Thanks these postings have been helpul.
January 5th, 2010
Yet another one:
From Pascal Collins
to messagforyou@yahoo.com
date Mon, Jan 4, 2010 at 11:32 PM
subject Dance Booking
signed-by gmail.com
hide details 11:32 PM (6 hours ago)
Greetings,
I will be in the country with my friends for a one month vacation. During our stay, we would like to book for 3 weeks classes for 2 hours each day,Monday to Saturday (morning or Evening hours) for 8 persons. We are asking for 2 hours per day for the 2 weeks. We would be coming over for a short Vacation and as part of our plans we need dance classes/private lessons in ANY of the following area—Ballet, belly dance, Jazz, Tap, Salsa, Swing and Ballroom.
Do you have a training studio/facility where you conduct the classes? What dance classes do you teach best?
DATE: 21st January 2010 to 4th February I would love to get the total cost or a quote/estimate. What are your payment options for registration? Do you accept credit cards? We’ll be grateful if you’ll be willing to do the work to teach quality classes to us and make our visit a memorable and fun-filled one.
Please send a confirmation to this email(AS PLAIN TEXT AND NOT AS AN ATTACHMENT) so that we can know what to do.
Best Regards,
Pascal Collins
January 9th, 2010
They are now trying the SCAM in the golf industry! Watch out! I received this email on January 4th 2010. I’m glad i saw this on the web so I don’t waste any time with these SCAMMERS!
Hello,
How are you ? Are you a golf teacher/instructor with a full capacity to train a teaming young adults. If you are
still active in this business,your quick response shall be appreciated.
My name is ARVEL THURMAN,from BOBBY CHARLTON’S Soccer & Sports Academy UK. I want to book for golf classes for our
new golfers who shall be on vacation to your country for 5weeks.We want an intensive classes and Your sound
experience in any of the entertaining golf games will be an advantage. Our stay in the area will last from the last
week of February to April,2010.The golfers are ten in number and within the ages of 18 to 26.
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for the classes
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your
proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
ARVEL THURMAN
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL
March 3rd, 2010
We are a hockey school located in Vancouver, BC Canada and just received the same email today from Bobby Charlton;s Soccer School and Sports Acaemdey – they are legit but maybe not the person involved in the email – will be reporting it to them directly
February 8th, 2010
Yes, they are doing it in Australia too. Many dance schools and teachers, including ourselves have been targetted. Best thing is to ignore, or even better, report if you have the time to go through the right channels.
We also had a similar thing for my husband who’s a well known African musician, booking him to play for the queen! We think then they were after passport detials, so maybe that was about identity theft.
Pam Kleemann & Joseph Passi
February 8th, 2010
USA: The scam is alive and well in Richmond, California; the contact name is Pascal Collins.
March 22nd, 2010
Looks like they are trying skating now.
Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:22:45 -0700
From: arvelthurman@yahoo.ca
Subject: skating Request
To: input@iceskatingworld.com
Hello,
How are you ? Are you a skating teacher/instructor with a full capacity to train a teaming young athletes. If you
are still active in this business,your quick response shall be appreciated.
My name is ARVEL THURMAN,from BOBBY CHARLTON’S Soccer & Sports Academy UK. I want to book for skating
classes/training for our youths who shall be on vacation to your country for 5weeks.We want an intensive classes
and Your sound experience in figure skating will be an advantage. Our stay in the area will last from the last
week of April to May,2010.They are ten in number and within the ages of 18 to 26.
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for the classes
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your
proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
ARVEL THURMAN
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL
April 25th, 2010
Hello, they have moved on to weddings! Here is the latest email:
—————————
I am Arvel Thurman from Oahu Soccer Institute Hawaii USA.
I want to book your services for our executive coming for business negotiations cum my symbolic wedding ceremony holding in your country.
Details of the Reservations are as follows:
Date: 20th,21st,22nd,24th August 2010. Our executives will arrive earlier to enable them hold talks with their foreign stakeholders.
No of persons: 6 People (executives)
The wedding ceremony will take place on August 24th with 26 people expected to be in attendance( 20 plus the executives 5 total =26).
You are to arrange for a Videography,Music, Entertainment(I will let you know as soon I get what the guests might choose for their meals and drinks),Photography,cake,flowers,rich linens,candlelight and hall.
If there is any of these items that is beyond your capability,you let us know so that another company can handle it.
Note: Advance deposit shall be made via Credit card.Kindly email me if you have availability on those dates so that I can make booking.I await your swift response.
