Have I hit the big time?

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:26 AM

Now, back to the thread.

And PS: Anne (Tabster) is a sharp cookie and her tongue was in her cheek from post one, imo.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:23 AM

And yes, it is a scam.
You can usually check that kinda crap with Mr Google.

Google


heritagemusicaward

or

tsamail.co.za

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:12 AM

"tsamail.co.za is a domain controlled by two nameservers at mailbox.co.za. They are on the same IP network. Incoming mail for tsamail.co.za is handled by two mailservers at wm.co.za. They are on the same IP network. tsamail.co.za has one IP record. jmail.co.za, mighty.co.za, edumail.co.za, 702mail.co.za, eramail.co.za and at least eight other hosts point to the same IP. 196.38.110.54 reverses to this hostname. wm.co.za, img.co.za, tims.co.za, iface.co.za, jmail.co.za and at least 23 other hosts share nameservers with this domain. img.co.za, jmail.co.za, mighty.co.za, edumail.co.za, webmail.co.za and at least 15 other hosts share mailservers with this domain. "

FYI

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: theleveller
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:04 AM

If you apply the old adage, 'if it looks too good to be true, it probably is', you won't go far wrong. These scammers rely on people's greed, egotism and gullibility.

There was a programme recently on TV where a presenter actually set up a meeting with some of these crooks (assisted by the Nigerian police who are trying to clamp down on them) but, in the end, never actually got to meet them despite going to the venue with a heavily armed police presence as, apparantly, they can be very violent.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 08:53 AM

I have, actually, replied with my tongue firmly in my cheek, asking for their registered business address and URL and also enquiring about the fire safety regulations for a concert of this size in a hotel of the size of the one there.
I don't expect to hear any more - but as I already get so many of the stupid Nigerian scam letters I don't think I've risked much in replying.

Anne

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: theleveller
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 07:58 AM

"I reckon you should go with it unless they ask you for money or personal details that could give rise to indentity theft?"


What? Isn't it blatantly obvious that it's a scam? Would anyone, for a single second, think that this was serious - just look at the standard of English, the ludicrous comments about the Queen? I get three or four emails a day, usually from Nigeria, offering me wonderful opportunities to gain millions of pounds. If you reply - even to tell them that they're fuckwits - you get even more emails. Just put them on the spam filter. I suppose someone must be taken in by them; after all, as they say, there's one born every minute!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 12:12 AM

They are everywhere. I listed something for my sister on craig's list. Got a nice email, "consider it sold. I will have my agent pick it up after you cash my certified bank check. Send me the physical address and all details of who to make the check out to."

A couple of emails from me telling him to phone so we could talk about it, first, got a response that he was away on a business trip and couldn't call, and, the second time, no response. Good riddance, I say, BUT I pity people like my sisters who wouldn't have had the savvy to suspect.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Bugsy
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 10:58 PM

I just entered the address in google maps


25421 Cabot Road, Laguna Hills

If you look at the street photo you can see that there is indeed a "motel" there, but I don't think that you'd get HRH there in a fit.

Definetly a hoax.


Cheers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 05:39 PM

A lesson to be learned by all musicians, whether pro or wannabe--READ THE DAMN CONTRACT. or, better yet, WRITE IT YOURSELF!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 03:38 PM

SCAM? It's a bloody rip-off. She's worth twice what they're offering.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Tootler
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 03:34 PM

Looks like a variant of the Nigerian scam to me.

Give me your bank details and I'll pinch all your money!!!!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Volgadon
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 06:44 AM

Who is this mysterious mother of all British women, a bit long in the face and toothless, no doubt.
If genuine, wouldn't they mention some of their sponsors in the USA?

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: TheSnail
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 05:46 AM

Don't worry Tabster. If it turns out you have to pay them $300,000, I'll lend you the money from all the winnings I've got from lotteries I didn't know I'd entered. Must be about $20 million by now. I've sent out my bank details to all the nice people who contacted me and I'm just waiting for the money to roll in.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 05:07 AM

Don't worry, Texas Guest - the grammar of the message, the content about the Queen, being addressed as a band and the wonderfully exaggerated fee had me tipped off from the start.
But wouldn't it be nice? *sigh*

Anne

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 11:23 PM

Tabster - it's a hoax, I'm certain. There was one going around in
North Texas not long ago and an email exposing the scam was sent
throughout the Celtic community up here to advise everyone.

I was chosen as a victim but I got hip to their scam when they
started delaying the "wedding" date and then asked me for my bank account number so they could send me a, "down-payment" on the fee we
settled on for me to do the wedding. The folks who contacted me were not very bright and frankly, reading the letter that was sent to you, why, I was tipped off immediately. Sorry Tabster, but good luck on the next round. Cheers.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 11:09 PM

At first blush it seems very exciting, but isn't it rather off-putting to be addressed as 'Dear Band'?

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: frogprince
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 11:03 PM

That has to be the single funniest F***kin' piece of scam/spam I've ever seen. LMAO.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 04:11 PM

My brother got one of these a few years ago when he was new to the internet. I was sorry I had to debunk it for him, he was so excited, but it was best in the long run, eh?!**bg**

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 03:41 PM

Note that "Heritage Musicstar Entertainment" (with quotes) produces ONLY THIS THREAD at Google.

Rather a small web presence for someone offering grand-scale payments for entertainers. Of course, if "The Queen" I mentioned above is the one appearing they might not want to be all that well known.

