Have I hit the big time?

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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Sorcha
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 02:23 PM

Priceless!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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 - 09:26 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: Joseph P
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:29 AM

Shall I send them a demo tape? 2 whole sides of Shepherd's Hey, I'm sure the Queen of england would be most satisfied.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:31 AM

You've got the spirit, Joseph. But don't forget to include all your personal info or the 'Queen of england' will be mightily pissed.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:39 AM

The following appeared on another forum (found with a google of

heritagemusicawards


"Hi all, we just recieved a forwarded email from our good mate Joe Pop,it seems there is a music awards at the London Hilton Hotel 28th July, we have done some checking and cant find anything about this event. there are quite a few London Hiltons but so far we have drawn a blank. It may be legit but it could also be a scam, we have emailed the people to find out a bit more
The email is below,
Any idea's, comments.

M & J xx

We the representative for the London Heritage Music Awards (which is

Based in the UK) and also we are a music promoter and we have promoted various

Artiste . We have a music festival and awards night .we are inviting you to come be among

the artiste who would be performing on the 21th of July 2008.This event is

Taking place at the Hilton international Hotel here in London.



We like you to cooperate with us by sending us more details about you. We

Want an accurate preparation from you.This great events comes up annually here in the UK.

We are motivated and supported by some great sponsors of music here in the United Kingdom.
The Heritage Music Awards sponsors has prepared a check of about

10,000pounds for you as compensation to your service. We pay directly to

Managers or artist involved in this great event.

We shall send you document and keep you posted as soon as you honor our

Invitation. You will be given the privileged to sell some CDs. All necessary

Arrangement will be made towards your arrival. All Invited guests are to

Arrive a week before the commencement of the awards."


Notice how cleverly it is disguised so as not to be mistaken for the one in the USA. Damn--when I read crap like this I have trouble not sinking into despair for the English language.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:41 AM

"We

Want an accurate preparation from you."

No freekin' misteaks excepted.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Paul Burke
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 11:50 AM

Hey, I've just been offered a degree! Here' (verbatim) the offer:

Bachellor, MassterMBA, and Doctoorate certification available in YOUR field of choice.

Yes, you can become a Doc and get all the benefits alongside it!

Our Diiploma/Certiificates are recognised worldwide.

No need for exams, or testing, classrooms, tests, even interviewing.

We turn no one down
We guarantee confidentiality.

CALL US 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

Adn I is just an enginnuer!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 08:30 PM

if you want to read about another good offer to struggling musos have a squizz at this thread!

sandra (appreciating the Google ads below - Stop Fraud and Phishing + Block Phish scams!)

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Ebbie
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:03 PM

Like you say, SCAM jumps out. Frankly I would be surprised if anyone here thought otherwise. As for the grammar and phraseology there is no doubt English is not his/her first language. I should think, however, that if I were doing something like that in a language foreign to me I would run it by a native speaker!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Hawker
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:13 PM

Oh No Anne!
Big Time it is then!
Sorry but we at Bude Folk Fest won't be able to come up to that!
tho r inglis mite wel as gud be it !
will you sign your CDs next time I see you, so at least Ill have a famous persons autograph?
Perhaps I could sell photos of you at Bude 2008 on ebay!
Will you still play word twist with me?
LOLOLOLOl

Cheers Lucy

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Bee
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:31 PM

Well, you never know what these Queens will get up to. I met the Queen of the Netherlands (Julianna) in 1972 at a pretty small award function for up and coming young artists. Very amusing: the studio school I was attending got something like ten invites, which was about a third of the students, and most of the Dutch kids weren't interested, so off a bunch of us - mostly the English, Welsh, Canadian and (one) Finnish students - went in a van, to eat free food, drink free beer, and meet the Queen while contemplating some interesting art.

However, I'm sure Elizabeth isn't making clandestine trips to musical events outside the country, so Tabster is right to be just a leetle bit suspicious!

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

I did reply, asking for their registered company address and URL, as well as details of their fire certificate, and received this in reply..you'll notice that the Queen appears to be a big folk fan (who knew?) and that the event seems to have mysteriously switched to London, for which I appear to need a UK work permit. Maybe it's at the Hilton? But if it was in July I've obviously missed it!

I'm gutted.

Anne

Dear Anne Lister
                   how are you doing today? What a great pleasure for the Heritage Music Company to hear from you. I like you to forget about the immpossibilities and face the possibilties.We are a bit security comsoius because of the Queen Of England.So we are not providing all information on our website,because so many people in uk wants to know are next moves.You understand what music business is now in the UK having such a VIP Will bring us the greatest marketing option in the industry.