Best regards
Arvel Thurman
1406 Glen Ave – Wahiawa Elem School
Wahiawa,
HI 96786
(Oahu) USA
April 27th, 2010
Dear Sophia,
Looks as though we are in the same industry, looks as though we may have been fortunate enough to look into this enqiry with justified skepticism.
I hope not many others fall prey to this scam.
Kind regards
Jessica
April 27th, 2010
Hello all, well I am so glad I looked into this enquiry with detail, I googled the name and I am so lucky to have found this information!
Looks as though this is a scam at large, be wary all.
I have a copy of the exact same e-mail as Sophia above.
April 28th, 2010
I guess after the Tiger Woods incident golfers are now seeking training from firearms/self defense schools. A friend of mine who teaches gun handling and safety was BCC’d on this email:
From: Arvel Thurman [mailto:arvel_thurman@yahoo.co.uk]
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 9:27 AM
To: Admin@MDGunTraining.com
Subject: Booking Details
Hello,
How are you ? Are you a golf teacher/instructor with a full capacity to
train a teaming golf athletes. If you are still active in this business,your
quick response shall be appreciated.
My name is ARVEL THURMAN,from BOBBY CHARLTON’S Soccer & Golf Academy UK. I
want to book for golf classes for our golf athletes who shall be on
vacation to your country for 5weeks.We want an intensive classes. Our stay
in the area will last from the last week of May to June,2010.The golfers are
ten in number and within the ages of 15 to 19.
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can
arrange one for the classes.
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this
period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals,your suggestions are also
acceptable so that we can make booking immediately.
Best regards.
ARVEL THURMAN
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL
May 10th, 2010
Seems like this scam is in Uk as well
Dear,
I am Dr Nicholas Kalis from Oahu Soccer Insituite Hawaii USA , I want to book transportation for our student coming to your country for Tour.
Details of the Reservations as follows:
Date: 20th,21st,22nd,23rd and 24th july 2010 Duration of bus: The bus will be at our services, 6 hour everyday for the 6 mentioned days.
No of persons: 5 People (adults)
Type of Bus: 5 to7 seater bus
Payment type: Credit card. I hope you have the facility to accept credit card payments.
Kindly email if you have availabilty on those dates,also tell me the area you operate in your country.
I await your swift response.
Regards,
Dr Nicholas Kalis ( Director)
1406 Glen Ave – Wahiawa Elem School
Wahiawa, HI 96786 (Oahu) USA
dr.nicholaskalis2@yahoo.com
206-350-9749
same address different name
May 13th, 2010
Got same one as Ken Platt. I replied and got this:
Dear Neil Spiby,
Thanks for your reply and assistance so far to book the Car, To make sure that everything is confirmed before arrival we wish to make a DEPOSIT payment to hold your bookings for us,Also we wish to tell you that we made arrangement with a accommodation agent who will book our accommodation and provide us with other logistic needs during our stay.
Kindly Adhere to the following instructions in regards to the payment to hold our booking in your place, Due to security and other reasons,We don’t want two parties to handle our credit card details. More so the agent does not have the facility to accept credit cards.
1.We will send you my Visa Credit card details .
2.As soon as you get the Credit Card details,You are requested to Charge the amount of 7,500 Pounds plus the credit card fees for your cost of services and that of the agent who will book our accommodation.
3.Take the deposit payment of 1,500 Pounds and send the Balance of 6,000 Pounds to the accommodation booking agent for him to start booking our accommodation and prepare other logistic booking needed.
4.The Balance of your payment will be made install mentally before our arrival.
5.Send us our booking numbers
6.Upon your confirmation our accommodation agent will forward to you, our hotel address and times for the car service.
Meanwhile we will need the following informations of yours.
(1) YOUR FULL NAME:
(2) ADDRESS:
(3) PHONE NUMBERS:
NOTE:WE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY TAX THIS WILL ATTRACT.
Please remember that the integrity of our members is involved, so this business requires prompt response.I expect an expert service.
Kind Regards,
Dr. Nicholas Kalis.
!!!!!!!!!!!ALARM BELLS!!!!!!!!!!
Have emailled school to make them aware with a link to this forum as Dr Kalis is not on their staff list.
May 15th, 2010
Hello,
This Office is Scam, They will rip you off with your credit card and they will not give you the service, I paid them 3000 Pounds to for a guide, they charged my credit card and refused to give me the service,Please people beware of them, His name is KEN PLATT.
May 12th, 2010
Now targeting hotel industry in Europe
================================================
Hello,
I am Arvel Thurman from Oahu Soccer Institute Hawaii USA .
I want to book your services for our executive coming for business negotiations holding in your country.They shall be coming for dinner only.
