Thought I knew all the web scam methods

New wrinkle has me scratching head

[jsinger]

I'd never heard of a telephone company "relay operator" until we got a phone call from one. They relay messages typed into a keyboard by a deaf person or one who can't speak.

He proceeded to place a huge order with us on behalf of someone looking at our website. One first wonders why the purchaser didn't just buy from our cart.

Anyway, nothing seems real, even the shipping address. I've heard of packages being re-routed by a buyer enroute. The phone number isn't good. The buyers name (a very odd one) can't be found.

I also suspect the keyboard order may actually have originated outside the U.S. (Indonesia :>)

Anyone know how this deal works? I'm tempted to send an empty box with a signature request.

[hurlimann]

U become poorer and they become richer :)

[jsinger]

Yeah, I know these are losers, but we'll make it up with volume. :)

[amoore]

If you call someone to report them, I suggest trying out ip-relay.com to make the call.

[cfx211]

Back in college I worked for the registrar's office and would take a few calls from a relay operator every semester. They are basically for disabled people who cannot speak, but can type. The person types into the keyboard and the operator reads this to you. You say something back and the operator types it back to them.

Its actually a little weird because the operator tells you to speak like you are talking directly to them, but I would always end up addressing the caller in the third person.

They do exist, just not as people needing phone assistance to place large orders with bad address info.