Incredible email- wheat buying scam, or a niave man?

I will copy/paste the email I got. I am selling the remainder of my planting wheat (maybe 80-100 bushels) on craig's list. So, I get this email first:

"

Can I use this wheat to make flour for home baking. Please replay and advise.

Tks Tom

"




Now, that looks innocent enough. It mention that I was selling wheat, not just saying "Doyou still have your item for sale?" Although, I am not too keen on the wording... "Please [reply] and advise"

So, I did reply back, not knowing where this guy is, or anything. This is the second email I get from him:


"I am so thankful for your reply. I am a retired attorney in Florida and will need a source of wheat to feed some poor people in the near future. I have a flour mill and need access to a couple hundred lbs. of wheat, how can I get some 50# bags shipped to me? Where are you located, how can I persuade you to do that. I will pay in advance. Tom Lakeland Fl.

Tks again
"



Now, that is starting to sound somewhat suspicious, right? Way too much information, askign me abotu shipping, telling me some sob story that he is feeding poor people? WOW! Now, this is getting suspicious. and why ask someone from Burgettstown, PA about buying wheat, when you live in Lakeland, FL? Surely there is wheat in teh south, right? Wouldn't texas or some othe rplace be closer to buy wheat? how about organic food markets? Surely SURELY someone has wheat for sale closer than Burgettstown, PA. ...and claiming to be an attorney? why tell me this? Why not just call me on the phone before springing all this on me? and why feed "poor people" with wheat? what is this, Ethiopia?

So, I replied back:

[u:df2143c7cc][i:df2143c7cc][b:df2143c7cc]"Why?

You can buy wheat in Florida, you don't have to have it shipped from up here. Where are there "poor" people in Lakeland Florida? Have you even ever been to LAkeland Florida? I have. The Hollis Gardens are beautiful. The whole town is bathing in money. and why are you trying to feed "poor people" with wheat flour? Don't you think canned goods, unperishable items, and potatoes would be a better thing for feeding the poor? wheat flour that is hand ground is perishable. So I think it is a bad idea. However, if you want it, you will need to send me money, with a return address, and I would appreciate it if you send it via paypal. "[/b:df2143c7cc][/i:df2143c7cc][/u:df2143c7cc]


I wasn't trying to be rude, but dang! I'm not taking an out of state check, adn since you can't just give a UPS driver a 50# bag of wheat, special shipping would need to be arranged and it just sounds like one big headache.

So, I get this reply...


[b:df2143c7cc][i:df2143c7cc][u:df2143c7cc]"1) I live in Lakeland, Fl., it's probably my fault but I never heard of Hollis gardens. I feed poor people because I am a Christian and have been taught to do so. Poor people in Lakeland? Florida is about 2nd nationally in nemployment. I also feed a few in Tampa. There are 7,200 homeless in Hilsborough Co. (Tampa) alone. Can goods are a good buy as you pointed out, but what am I going to do when I go to Publix Mkt. and there are 2,500 Blacks out front with clubs? Insofar as being perishable most can goods are only good for a year in Florida heat. Potatoes are even worse. (This isn't our first Rodeo). We put our grains in "Food Grade Plastic, and 5 gal. Zepherhills water bottles and purge them with food-grade Nitrogen then seal them. Insofar as sending money to "you" that won't happen. You come across stupid and pugnatious. Sending you money would be a simple but stupid mistake.

Mark Twain said: "It's not that people don't know anything, the problem is all the things they know that just ain't so!"

You're probably good at your job, and I'm sure enough good a mine..... Let's keep that way. Have a good day.....
"[/u:df2143c7cc][/i:df2143c7cc][/b:df2143c7cc]


So did he just call [b:df2143c7cc]ME[/b:df2143c7cc] stupid? That's it, I'm driving to Lakeland Florida and kicking some old retired guy's *ss! But wait, is this a clever hoax adn I caught him and he got mad about it, so he had to send me some reply to make me feel small? and wait.... did he just say there are 2500 blacks with clubs standing outside the Publix market in Lakeland? HOLY COW!!! No wonder he needs to get his wheat from PA! They will destroy him! LOL WOW! What is this all about? Is this guy legit?

So I let it go... whatever, it was a scam... but wait... then I get this email a few minutes later...