Details of the Reservations are as follows:
Date: 20th,21st,22nd,24th and 25th August 2010. Our executives will arrive earlier to enable them hold talks with their foreign stakeholders.
No of persons: 6 People
Dinner time; 7pm daily
You are to arrange for entertainment(I will let you know as soon as the guests declares their interest on food and drinks).
If this is beyond your capability,you let us know so that another company can handle it.
Note: Advance deposit shall be made via Credit card.Kindly email me if you have availability on those dates so that I can make booking.I await your swift response.
Best regards
Arvel Thurman
1406 Glen Ave – Wahiawa Elem School
Wahiawa ,
HI 96786
(Oahu) USA
May 14th, 2010
I think this scam also reached for the Netherlands.
He uses the same name for his mail to Ken Platt.
Date Wednesday Mai 12th 21:58
Hello,
I am Dr. Nicholas Kalis, from The London School of Film, Media and Performance Regent’s College London. I want to book for catering service for our students coming from London for a Traning and excursion in your area in your country.
Please confirm these reservations in your Facility.
Details of the Reservation:
Date: 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th July 2010
No of person: 25 people
Meeting time: Lunch (1:00 Pm) ( Dinner 8:00pm)
Payment Type: Credit Card (I hope you have credit card facilities)
Meal to be served:Lunch and Dinner
Prefered dining: Buffet
Drinks: Juice Only
Facility: Help us book a Hall that can contain 25 people for the meal for the mentioned days and get back to me with the total cost.
Please confirm if you have the availability and provide me with the rates of a course meal for 25 people in 5days, Then we will make an advance payment to hold the booking.
I await your swift response.
Regards,
Dr Nicholas Kalis
The London School of Film, Media and Performance
Regent’s College
Regent’s Park, Inner Circle
London NW1 4NS
United Kingdom
phone: 4470457 26103
dr.nicholaskalis2@yahoo.com
May 14th, 2010
Hello everybody,
They are doing catering now in the Netherlands. We are a hard working catering company in the Netherlands and we had a booking on the 10th of May, also in name of Nicholas Kalis. I am glad my partner said, let’s google the guy that booked. Because now we know it’s not a real booking. Thank you for sharing this information with us on the internet!
I hope we can stop this all together.
See below.
Hello,
I am Dr. Nicholas Kalis, from The London School of Film, Media and Performance Regent’s College London. I want to book for catering service for our students coming from London for a Traning and excursion in your area in your country.
Please confirm these reservations in your Facility.
Details of the Reservation:
Date: 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th July 2010
No of person: 25 people
Meeting time: Lunch (1:00 Pm) ( Dinner 8:00pm)
Payment Type: Credit Card Only (I hope you have credit card facilities)
Meal to be served:Lunch and Dinner
Prefered dining: Buffet
Drinks: Juice Only
Facility: Help us book a Hall that can contain 25 people for the meal for the mentioned days and get back to me with the total cost.
Please confirm if you have the availability and provide me with the rates of a course meal for 25 people in 5days, Then we will make an advance payment to hold the booking.
I await your swift response.
Regards,
Dr Nicholas Kalis
The London School of Film, Media and Performance
Regent’s College
Regent’s Park, Inner Circle
London NW1 4NS
United Kingdom
phone: 4470457 26103
dr.nicholaskalis2@yahoo.com
May 14th, 2010
I talked to mr. Nicholas a few times. As soon as I said we didn’t accept credit cards, he wanted to know if we accept cheques.
SO PLEASE STAY ALERT!
May 20th, 2010
And in London again. This was the first of three emails. Alarm bells started ringing when they wanted me to put FIVE times the cost of quoted service through the credit card machine to forward onto another agent. I think I might string them along a bit first…
Dear,
I am Dr Nicholas Kalis from Oahu Soccer Insituite Hawaii USA , I want to book transportation for our student coming to your country for Tour.
Details of the Reservations as follows:
Date: 20th,21st,22nd,23rd and 24th july 2010
Duration of bus: The bus will be at our services, 6 hour everyday for the 6 mentioned days.
No of persons: 5 People (adults)
Type of Bus: 5 to7 seater bus
Payment type: Credit card. I hope you have the facility to accept credit card payments.
Kindly email if you have availabilty on those dates,also tell me the area you operate in your country.
I await your swift response.
Regards,
Dr Nicholas Kalis ( Director)
1406 Glen Ave – Wahiawa Elem School
Wahiawa, HI 96786 (Oahu) USA
May 25th, 2010
omg! i just got this and i am a pilates instructor in the US, i am so glad i googled the guys name and not just the soccer academy!
this is what i recieved this evening:
i don’t understand how they can scam you though? i had another person ask for something like this recently coming from London with their family and is sending my travelers checks to pay ahead of time? now i’m worried that’s a scam too? can someone help?