Firstly i want to say your profile and experience in the world of music is too amazing to be ignored by the Heritage Music Company. We came across your profile after along time search of a great c musician. We also want to have a fill of Folk music in this year's awards event.

My representatives were able to find Anne Lister profile and lovely songs on http://www.annelister.com/Website. Your kind of music is highly welcomed by me and other members of the company. So fortunate for you that the kind of music you do is what the Queen of England really loves listening .We read through your profile it was a nice view for us.

We did like to confirm you for the heritage music awards event. Please we want you to get back to us so that the company can start making arrangement on how to send you all necessary documents and deposit that will back you up to travel to the UK .Please provide all relevant data about you, Address ,names and other important information.

All documents and deposit will be delivered through the GLOBAL FINANCE SECURITY COMPANY here in London United Kingdom. The document and deposit includes all original paper works that will enable you go through an easy preparation. The company also believes this will motivate you.
1. Original Letter of Invitation.
2. Contract agreement to perform at the Heritage Music Awards
3. Uk Working Permit
4. Deposit

You are welcome once again.

The security company delivers to your doorstep. The Heritage Music company arrangement towards your arrival is accurate. Remember London is filled with the spirit of hospitality. Please we want the best of performance from you. We believe your experience and talent is capable of making our day a bright one. We can wait to meet you in person.

Note all international guests are to arrive Two days before the commencement of the awards event. We will feed you with more information.

Mike Gary
CEO OF THE MUSICSTAR ENTERTAINMENT.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 06:17 AM

"We also want to have a fill of Folk music in this year's awards event."

Well, that's that then. They start defining Folk and the event will never happen.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Judy Dyble
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 08:14 AM

What wonderful letters they write Anne. I bet you were truly honoured that they wanted you to perform for them...

What was the deposit they were after?

Judy

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 01:46 PM

I think (but with their quality of English can't be sure) they're offering to pay me a deposit or an advance on the fee. However, that's almost certainly where they'll want my bank account details, so I'll never know!
I'm moderately impressed (and moderately alarmed at the same time) that they've clearly taken on board some of the content of my website. My husband points out that therefore they can already get at my street address and maybe I shouldn't wind them up any further with my replies. I have, however, reiterated in my reply to their latest that I would like their registered company address and without it I'm unlikely to be available, even for such a prestigious event (wherever it is).

Anne

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Stringsinger
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 03:19 PM

Dear Band,

Please sign our contract sight unseen. Wear your deep-sea diving outfit replete
with shark fighting gear.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: DebC
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 09:24 PM

It's pretty amazing isn't it? This is obviously a scam and stinks almost as much as the skunks that have taken up residence under my front porch.

What is really shameful, though are the legitimate companies who are out to make you a "star" and will promote your music and get you gigs and get you played on a bazillion radio stations and license your music to film and TV, yaddah, yaddah, yaddah.

I must get an email a day from these folks. A couple of weeks ago, I got a personal Dear Debra email from a rep of a promo company with an office near to where I live. She said that she liked my sound and that she thought I would fit in well with a show her company was promoting in my area. Upon further investigation, *I* would have to BUY a certain number of tickets to the show and sell them to my fans. The show is in a nightclub and the other acts were metal and hip-hop. I'd fit in?? I don't think so, not to mention trying to hustle people to buy tickets to hear music that they probably wouldn't choose to listen to anyway.

Another pay-to-play situation and I said no thanks.

Good for you, Anne for approaching this with humour and giving them the wind-up. It is good for a laugh.

vDebra Cowan

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time? Maybe NOT
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Aug 08 - 09:32 AM

THE HERITAGE MUSICSTAR ENTERTAINMENT
Phone contact+447045735361
Email :[e-mail]
Website:http:www.heritage-awards.tk

Dear Brethen,
My Name is Rev Dr Mike Gary, CEO of Heritage Musicstar Entertainment here
in the UK.
we promote and gives international exposure to various musicians all over
the globe.

We are writting to invite and confirm the booking of your ministry to
perform at the Heritage Gospel music Awards.
You will never regret working with us.We have so many great gospel artist
performing at our event this year including Kris Miller,yolanda adams,Donnie
McClurkin e.t.c .

We are powered by some great sponsors here in the Uk.
Special appearance includes the Queen of england 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.