[b:df2143c7cc][i:df2143c7cc][u:df2143c7cc]"Been to Hollis Gardens three times, just didn't know it's name......."[/u:df2143c7cc][/i:df2143c7cc][/b:df2143c7cc]


OK, so why did this scammer send me this email? caught him in a lie? Lakeland, FL is NOT poor. I couldn't afford to buy a twinkie from a gas station in that town. But, it is home to a lot of retirees, and there's another thing...

This guy's email address is "heddonsemail@" So, he says he is a retired attorney named tom. Well there are 4 "Thomas E Heddon" listed in the lakeland, FL directory, and 1 of them IS a retired attorney and prominent business man.

So... Is this some elaborate scam, or did I just insult a prominent retired attorney from FL? If he is a retired attorney, he should know VERY well about internet scams, and emailing someone and asking them to ship something... completely makes me so mad... especially the fact he called me stupid.

Now is my chance to prove I am stupid...

I am thinking about calling the Thomas E Heddon in Lakeland, FL and asking him if he emailed me about wheat. If he says no, I could turn the information over to the police, or this attorney in FL can file charges for impersonation and whatever else. I am mad!

So, is anyone from FL in the area of lakeland?

He's either a scammer, of some sort, or dumber than your average lawyer. I'd just let it drop, and not waste any more time on it. But, that's just me.

We sell at farmers markets during the spring
through fall. Mostly regular people patronizing
the markets. But every once in a while, we run
into someone not quite there, if you know what I
mean. I just kind of smile and nod and let them
talk for a little bit. Then I wish them a good day
and get busy doing something. Doesn't happen
often, but it does happen.

Your situation doesn't sound much like a scam to
me. But the guy sure does come off sounding
squirrely. I'd just let it go if I were you.

Christopher

If you're giving away wheat, send some my way. I'll figure out a way to mill it. If you think his want for free wheat is any more noble than mine, I can tell stories about starving Ethiopians. I learned a few from my mother when I didn't want to eat what was served. I can even promise you a seaside home in Arizonia in exchange for some free wheat. I've lost so many unknown family members in Nigeria, that I'm due something free!

I'm just funning you. I think it's a scam. also.

Scam all the way. He'll try to bait you a few more times, just delete it and ignore him.

Let me be honest, however. I don't grow everything that I use. We raise chickens, goats and a few veggies. We frequently trade with small growers for things we don't grow. Have you considered trading wheat for veggie or milk or eggs etc. I know if you were close to Toone, TN you could get a good return trading wheat. No one around here grows wheat, and you would get pretty much what you want. Next fall I would trade countless eggs for wheat, as it is so hard to come by here for trade.

He's what Bugs Bunny would call a "maroon". (moron)

My guess is that he is legit.

A scammer would never take the time to email you back that many times. If you aren't biting you aren't worth there time.

Re: poor people in a rich community. I don't live all that far from Lake Geneva WI. If you drive through you will be wowed by all the huge mansions and all the amazing boats in the marina. The problem is those all belong to the extremely wealthy people from Chicago. The people who actually live year round in that community can be some of the poorest people in the state. The property values are increased and the only available jobs are in service industries for the rich tourists. No company can afford to buy land here. We have similar cases in Door County WI and Wisconsin Dells. Just because you don't see the poor when you drive through doesn't mean they aren't there.

Don't bet too much about the idea of your grain not being cheaper either. I just bought some parts from a dealer in California and had them shipped to WI cheaper than I could buy them at the local dealer. The south did have a rainfall shortage this year. I don't imagine that any surplus grain down there (assuming it exists) is cheap this year.

So, scam or just a complete maroon? LOL

It's funny the lengths that some people will go to scam someone, but on teh other hand, it is also funny the lengths that people will go because they don't know what they are doing. A fool and his money will soon be parted! I actually sold ear corn to someone from KY. They came in a 5 ton dump truck, and took 5 tons of ear corn. The guys that came just worked for the guy who was buying it. Now, I'm curious as to why they would come all teh way from KY for ear corn. They said they couldn't find any ear corn anywhere between me and KY. wow... seems so hard to believe, but it was legit. They paid cash, came with a big dump truck, and hauled it home. He said they wanted ear corn because they had a grinder and wanted to grind it... Correct me if I am wrong, but can't you just buy shelled corn adn grind it just the same? no cob for filler, but you could add oats or spelt for filler, right? just seemed goofy... paying all that money to ship 5 tons of ear corn... It wasn't cheap, either. I think at the time, we were selling ear corn for $125 a ton, when shelled corn price was fairly low.