Hello,
My name is ARVEL THURMAN,from BOBBY CHARLTON’S Soccer & Sports Academy UK. I want to book for pilate services/training for our athletes who shall be on vacation to your country for 5weeks.We want an intensive classes and Your sound experience appreciated. Their stay will last from the last week of August to September,2010.They are all beginners and six in number .
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for the classes
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
ARVEL THURMAN
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL
July 15th, 2010
With respect to how they can scam you, they ask if they could send you a cheque to deposit in your account (presumably after you say you don’t accept credit cards). Then they send you more than you ask for and later they ask you to give the difference between what they send you and what they owe you to their “agent”. They run off with the cash and when the cheque bounces you are stuck with an unrecoverable debt.
May 25th, 2010
We have also being targeted by this scam and have contacted the Bobby Charlton academy and the rugby club as they are using their address.
Don’t know how anyone can take them seriously as the English and grammar is terrible!
May 27th, 2010
Thank you for posting about this message. I received the following message regarding Pilates training. As I googled their information, this SCAM ALERT came up first. I appreciate your help and know not to respond. Thank you.
Hello,
My name is ARVEL THURMAN,from BOBBY CHARLTON’S Soccer & Sports Academy UK. I want to book for pilate services/training for our athletes who shall be on vacation to your country for 5weeks.We want an intensive classes and Your sound experience appreciated. Their stay will last from the last week of August to September,2010.They are all beginners and six in number .
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for the classes
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
ARVEL THURMAN
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL
June 16th, 2010
I got the exact same email and finally googled his name after a few responses. Thank you for these postings. I will pass the word to my fellow business owners.
May 27th, 2010
p.s.! i got one a few days before totally different saying my family is coming to nyc we are a swiss family living in London and would like to have private pilates classes with our 2 daughters…….totally different but some of the words were spelled wrong the same way the ARVEL guy did and after i saw the soccer one and that it was a scam, i responded to the “swiss” family and said “my attorney would like a business address and phone # before we proceed” and THEY NEVER EMAILED BACK! so i think the Arvel thing is expanding to make it more personal as well, becareful!
that name was Marion Mcconnell….
watch out!
May 28th, 2010
I’d like to add these people are still at it, I only recently received a similar mail to book sessions at my studio. Glad I googled his name and ended up here!
May 31st, 2010
Another one!
Hello,
I am Dr. Nicholas Kalis, from The London School of Film, Media and Performance Regent’s College London. I want to book for catering service for our students coming from London for a Traning and excursion in your area in your country.
Please confirm these reservations in your Facility.
Details of the Reservation:
Date: 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th July 2010
No of person: 25 people
Meeting time: Lunch (1:00 Pm) ( Dinner 8:00pm)
Payment Type: Credit Card (I hope you have credit card facilities)
Meal to be served:Lunch and Dinner
Prefered dining: Buffet
Drinks: Juice Only
Facility: Help us book a Hall that can contain 25 people for the meal for the mentioned days and get back to me with the total cost.
Please confirm if you have the availability and provide me with the rates of a course meal for 25 people in 5days, Then we will make an advance payment to hold the booking.
I await your swift response.
Regards,
Dr Nicholas Kalis
The London School of Film, Media and Performance
Regent’s College
Regent’s Park, Inner Circle
London NW1 4NS
United Kingdom
phone: 4470457 26103
dr.nicholaskalis2@yahoo.com
Answer mail from them:
Thanks for your email, Please tell me if you accept credit card payment for deposit payment?
Regards,
Nicholas
June 11th, 2010
They are now onto Pilates studios!
June 18th, 2010
We are a driving school in Brisbane, Australia and received this email a couple of days ago. Thought i would pass it on in case it helps anyone else.
Hello,
My name is Dr. Nicholas Kalis I want to know if there is any availability for 10 students to come to your place for Driving course , they are all beginners and this will be their first time of driving.
We would love the students to take 2hrs Lessons daily.
If there is availability , kindly let me know about the dates,quotes and accommodation availability as well.
They are looking forward to commence from the 10th of August 2010,Departure date:22nd August.
Mode Of Payment ;Visa ,Mastercard.
They have 2 weeks to stay for the driving Course and certification.you can reach me via my direct email {dr.nicholaskalis5@yahoo.com}
I’ll hope to hear from you.
