 |
|
|
|
Technology continues to be an extremely useful tool in the modern era and, with very few exceptions, all aspects of our lives have benefited greatly from the many improvements that technology has made possible, that includes the architectural world. Becoming constantly connected through the internet has undeniably been a life-changing betterment in advancements but, as it’s often the case, improvements also carry a downside… and when these hit us we come face to face with their dark side. The internet isn’t immune to this phenomenon and at times things could take a dreadful turn.
Quite regrettably we are all too familiar with the word “phishing” and we would be inclined to believe it would strike consumers and their sensitive financial information, but one would not generally imagine it could also affect the architectural industry. The idea that there are individuals who direct their efforts towards preying small firms, would make anyone cringe.
Unfortunately, we had our fair share of phishing attempts, in fact we receive at least a couple each month. Normally, we would simply ignore them, but we concluded that the time has come to write a blog about it.
The last particular incident that happened to us recently, captured our attention so much that we took it a step further and engaged the suspects by responding to them to find out how far they’d be willing to go. Through the process we also gathered some revealing details that might provide hints that could help spot phishing attempts. Following is our exchange for your amusement. Note that we did not correct grammar or spelling so your experience will match ours, when reading through the paragraphs here below.
It all started with (actual quotes):
– “Greetings to you, how are you doing hope all its well and fine, Please advise I just get a lot of land in the city there…. I will like to have an Architects Drawing, Design and Planning Service for Six Bedrooms Duplex of Custom Home and I will appreciate if you can get back to me with the following details and if there is anything you want to ask me about and which area do you serve and kindly text me”
We responded by asking him to give us a call.
We received the following response:
– “Thanks for your reply, To answer your question, i own lot to build and here is the address: ****. I am estimating approximately 0.28 acres, Yes I want it to be to one story. I budget $2,000,000 or $2,500,000 and I will be paying deposit before you start. How soon can I get the estimate?”
Note that we never asked him anything except to call us.
We checked the address and, since the land was still for sale, we replied asking the scammer to provide us with a copy of the deeds for the lot in question.
He answered by writing:
– “ Thanks for your prompt response and I am okay with size of lot and the Units that will be on this lot and I will abide to your idea and I will like you to give me the Estimate cost of it all for the Architectural Design Service and Before I can make an initial deposit with my Check or Direct deposit to let you know that I’m serious about this project and I don’t want you to think it that you haven’t conclude with the project yet before i bring the issue of deposit and I just want you to know that am serious with it and Together we make dreams come true. Any Document you need from is going to provide to by the Surveyor Agent”
We stop replying since this is obviously phishing. We also googled the number and it was reported as a fraudulent one.
Next day, we got another email:
– “Thanks for your Rapid Response. I agree with the estimate you offered and i will like to proceed with this project and sign the contract too as soon as possible.”
What response? Apparently, this is a template which he sends to other firms.
Then he continues…
– “To have meeting with you is not problem but i will be need a little Favor from you because am having a little issue with the realtor I only Pay Him %85 Before i left the State that’s why my name is not appear on the lot.”
Who puts percentages in front of the numbers? At this point, we are trying to figure out which country he is from.
Our interaction goes on with him writing:
– “my Surveyor who will be sending you the survey plan and other documents I need to pay him some funds for the survey plan and other service he did for me. I want you to send me an invoice or Check Payment of $85,500 once the funds are cleared to your account, you will help me forward $65,000 to the surveyor through cashiers check/cash deposit or wire transfer to his account.”
That’s an expensive surveyor for such a small land!
He claims:
– “I could have done this myself but due to my Business trip aboard, I would not be able to do that from my end,”
Well… looks like he doesn’t know how to use online banking or perform a simple wire transfer… so we replied telling him that he must sign a contract before we could move forward and stated that this is required by NY law.
Hopefully, he will get the hint and understand that there will be useless to launch phishing attacks on others as the legal requirement to sign a contract will continue to apply everywhere. We can only hope that would serve as a deterrent for some. In the meantime, we will continue to keep vigilant to avoid creating weak spots that could make us fall for better crafted phishing attempts.
Sadly, it looks like these incidents are becoming more common and are increasing in number: We just received a new one claiming to be from India and to need help for a house in Staten Island.
Please be careful out there! Times are tough and are becoming even more so during the pandemic so, before you trust any inquiry, always ask for additional details (like the deed of the property they claim to own) that will ensure the legitimacy of those reaching out to your firm.
Here are some points which we all should watch out for if you receive this kind of emails:
Fishy (no pun) Phishing words