So, back to this guy...

I'm letting it drop, but if this guy really is legit, then I am concerned for his well-being. 2500 blacks with clubs? he is paranoid, racist, and a complete jerk. Even if it is a scammer from Nigeria, I don't take kindly to that type of racism. If it is not a scammer, then I feel really concerned for anyone around this guy. He sounds awful. There is no reason why he needs to email me about buying wheat. It's just so far fetched...


Bob,
I have thought about trading wheat, even thought about building some malting tables and malting a few hundred lbs, then making some german style wheat beer. Wheat beer has a nice citrus note to it. It's different, but malting is an exact science to make each batch taste alike. Humidity and temp have to be closely regulated, as well as mositure and stirring. It's not easy, and then you have to toast the malted wheat. I don't think it is worth the effort when I have so many other projects going on, and I didn't get any hops frozen this year. I completely missed peak and didn't get anything off the vines in time. With less rain, they went brown in a hurry.

There aren't many people around here who grow wheat, either. I just like to grow it because rye is unsellable to the elevator here, and oats have been going for $2.50 or $2 a bushel, compared to $9.95 peak for wheat. Of course, right now there is a huge shortage of oats, due to the wet spring. The price right now is $4! I've never seen it that high.

I had a good garden year, have 5 hens, so I have lots of eggs and veggies. Diesel fuel money is in short supply though. LOL I like the idea of trading, though.

I also was looking at wheat grinders. I don't have one. I would love to have a belt pulley operated wheat mill for my Farmall Cub. That would be fun! I saw table top kitchen mills for $300, but, it just doesn't seem like it would be as fun as a bigger "toy."

Ryan,

I know what you mean about poor people, but just the way he provided so much detail, and calling anyone "poor people" is pretty disgusting to me. I mean, are you really a Christian and helping those in need, by degrading them to the term "poor" and then saying there are 2500 blacks standing outside the local Publix market? Why would any Christian say that? what a toolbag...

I did call him out on that, not to make him mad, but to gauge the situation. Why go to lengths to tell me why you need wheat? Want a pat on the back? I'd wait for one from Jesus, before running my mouth and trying to get one from a stranger in PA, yanno?

If he is legit, and just acts like used toilet paper, then good riddance! I did leave my phone number in my ad, so, if he wanted to call me he could. I actually might have apologized before he went on a rant about 2500 blacks with clubs (of course, maybe there are 2500 night club owners who like to flock outside the Publix market. Sometimes I just assume the worst about others.)

john after reading his emails, it just plain dont sound right. this "attorney" wants to buy 200 lbs of your wheat, ship it to florida from pa, then grind it in to flour to feed some poor people. he can go to sams club in florida and bulk buy already made flour a lot cheaper, this just aint right.

(quoted from post at 21:30:48 10/22/11) john after reading his emails, it just plain dont sound right. this "attorney" wants to buy 200 lbs of your wheat, ship it to florida from pa, then grind it in to flour to feed some poor people. he can go to sams club in florida and bulk buy already made flour a lot cheaper, this just aint right.

Click to expand...

Good point! but then again, maybe there are 2500 blacks with clubs standing outside the Sam's Club also!!! HAHAHA

Call the fella in the book. If he admits that it is him, suck it up and apologize and explain you felt it was a scam. He will understand. But my feeling is that if you email the fella back, tell him there is a Sam's Club down the street and you would be happy to arrange a pickup for processed flour.

Are you raising genetic modified (devil's corn) corn or corn that God made? Perhaps it's getting hard to find natural corn.
I just read a couple of days ago that they now have GM wheat. I'll have to find a source to buy natural wheat too, it looks like.
It wouldn't surprise me to see people dieing like flys one of these days from eating the poisoned GM foods. Some farmers don't even know they are planting crops that contain poison in them.
You might just have found out that there is a demand for natural grains. If it had been me, I would have said, send the check and when it clears the bank I'll ship the grain, and of course added in the shipping charge. Who cares if he's crazy or not. His money would spend just as good as a sane person.