Regards
Dr Nicholas Kalis (Director)
1406 Glen Ave – Wahiawa Elem School
Wahiawa, HI 96786 (Oahu) USA
June 22nd, 2010
Personal trainers in the UK also being hit!
BEWARE! If it sounds too good…then it probably is!
Here’s the chain of e-mails:
Hi,
Thanks for your email. The guests arrives on the 4th of August and departs on the 30th of September 2010.
We shall be training 4 times per week {Monday thru Thursday 9am} and each session last for two hours.We have a total of 6 athletes which i hope should be subdivided into smaller groups to allow a strict adherence to instructions.They are within the ages of 19 – 22yrs. Could you please let me know your charges per hour so that we can make booking. Kindly get back to me for us to proceed with the reservation.
Best regards
— On Fri, 18/6/10, CHRISTIAN VILA wrote:
From: CHRISTIAN VILA
Subject: Re: Booking Details
To: “Arvel Thurman”
Date: Friday, 18 June, 2010, 22:23
Hi Arvel,
We are besed in Brighton, East Sussex- did you know that? Your e-mail seems to assume we are non-UK based.
What kind of training do your team need?
Christian
On Fri 18/06/10 7:56 PM , Arvel Thurman arvel_thurman@yahoo.co.uk sent:
Hello,
My name is Arvel,from BOBBY CHARLTON’S Soccer & Sports Academy UK. I want to book for your services/training for our athletes who shall be on vacation to your country for 5weeks.We want an intensive classes and Your sound experience appreciated. Their stay will last from the last week of August to September,2010.They are all beginners and six in number .
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for the classes
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
ArvelThurman
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL
June 25th, 2010
Thanks for the heads up!! I got the same garbage in a email today, Sara
June 25th, 2010
I received the same one today with requests for Pilates instructor! I received a similar one a few months ago. My favorite part of the e-mail is “YOUR COUNTRY”…
:0)
Glad this has confirmed my suspicions!
Ioana
(www.studiokelani.com)
Hello,
My name is Arvel,from BOBBY CHARLTON’S Soccer & Sports Academy UK. I want to book for pilate services/training for our athletes who shall be on vacation to your country for 5weeks.We want an intensive classes and Your sound experience appreciated. Their stay will last from the last week of August to September,2010.They are all beginners and six in number .
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for the classes
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
ArvelThurman
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL
June 30th, 2010
im a caterer in devon England and had this mail yesterday
Hello,
I am Dr. Nicholas Kalis, from Berlin Foundation . I want to book for catering service for our students coming from London for a Traning and excursion in your area in your country.
Please confirm these reservations in your Facility.
Details of the Reservation:
Date: 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th Septermber 2010
No of person: 25 people
Meeting time: Lunch (1:00 Pm) ( Dinner 8:00pm)
Payment Type: Credit Card Only (I hope you have credit card facilities)
Meal to be served:Lunch and Dinner
Prefered dining: Buffet
Drinks: Juice Only
Facility: Help us book a Hall that can contain 25 people for the meal for the mentioned days and get back to me with the total cost.
Please confirm if you have the availability and provide me with the rates of a course meal for 25 people in 5days, Then we will make an advance payment to hold the booking.
I await your swift response.
Regards,
Dr Nicholas Kalis ( Director)
Berlin Foundation ,Schönhauser Allee 104 · 10439 Berlin Germany
Telefon (+49) 030 446 77859
not sure how this scam works if some one would explain. if they pay then i would think its your money
July 8th, 2010
If it looks too good to be true……!!!!!
Hello,
I am Engr. Lambert Hurgen, from Berlin Foundation . I want to book for catering service for our students coming from Germany for a training and excursion in your area in your country.
Please confirm these reservations in your Facility.
Details of the Reservation:
Date: 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th Septermber 2010
No of person: 25 people
Meeting time: Lunch (1:00 Pm) ( Dinner 8:00pm)
Payment Type: Credit Card Only (I hope you have credit card facilities)
Meal to be served:Lunch and Dinner
Prefered dining: Buffet
Drinks: Juice Only
Facility: Help us book a Hall that can contain 25 people for the meal for the mentioned days and get back to me with the total cost.
Please confirm if you have the availability and provide me with the rates of a course meal for 25 people in 5days, Then we will make an advance payment to hold the booking.
I await your swift response.
Regards,
Engr. Lambert Hurgen ( Director)
Berlin Foundation ,Schönhauser Allee 104 · 10439 Berlin Germany
Telefon (+49) 030 446 77859
July 13th, 2010
Another Scam:
=============================
Hello,
My name is Arvel Thurman. I want to book training services for a group of six who shall be on vacation to your country for 5weeks.We want an intensive training sessions with you. Their stay will last from the last week of August to September,2010.They are all beginners and six in number .
