[email protected] Reports & Reviews (1)
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SCAMPULSE
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Reported details
Someone claiming to be Stephanie Quayle (who is herself a country musician) commented on this post and said that she works for Patty, and that Patty had seen my comment and wanted me to reach out to her. They provided an email IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT and asked for my discretion in sharing it ([email protected]). Not seeing the potential for harm, I sent an email and asked her to come and give a concert in Tucson, saying that it would really be uplifting in these difficult times. I offered to help with local contacts if needed.
The response I received in short asked me to reach out to a local charity that had contacted her via facebook and only provided an email. She wanted me to see what they need before she donated. The email provided was [email protected]. Before I emailed, I attempted to do some background research to make sure they were legit and that Patty was not being targeted because of her fame. (For which I now feel rather stupid.) I was unable to find any such charity in my area (or anywhere) so I became suspicious.
I sent them an email from my work account with a full professional signature hoping to root out some legitimacy. I never mentioned Patty Griffin. I simply said that a friend had given me the email and suggested I reach out since I was looking for a reputable agency in Tucson that helps the homeless. I asked for some specific information about their organization as I could not find anything online. I asked for the name of the group (I still only had an email) and the name of a local rep who I could meet with.
The response I received from "Mimi Charity" said they have been" trying to reach out to Patty Griffin, and the children there are in need of basic necessities, and they are in urgent need of groceries and financial assistance for upkeep." (I had never mentioned Patty Griffin - this is when it became clear I was the target of a scam.) I emailed fake Patty Griffin at that point and said "the jig is up - I am fully aware that this is a scam".
The response from fake Patty was that it is a trustworthy charity she has worked with in the past and should be trusted. She told me to please give them whatever they are asking for, and she will reimburse me "when the accountant is back". Meanwhile, I had replied to the fake charity and gave them one more opportunity to prove legitimacy. I asked numbered, specific questions:
1. What is the organization’s name?
2. Are you a 501C3 tax exempt org?
3. What services do you offer? (it sounds like there is a shelter with children, but what population specifically do you assist?)
4. Location of an office or shelter?
5. Name of an authorized representative?
The response I received: "Name: Charity..We are upcoming homeless organization based at 9460 Sierra Ave., Fontana, CA 92335. We're transitioning from this location to establish our own facility."
I looked this address up via a multi-level search (google earth and via an address search on the web). The search took me to a reputable and legitimate charitable foundation by a different name at that address, with a full board of directors and list of staff names. None of the names remotely matched "Mimi Charity". I provided a message on their home page that they had been used in a scam attempt.
I also emailed the fake charity one last time.
"Did you know that a search for “Mimi Charity” brings up a Nigerian charity – with no presence in the United States? So very interesting and coincidental."
I had received a response back from fake Patty Griffin around the same time (after letting her know I was onto the scam). She said she felt responsible for dragging me into this and for the miscommunication, and thanked me for my kindness.
I did NOT hear back from the fake charity after calling out "Mimi Charity" as a Nigerian charity.
I gave no money, but they do have some PII - name, my work title, address and work phone number. They do not have my home info. Fake Patty has my email address, but who doesn't these days.
I posted a warning on my own facebook page and provided a detailed account of how I fell for the scam, hoping to prevent others for falling for a similar trick. I also commented on fake Stephanie Quayle's comment that 'she' is a disgrace for taking advantage of the innate kindness of people, especially during such difficult economic times in this country.