The Venue as follows:

VENUE: St Martins Lane Hotel
45 St Martins Lane
Covent Garden London
London WC2N 4HX
DATE:24th of September 2008
PERFORMING HOURS:8pm to 9pm

The Heritage Music Company Payment for service rendered is :20,000 POUNDS
payable before the commencement of the event.

If you have any more publicity material, please do not hesitate to contact
me.
Document and contract shall be forwarded to you as soon as you honour our
invitation.Please provide the company more information.Home address ,Direct
phone contact and other necessary data.We promise an accurate
arrangement.All international guest are to arrive three days before the
event.Thanks for your cooperation.You are welcome in the name of the Lord.

Yours Sincerely
Rev .Dr. Mike Gary.

Looks like a scam... I got the same email bit different though... I was excited too

---

Please note that anonymous posting is no longer allowed at Mudcat. Use a consistent name [in the 'from' box] when you post, or your messages risk being deleted.
Thanks.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 19 Aug 08 - 12:02 PM

Which business is the good Rev or Dr in?

Barry

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Brothers Forever Gospel Trio in US
Date: 30 Aug 08 - 08:50 AM

Hello all,

Looks like we are victim to this scam as well.   Here is the letter we received two weeks ago. They were willing to pay for the flights, hotel arrangements and signed a contract that our booking agent gave them. I can't believe it!!!! It wasn't as exaggerated as 300,000 only 40,000. Seemed realistic enough.

THE HERITAGE MUSICSTAR ENTERTAINMENT
Phone contact+447045735361
Email :[e-mail]
Website:http:www.heritage-awards.tk

Dear BROTHERS FOREVER,

My Name is Rev Dr Mike Gary, CEO of Heritage Musicstar Entertainment here in the UK.
we promote and gives international exposure to various musicians all over the globe.
We are fortunate finding   your ministry at the southern gospel music forum.

We are writting to invite and confirm the booking of your ministry to perform at the Heritage Gospel music Awards.

You will never regret working with us.We have so many great gospel artist performing at our event this year including Kris Miller,Donnie McClurkin e.t.c .

We are powered by some great sponsors here in the Uk.
Special appearance includes the Queen of england 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.

The Venue as follows:

VENUE: St Martins Lane Hotel
45 St Martins Lane
Covent Garden London
London WC2N 4HX
DATE:24th of September 2008
PERFORMING HOURS:8pm to 9pm

The Heritage Music Company Payment for service rendered is :20,000 POUNDS payable before the commencement of the event.

If you have any more publicity material, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Document and contract shall be forwarded to you as soon as you honour our invitation.Please provide the company more information.Home address ,Direct phone contact and other necessary data.We promise an accurate arrangement.All international guest are to arrive three days before the event.Thanks for your cooperation.You are welcome in the name of the Lord.

Yours Sincerely
Rev .Dr. Mike Gary.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 30 Aug 08 - 04:51 PM

I might mention here that after I asked about the fire regulations etc I found the correspondence stopped ....funny, that ....

Anne
still languishing in obscurity

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 30 Aug 08 - 05:01 PM

"Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Paul Burke - PM
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 11:50 AM

Hey, I've just been offered a degree! Here' (verbatim) the offer:

Bachellor, MassterMBA, and Doctoorate certification available in YOUR field of choice."

So, you will be very-well papered and have a 16" dick that stays rock-hard for weeks at a time.

GO FOR IT, Paul

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Fidjit
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 06:24 AM

Amazing.

I've won the lottery in Spain so many times I can now retire.

Now I live in a little (Er large) tree hut in deepest Africa.

Chas

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 11:44 AM

Wise choice Fidjit Greystoke.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,John from Kemsing
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 11:55 AM

It looks as if we are all going to enjoy the big time. I have received an e-mail from Mr Ombongo in Nigeria, desperate to share with me $22,000,000.00 his late father spirited away from their oil industy returns when he worked for the Ministry of Energy. I have invited him to bring it all to London and when he arrives you are all invited to a party. Don`t hold your breath!!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: The Sandman
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 02:17 PM

no,I havent received one of these yet,perhaps they think I am the usa table tennis champion,Dick[the chopper]Miles.http://www.dickmiles.com

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Gold Harbor
Date: 05 Sep 08 - 11:36 AM

Does this idiot think that every artist is this stupid.I would like to present to him Hank Wiliiams JR , He out to be shot down,shot down and trampled beow the mudd. JR

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Jayto
Date: 05 Sep 08 - 11:55 AM

OMG I don't even know where to start on this one lol. If anyone sent them $300,000 let me know. I will start my own event soon lol. I think I can arrange an audience that includes the Mayor of Morton's Gap Kentucky (population 700) that should be worth $50,000 shouldn't it lol I am not sure if he is a folk fan but if I call it an honorary festival in his name and slide him $50 I am sure he would be up for it. So if anbody is up let me know lol You may not be playing for the Queen but you'll be playing for a man that has heard of her lol. Just kidding but I bet my idea has more validity than the email ya'll have posted. At least I could pull mine off.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 05 Sep 08 - 08:41 PM

"wants to know are next moves"

ROFLMAO!