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for the classes I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
Arvel Thurman
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL
The subject is about “martial arts training“. Good thing I googled them first and found this site!
July 16th, 2010
Hi there, I got a similar one thro a couple of days ago and thought, great!!
Now had the part about giving us their credit card details and passing on part to a “booking agent”.
I smelt a rat at that point so googled the institute, and found this warning. Thanks for confirming my suspicions
It reads:
Thanks for your reply and assistance so far to book the Car, To make sure that everything is confirmed before arrival we wish to make a DEPOSIT payment to hold your bookings for us,Also we wish to tell you that we made arrangement with a accommodation agent who will book our accommodation and provide us with other logistic needs during our stay.
Kindly Adhere to the following instructions in regards to the payment to hold our booking in your place, Due to security and other reasons,We don’t want two parties to handle our credit card details. Moreso the agent does not have the facility to accept credit cards.
1.We will send you my Visa Credit card details .
2.As soon as you get the Credit Card details,You are requested to Charge the amount of 7,000 Pounds plus the credit card fees for your cost of services and that of the agent who will book our accommodation.
3.Take the deposit payment of 1,000 Pounds and send the Balance of 6,000 Pounds to the accommodation booking agent for him to start booking our accommodation and prepare other logistic booking needed.
4.The Balance of your payment will be made install mentally before our arrival.
5.Send us our booking numbers
6.Upon your confirmation our accommodation agent will forward to you, our hotel address and times for the car service.
Meanwhile we will need the following informations of yours.
(1) YOUR FULL NAME:
(2) ADDRESS:
(3) PHONE NUMBERS:
NOTE:WE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY TAX THIS WILL ATTRACT.
Please remember that the integrity of our members is involved, so this business requires prompt response.I expect an expert service.
Kind Regards,
Engr. Lambert Hurgen
— On Thu, 7/15/10, info@gandscabs.com wrote:
From: info@gandscabs.com
Subject: Re: Booking
To: “Engr. lambert Hurgen”
Date: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 7:03 PM
.
Regards,
Gordon
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
From: “Engr. lambert Hurgen”
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:53:43 -0700 (PDT)
To: Gordon Jenkins
Subject: Re: Booking
Hello,
Thanks for your response, We will be in Edinburgh City throughout our stay in the UK . and we will be using the bus for 6 hours per day for the mentioned days, Kindly get the total cost based on 6 hours every day for 6 mentioned days.
We will need the bus for an average of 100 KM per day for the mentioned days. Our Logistic agent will send you our Hotel address once it is confirmed.
Thanks,
Engr. Lambert Hurgen
— On Thu, 7/15/10, Gordon Jenkins wrote:
From: Gordon
Subject: Re: Booking
To: “Engr. lambert Hurgen”
Date: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 1:07 AM
Good morning,
Thank you for your email.
We would be delighted to assist you with this tour.
Firstly though, can you give me some more information about the trip.
On 15 Jul 2010, at 00:11, Engr. lambert Hurgen wrote:
Dear,
I am Engr. Lambert Hurgen from Oahu Soccer Insituite Hawaii USA , I want to book transportation for our student coming to your country for Tour.
Details of the Reservations as follows:
Date: 20th,21st,22nd,23rd and 24th August 2010
Duration of bus: The bus will be at our services, 6 hour everyday for the 6
mentioned days.
No of persons: 4 People (adults)
Type of Bus: 5 to7 seater bus
Payment type: Credit card. I hope you have the facility to accept credit
card payments.
Kindly email if you have availabilty on those dates,also tell me the area you operate in your country.
I await your swift response.
Regards,
Engr. Lambert Hurgen ( Director)
1406 Glen Ave – Wahiawa Elem School
Wahiawa, HI 96786 (Oahu) USA
July 16th, 2010
Hi well it looks like he is still trying,
I got an email requesting martial arts training for 6 beginners, ages 18-22.
They wanted to do the money through visa, the only thing that didn’t seem right was he wanted me to do all the money handling and not his agent,
So keep an eye out for this one
July 16th, 2010
Working in Slovenia:
Dear,
I am Engr. Lambert Hurgen from Oahu Soccer Insituite Hawaii USA , I want to book transportation for our student coming to your country for Tour.
Details of the Reservations as follows:
Date: 20th,21st,22nd,23rd and 24th August 2010
Duration of bus: The bus will be at our services, 6 hour everyday for the 6
mentioned days.
No of persons: 4 People (adults)
Type of Bus: 5 to7 seater bus
Payment type: Credit card. I hope you have the facility to accept credit
card payments.