(quoted from post at 22:45:15 10/22/11) Are you raising genetic modified (devil's corn) corn or corn that God made? Perhaps it's getting hard to find natural corn.
I just read a couple of days ago that they now have GM wheat. I'll have to find a source to buy natural wheat too, it looks like.
It wouldn't surprise me to see people dieing like flys one of these days from eating the poisoned GM foods. Some farmers don't even know they are planting crops that contain poison in them.
You might just have found out that there is a demand for natural grains. If it had been me, I would have said, send the check and when it clears the bank I'll ship the grain, and of course added in the shipping charge. Who cares if he's crazy or not. His money would spend just as good as a sane person.

Click to expand...

Curious if you watch a lot of TV programs about Monsanto, like what they have on Current TV... I'm not sure about any of the GM stuff. I mean, what is worse? spraying 24-D, Atrazine, Banvil? or... spraying highly concentrated salts? [isopropyl amine salt] POEA is in all the other sprays, a lot of which are class VI or higher. In PA, I need a spraying license to even purchase or apply atrazine. POEA is a surfactant, and with almost all types of crop oils, you are going to have health issues. I'm pretty sure Atrazine has actually been found to lower sperm counts, as well as turning male tadpoles into hermaphrodites. LOL always love any poison that will burn the nuggets off a frog!

So, the question is, what is worse? what type of GM wheat are you talking about? If it is GM'ed to resist isopropyl amine salts, then that puts it into the much talked about realm of "round-up ready." I think Monsanto has gotten such a bad rap mainly because of the controversy around how the GM'ed seed was released. It was done during the Reagan or HW administration, at a time when the government was all about deregulating in order to spur the economy. So, under the guise of "the evil gub'ment is out to kill us all" many people took this to mean that they were trying to hide something. Well, sure, I have heard that POEA is brutal to anything living, even though the isopropyl amine salts are the actual main killing ingredient. So, should Monsanto replace POEA with another less harmful surfactant? I am sure it can be done. But will we be harmed by eating anything GM'ed? I don't know that. I wouldn't worry to much, personally. Corn itsself was originally a tall grass that we kept breeding in order to give it the traits that we are most familiar with. If the South Americans had not done this, corn(maize) as we know it would never existed at all. Is it possible to do it in one step, by taking a grass, adn genetically modifying it (I'm pretty sure they bombard tissues from teh plant with gold laced in certain ions, which sounds creepy, yes) to have a cob with seeds? I'd bet it can be done. But, who is to say that we haven't all been playing God in some form or another. Look at dog breeders who purposefully breed dogs with desirable traits, and neuter the rest. To me, that is creepy... same thing with hogs, sheep, cattle, chickens... but, it's how people are able to make more and more money in an industry that is very unstable and vulnerable. It's all very creepy when you start thinking about it.

Some of the people who would probably be dead without GMO are diabetics. Honestly, that has to be one of the greatest achievements in medicine in the 20th century. Polio would be up there too, but GM'ed bacteria was the breakthrough that made commercially available insulin. Think about all the people who need that. Will it kill them? Chances are, they would die without it.

I'm not trying to debate the issue.

I don't grow RR corn, or RR wheat, but, RR soybeans are the only way I could get beans to grow around here. If I can't get clean beans, I can't get enough yeild to make them worth the cost of planting. and to be completely honest, the only reason I grow soybeans is so that I can run my combine more often. Any chance I get to run a combine, I will take.

But, to get back on point...

No questions about the type of wheat were asked, aside from if it was suitable for cooking. and yes, even GMOs are suitable for cooking. Regardless of whether or not the corn, grains, and beans are GM'ed, in some way, unless grown certified naturally, or organically, are going to come into contact with some form of "poison."

I know quite a bit about "certified naturally grown" and I can tell you that some of the stuff they consider "kosher" is not exactly what I would consider legitimate. I mean, I don't drink city water, and to me it takes like chemicals. The chemicals in that water fall into the same class of chelated micronutrients that certified naturally grown farmers apply to correct soil deficiencies. How do your tomatoes taste with a splash of magnesium IDS?