John

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Ebbie
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 03:07 PM

The offer appears to me to be genuine and exciting but isn't it sad how the people's English has so declined in grammar and usage? *g*

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 02:59 PM

The local area map at the venue suggests that a Japanese phrase book might be handy while there. You can rent a car (quite necessary in the L.A. area) from "Sakura Rent A Car" about a half block from the hotel, and might let "Japan International Tours" - a short block down the street - handle your accomodations and travel.

All the nearby "attractions" appear to have "Japanglish" names, but it's fairly close to "civilization," with the nearest McDonalds only about 6 blocks away. (Note: walking anywhere is not recommended for tourists in L.A., without prior consultation with local police, according to the two cops who stopped me the last time I got 4 blocks from my hotel on foot in a nearby area - - a few years back.)

The apparent "typographical error" in Special appearance includes the Queen of england and the mother of all British women e.t.c. perhaps requires correction before concluding who other attendees really are. "The Queen of England" was a name used a couple of decades ago by a transvestite/female impersonator who was widely advertised in the area. "She" would be rather old to be still performing, but might still be around. I don't recognize "Mother of all British women" but the "Mother of ..." construction was occasionally used by a variety of performers in venues where "queens" appeared. The reference in your mail quite likely refers to two separate appearances, although you'd perhaps want to inquire if you wish to respond to this offer with the s.e.r.i.o.u.s.n.e.s.s. it deserves.

John

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Alice
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 02:56 PM

Artists get this spam/hoax, too, as all creatives are so eager to be recognized for their work. They generally go something like... having seen your beautiful artwork on your web site, I/we wish to purchase....

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 02:37 PM

Golly, John, I'd never thought they might expect me to pay THEM $300,000! But maybe you're right - ah, well, in that case the whole deal's off.
Yes, I was puzzled by the inconsistency between the email address and their claims to be a US company (which doesn't seem to have a web presence) and yes, Judy, I expect the Queen would be surprised at her billing. I wonder how much she's paying them? Surely more than $300,000 for such an opportunity?
The New Otani hotel has apparently been renamed, so I'm not sure Mike Gary has his finger on the pulse.

My life here seems so dull now. *sigh*

Anne

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Jack the Sailor
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 02:28 PM

Maybe they should spend a couple of bucks less on the acts and a few more on proofreading.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 02:28 PM

"The Heritage Music Company Payment for service rendered is :300,000 US DOLLARS payable before the commencement of the event."


I think they may want you to pay them before the event. The English isn't precise here. Forgive me for prying, but is worth that much for you to perform?

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Sorcha
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 02:23 PM

Priceless!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Peace
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 01:44 PM

"300,000 US DOLLARS"

Maske 'em pay $500,000. It's not like they can't afford it.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 01:38 PM

I'm SURE they will only require a 'few' minor fees for local licenses, setup arrangements, agent disclaimers, publicity help...etc., etc....(about 14 etcs.)

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Amos
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 01:28 PM

Heres where the address is.

There seems to be no such company on the web, though.

And running a company in Laguina Hills with an email address in Africa seems...well...inconsistent. Here's a DNS analysis of the domain they use.

You could call the hotel and ask them what's on their schedule for that date:

New Otani Hotel & Garden
120 S Los Angeles St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: [phone]

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 01:03 PM

Sounds great, Anne, but I can understand your misgivings.

I reckon you should go with it unless they ask you for money or personal details that could give rise to indentity theft?

Blessings
Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Judy Dyble
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 12:59 PM

What a fantastic email! I bet you've emailed back instantly giving all the information they need. I wonder if the Queen knows she's the mother of all British women etc.
:-)

Judy

Subject: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 12:09 PM

Imagine my delight when I found the following message in my inbox! Trouble is, somehow I don't think it's for real - oh, dear fellow 'Catters, is there really a Mike Gary in charge of Heritage Musicstar Entertainment? Will he really pay me $300,000? Will the Queen be there? Why am I so suspicious?

Anne

THE HERITAGE MUSICSTAR ENTERTAINMENT
Company Address:25421 Cabot Road Suite
113 Laguna Hills
, CA 92653
Email :[e-mail]

Dear Band,
My Name is Mr Mike Gary, CEO of Heritage Musicstar Entertainment here in the United States.
we also promote and gives international exposure to musicians all over the globe.

We are writting to invite and confirming the booking of your you to perform at the Heritage music Awards. You will never regret working with us. We are powered by some great sponsors here in the USA.
Special appearance includes the Queen of england and the mother of all British women e.t.c.

We came across your profile and we are impressed with your services,experience,your kind of music of course is okay by us.
We are expecting about 1500-1700 guest & its going to be an indoor Event
The Venue as follows:

VENUE:New Otani Hotel & Garden - Hotel in Los Angeles CA
Address: 120 S Los Angeles St - Los Angeles, CA 90012
DATE:13rd of September 2008
PERFORMING HOURS:8pm to 9pm

The Heritage Music Company Payment for service rendered is :300,000 US DOLLARS payable before the commencement of the event.We are moved in the power of music.We are very sure you will give happiness to the Queen of England.Note we are having private show this year for security reasons

If you have any more publicity material, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Document and contract will be forwarded to you as soon as you honour our invitation.Please provide the company more information.Home address ,phone contact and other necessary data.We promise and ensure an accurate arrangement.Thanks for your cooperation.

Yours Sincerely
MIKE GARY