Kindly email if you have availabilty on those dates,also tell me the area you operate in your country.
I await your swift response.
Regards,
Engr. Lambert Hurgen ( Director)
1406 Glen Ave – Wahiawa Elem School
Wahiawa, HI 96786 (Oahu) USA
July 16th, 2010
I recieved the above mail two days ago, taxi company, in Slovenia, Europe. Did not buy it, googled the institution and found this site.
July 27th, 2010
hi there
they are now targeting maritial art instructors. Watch out
July 28th, 2010
Just got the 2nd one is as many months:
_____________________________________________
from Paul Howard
to howardpaul713@yahoo.co.uk
date Wed, Jul 28, 2010 at 3:21 PM
subject Booking Details
signed-by yahoo.co.uk
hide details 3:21 PM (4 minutes ago)
Hello,
My name is Howard Paul. I want to book training services for a group of six who shall be on vacation to your country for 5weeks.We want an intensive training sessions with you. Their stay will last from the last week of August to September,2010.They are all beginners and six in number .What can you offer? Can I know your qualification and service rate ?
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for the classes
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
Howard paul
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL
August 15th, 2010
Yes, I got the exact same email, asking asking for martial arts training:
————————————————–
Hello,
My name is Howard Paul. I want to book training services for a group of six who shall be on vacation to your country for 8weeks.We want an intensive training sessions with you. Their stay will last from the last week of August to October,2010.They are all beginners and six in number.What can you offer? Can I know your qualification and service rate? This program coincides with our vacation timetable and it is designed towards improving the mental and physical fitness by challenging ourselves beyond our capabilities. Our aim is to improve our confidence, gain self defense skills, increase fitness and enjoy new challenges.
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for it.
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
Howard Paul
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane ,
Knutsford,
Cheshire , WA16 6SL , Uk
July 28th, 2010
I can confirm that I was contacted a few days ago.
July 28th, 2010
Hitting personal trainers in Canada
WOW! I got totally pulled in by this scam. Two things brought me to this site. 1) he used “in your country” and in one email asked for trainers name, address and phone numbers. I did not understand why he needed the trainers address if he was to be paying by credit card, so a HUGE red flag went up. Thank you so much for this site. When I googled Arvel’s name this site is what popped up. I really could have wasted a ton of time on this one had I not found this site.
Imagine how successful this person could be if he/she channeled their energy into something positive.
August 2nd, 2010
Watch out for “Dr. Tim breckly” (Director) Elementary Hockey School “Oahu Soccer Institute”….same format as all of the above…looking for bus to transport 10 players for Aug 21,22,23/10, 5 hrs per diem, no arrival point, no destination, no departure point..pay by credit card….needs immediate reply….A TRUE SCAM ARTIST
August 18th, 2010
Thank god for this site, we got exactly the same message and were kind of nervous because he didn’t give out a whole lot of info, looked up the school and found it but could not find him on the list of staff,so thankful we caught it before it went to far.
August 9th, 2010
Here’s the latest!! He is wanting to book taxi services of all things.
Dear,
I am Engr. Lambert Hurgen from Oahu Soccer Insituite Hawaii USA , I want to book transportation for our Executives coming to your country for Meeting.
Details of the Reservations as follows:
Date: 20th,21st,22nd,23rd and 24th September 2010
Duration of bus: The bus will be at our services, 6 hour everyday for the 6 mentioned days.
No of persons: 5 People (adults)
Type of Bus: 5 to7 seater bus
Payment type: Credit card. I hope you have the facility to accept credit card payments.
Kindly email if you have availabilty on those dates,also tell me the area you operate in your country.
I await your swift response.
Regards,
Engr. Lambert Hurgen ( Director)
HURGEN ENGINEERS, Inc
2300 114th Ave NE Ste 100
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone:(206-339-3652)
August 10th, 2010
Hi A and S cabs are scam!!! i sent them money they did not turn up to pick me, then i have to locate their address it is invalid, The Directors name is Gordon and their email is info@gandscabs.com please google the name in case.
August 11th, 2010
I got one too:
From: Arvel Thurman
Subject: Martial Training
To: apscala@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, August 9, 2010, 2:44 AM
Hello,
My name is Arvel Thurman. I want to book training services for a group of six who shall be on vacation to your country for 8weeks.We want an intensive training sessions with you. Their stay will last from the last week of Sept to November,2010.They are all beginners and six in number.What can you offer? Can I know your qualification and service rate? This program coincides with our vacation timetable and it is designed towards improving the mental and physical fitness by challenging ourselves beyond our capabilities. Our aim is to improve our confidence, gain self defense skills, increase fitness and enjoy new challenges.