The one time in my life I actually wanted to punch a farmer in the nose, was a CNG farmer who scolded me for suggesting lye as a pH balancer. Saying I was polluting the globe... Ok, stills boils my blood thinking about her telling me that. So, I offered her a big soft pretzel. Little does she, or most people know that the way they get that golden brown exterior on a big soft pretzel is by putting them in a bath of boiling water and LYE. It rearranges the molecules in the dough in creates that dark brown crusty goodness. Now, as she muched on her pretzel, I thought to myself, "Who are these people? Where is my great big chalkboard and restraints when I need them?" Some people, I swear, even if you chained them to a chair and made them listen, would never hear a word because their knowledge is based too much on opinion and not enough on facts.

Im not saying anything against anyone, and certainly not you. Like I said, I have not formed an opinion on GMOs but I do find lots of things "creepy."

Does that make sense?


Oh, and my wheat doesn't get sprayed. I do use GMS fertilizer in teh spring, but I just don't like teh look of tram lines through a wheat field. I guess I am a bit OCD about stuff like that!


Moderators, please don't delete this if you feel it is too political, just let me know, and I will edit it, or, if you feel it is too much, then I understand, but at teh same time, I'd like to hear exactly where the line was crossed. More people need to research and learn adn that is the message I am trying to convey.

Just stay calm and cool, first look in the FTC for this guys name.. If you see it report him using their Paperwork on line. Also write to the ATTY GEN in that area I'm sure you will get a reply.

If nothing is found , someone may have stole his identity.

He made a reference to Publix market. Someone who hasn't spent time in Florida would not make a reference to Publix; it's a regional chain and they're all over Florida.

All you needed to do was say, "sorry, but I'm only dealing with local buyers."

Most people have no idea how to go about buying grain. It's only natural for them to go on Craigslist. What he wants to do with the wheat is hard to say. There are two clues: 1) he is going to the trouble of putting grain in containers for long-term storage and 2) he talks about "2500 blacks with clubs". The man sounds like a survivalist. A kook to be sure, but probably a harmless one.

The newest studies out are showing a direct relationship to the chemicals we are spraying on our crops (whether it be insecticides, fungicides, or herbicides) and the increased number of ADD cases in children and increased cases of type 2 diabetes in adults. You spray the crop and then ingest the chemical it is going to eventually affect the body.

If you come up with a cure for cancer it takes twenty years of study and testing before the FDA will allow its use but, you come up with a chemical to kill a bug on crops and you can sell it tomorrow clear up until it is proven to kill people directly. There are alternatives.

If you ate your corn the way God made it you would be eating grass. God also gave us brains to use. You can't run 60 miles an hour (it's not natural) but using an internal combustion engine to go 60 miles in one hour is quite handy.

Seems kinda funny to me that the people who hate GMO stuff do research and try to figure out where to get non GMO seeds. Meanwhile the guys worried about bottom line defend GMO to the death! Gotta remember that it isn't in the politicians (of all parties) best interest (getting reelected) to ban anything that helps keep prices down in the grocery store.

Getting back to the original post. Yea I think you were being scammed. Why else would someone try not to pay for something before it's shipped. I don't know of anyone who is selling anything who will ship without payment.

Rick

A lawyer??? Maybe his conscience is forcing him to feed people who would not have been poor if he and his blood sucking cronies had not sued their employers out of business over the years.

I can't believe someone willing to buy a "couple hundred lbs. of wheat" from a seller advertising wheat for sale, is creating 2 pages of serious discussion on YT. LOL

If you really want to verify IF it's a scam, or not,... sell the guy some wheat and see what happens.

200 lbs. of wheat is NOT a huge amount to lose,... even if the deal turns out to be a scam.

Now,... if the guy was wanting to buy 200 bushels, that would be entirely different.

(quoted from post at 10:27:34 10/23/11) Seems kinda funny to me that the people who hate GMO stuff do research and try to figure out where to get non GMO seeds. Meanwhile the guys worried about bottom line defend GMO to the death! Gotta remember that it isn't in the politicians (of all parties) best interest (getting reelected) to ban anything that helps keep prices down in the grocery store.

Getting back to the original post. Yea I think you were being scammed. Why else would someone try not to pay for something before it's shipped. I don't know of anyone who is selling anything who will ship without payment.