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for it.
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
Arvel Thurman
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL,Uk
August 11th, 2010
These guys must think they are funny or clever. they are trying to book taxis now in new zealand – IF NICHOLAS KALIS OR LAMBERT HURGEN ARE READING THIS – GET A REAL JOB
August 19th, 2010
I agree get a real job the taxi company I work for in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand has received a request for taxis. I think we are clever than them, as we saw it as a scam !!!!
August 13th, 2010
This is ridiculous!
The thing about it is after browsing through what others have experience its amazing how a few of the emails is exactly the same as what we received with the exception of a different date.
This has to be stopped because now its in the Bahamas.
In the main time, take the necessary percautions and be careful because it looks as if they are not trying to stop no time soon.
Dear,
I am Engr. Lambert Hurgen from Oahu Soccer Institute Hawaii USA , I want to book transportation for our student coming to your country for Tour.
Details of the Reservations as follows:
Date: 20th,21st,22nd,23rd and 24th August 2010
Duration of bus: The bus will be at our services, 6 hour everyday for the 6 mentioned days.
No of persons: 5 People (adults)
Type of Bus: 5 to 7 seater bus
Payment type: Credit card. I hope you have the facility to accept credit card payments.
Kindly email if you have availability on those dates,also tell me the area
you operate in your country.
I await your swift response.
Regards,
Engr. Lambert Hurgen ( Director)
1406 Glen Ave – Wahiawa Elem School
Wahiawa, HI 96786 (Oahu) USA
August 16th, 2010
I got the same e-mails…just switch Dance for martial arts.
From e-mail: Arvel Thurman, arvel2_thurman@yahoo.co.uk
Hello,
My name is Howard Paul. I want to book training services for a group of six who shall be on vacation to your country for 8weeks.We want an intensive training sessions with you. Their stay will last from Sept to October,2010.They are all beginners and six in number.What can you offer? Can I know your qualification and service rate? This program coincides with our vacation timetable and it is designed towards improving the mental and physical fitness by challenging ourselves beyond our capabilities. Our aim is to improve our confidence, gain self defense skills, increase fitness and enjoy new challenges.
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for it.
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
Howard Paul
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL,Uk
August 17th, 2010
hi all i have been speaking to this guy for 3 days all seemed ok until he was insistant on paying by credit card, and for me to forwards money to a third party. he was sending back what they wanted total price, they are good as they dont ask for any bank details. be very carefull
August 22nd, 2010
LOOK THIS EMAIL,,,
de Paul Young
para paulyoungarts@yahoo.com
fecha 22 de agosto de 2010 06:06
asunto Training Classes
enviado por yahoo.com
firmado por yahoo.com
ocultar detalles 06:06 (hace 12 horas)
Hi,
How are you doing ? I feel relieved writing you.A colleague of mine gave me your contact in my search for a
competent arts instructor. I want you to train five adults martial arts students for us.We
are based here in (Oahu) USA.You can use our facilities here for the training or I can send them to you if you so
desire.Let me know what is best for you. This program is designed towards improving their mental and physical fitness by challenging themselves beyond their capabilities. Our aim is to improve their confidence, gain self defense skills, increase fitness and enjoy new challenges.The competition starts on Nov.4th 2010 and We are looking at 2months training with you.Kindly indicate your interest by responding
to this email so that we can discuss further.
Thanks in anticipation.
Paul Young
1406 Glen Ave – Wahiawa Elem School
Wahiawa ,
HI 96786
(Oahu) USA
August 23rd, 2010
another bogus ad for martial arts instructors; this looks just like the one GM_Jonathan got too. I teach martial arts as well:
Paul Howard
to howardpaul713@yahoo.co.uk
date Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 11:20 PM
subject Training Classes
signed-by yahoo.co.uk
hide details 11:20 PM (4 hours ago)
Hello,
My name is Howard Paul. I want to book training services for a group of six who shall be on vacation to your country for 8weeks.We want an intensive training sessions with you. Their stay will last from Sept to October,2010.They are all beginners and six in number.What can you offer? Can I know your qualification and service rate? This program coincides with our vacation timetable and it is designed towards improving the mental and physical fitness by challenging ourselves beyond our capabilities. Our aim is to improve our confidence, gain self defense skills, increase fitness and enjoy new challenges.
Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? if not,we can arrange one for it.
I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
Howard Paul
BCSSA,Egerton Training Ground,
Mereheath Lane,
Knutsford,
Cheshire, WA16 6SL,Uk