Rick

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Rick,
what are you trying to say? I hate to tell you but, the jury is still out on this stuff. I heard about a college prof who ate a spoonfull of ddt every day. Then he went to pee and his fly died. hmmm. LOL sorry, old joke!

regardless, I am undecided, and I can't form an opinion until I get real solid data on anything. Do you have a bunch of data I am missing? I don't do this for a living, I hobby farm. it won't make me or break me. But, what does break me is a bunch of fear. terrorism.

Seriously, it is legal terrorism. Look what goes on in the media. it is TERRORISM! Strike fear into the heart of anyone, and they will do your bidding. hmm. So, reading what we do, are we a slave to the media? YES!
It has nothing to do with gov this or gov that. it has to do with what we are told, and how we are told it.

Doing my own research on all matters, and I can say I am still undecided, because I hate media. cnbc, fox, current, abc, nbc, cbs, fubar... They are ALL the same! they have an agenda. show me a place to get news with no agenda, and I will show you a flying zebra with the lower half from a supermodel. Seriously, I bet I can find one faster than anyone can find an unbiased news resource. They are all super hot for something, and it is not people's best interest.


That burns me.


Fear is such a big commodity. We treat fear better than we treat our own kids. seriously, I just wish I could be a rapiost or a murderer. At least those guys are cut and dry. unless you are one of those, you are blurring the lines somewhere, and probably are going to be more hated than a rapist or murderer in the future, when teh BS flag can be raised at the click of a mouse.




I hate people anymore... just hate them... wish I could never deal with them again...

I wish I could. I offered to hand deliver teh wheat, but he never replied. either scam, or a complete jerk. I hope he chokes!

he has a flour mill and doesn't know where to obtain wheat,

Poke around at the e-mail and see if you can get the IP address... Then do a reverse look-up on the IP address and you'll be able to determine if he is indeed based in FL...
8)

(quoted from post at 04:41:26 10/24/11) he has a flour mill and doesn't know where to obtain wheat,

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Actually that doesn't surprise me at all,... in fact, some people even buy antique tractors and don't know where to get parts for'em.

I emailed him back... or her...


I sent this:


[b:635c643850][i:635c643850][u:635c643850]Haven't heard back from you...

Should I just call your house? I was thinking about you all night. I hope you are feeding lots of needy people. You have inspired me to give to the local food bank. I am glad to have talked to you.

[/u:635c643850][/i:635c643850][/b:635c643850]


adn I got THIS reply!!!!!

[b:635c643850][i:635c643850][u:635c643850]"Sleep like a baby. So f**k you - you s**t-pitching moron. Get back on your medication.... send all the e-mails you want us Canadians don't take s**t off you yanks...... You are Blocked, Go punch one of your cows
[/u:635c643850][/i:635c643850][/b:635c643850]


So, apparently, this person is Canadian! awesome!

I have nothing against Canada. In fact, I love visiting Niagra, and I love Red Green. I have been to Mr. Used and have seen the RG museum. It is very nice!

If this really is a Canadian, I must say, I am shocked! [complete sarcasm here, eh]


So, suddenly, this guy has gone from FL to CAN in 1 email. That is a bit odd. I will try to trace the IP address. I hope it is from a country we intend to send troops to. I have friends in the military. They would love to meet this guy! In fact, I think they would probably send me pictures of the encounter. LOL


So, it is official, this was spam. Pretty darn good spam though... These guys are getting a lot smarter, which is scary. I am all for smart people, but I am not too keen on the fact that we don't have a better way to assign an IP to every signle computer. I think that would be a world achievement. Imagine if every soul had a number and was held accountable. I think that would stop all this stuff. It also would make it really fun to visit foreign countries with diplomatic immunity! Imagine all the neat stuff you could do!

LOL

I'm a sicko!

HAHAHAHAHA

I traced the IP!

It actually comes from "lakeland, FL"

So this really is a moron! not a scammer!

unless the scammers know how to clone an IP address??

I am not good with computers...

Yup, he's just a kook with nothing better to do.

Say, isn't "planting wheat" the type of wheat you put in a grain drill and PLANT?

Could've nipped the whole thing in the bud by saying it wasn't edible.