"playing for the Queen"

Well I've still got my contact in theatre circles - how many Queens do you want? You could just ask during a certain week in Sydney...

"We are a bit security comsoius because of the Queen Of England."

I have great suspicious of their comsoius level...



You really MUST send the emails - complete with full headers to the appropriate authorities. They are quite keen to catch them, the other day a Melbourne guy went up on charges for pirating many thousands of DVDs...

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,gary holmes
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 01:21 AM

I think it is for sure a scam. I just got almost the same identical letter but they said they got my name and profile from BAGMA ( Bay Area Gospel Music Association ) but was offering me 100,000 pounds to come to the same event but it was in Enland with the Queen present also. I got the e-mail from the same Rev. Mike Gary CEO of Herritage Gospel Music Association.

Gary Holmes
Houston, Texas

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Nick E
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 01:26 AM

If you have to ask, you have the answer, no.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: meself
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 02:10 AM

"We will feed you with more information."

I don't know - I'd hold out for hamburgers.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Feb 09 - 02:22 PM

To All Concerned:

This is a shameless scam. Do not reply to this "Dr. Mike Gary" and do not divulge any personal or financial information. Shame on the individual(s) responsible for preying on performing artists, many of whom are desperate for work and have already been hard hit by the global recession!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Apr 09 - 11:15 PM

I have been contacted by this person, please let me know more thanks!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 12 Apr 09 - 11:56 PM

Read the thread.

Also, check the thread on irony.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 03:18 AM

Tell them, only parties who send you a non-refundable deposit, will get your consideration, being as you are very busy, and have a staff that handles your bookings!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 05:25 PM

I feel quite miffed that I have never received such an enticing offer, I would love to play for Her Majesty.

Something that has always puzzled me is why people worry so much about their bank details being revealed. The bank details which the Nigerian scammers ask for is practically public domain information, your account no. and sort code are on every cheque you write, so I am at a loss to understand why this information would be of the slightest use to any would be conman. It's not as though you are going to reveal your online banking password, is it?

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 07:19 PM

My wife is an experienced banker. She sees people victimized, or nearly so, by such scams all too often. The fractured english sounds suspiciously like several I have seen coming from Africa. I've received a number of e-mails conveying this sort of nonsense. They are brazen and prey on people looking for a fast buck. They target the elderly in the U.S. and, I suspect, elsewhere as well. The red flag is anyone asking for money from you up front, in any amount, prior to receiving your newfound "wealth." Nigeria is one of the countries noted for such activity. Several websites discuss "African e-Mail Scams." Trust me, HRH has nothing to do with this one.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Turbodog
Date: 13 Apr 09 - 08:41 PM

I'm not gonna post it here, but a few years ago I go so tired of those Nigerian scam letters that I made up one of my own and sent it back to them. Surprisingly, I don't get too many of those e-mails anymore. LOL

If you want your very own customizable copy, e-mail me in ALL CAPS at eljefe (at) eljefe (dot)net. Subject: YES! I MAY ALREADY HAVE WON! Hopefully, my spam filter won't insta-dump you. rofl!

TD

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 03:14 AM

TJ, I am not disputing that these scams do go on, that they are reprehensible and that they target the elderly and gullible, I am merely pointing out that the scammers' objective in obtaining your bank details is not to surreptitiously steal funds from your account without your knowing about it.

If your wife is aware of case histories where fraudulent deductions have been made from somebody's account where all the information the perpetrator had was the account no. and the sort code, I would be fascinated to hear about them, and exactly how the frauds were committed.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: treewind
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 03:31 AM

The scammers wouldn't ask for bank details if they weren't useful!
You can't withdraw money directly with only that information, but I know someone who suffered theft of ID and real money, and that was one of the steps. The rest of it involved (a) phoning the bank (quoting A/c no. of course) and asking for a replacement debit card "because it's damaged, and while you're at it better send me a new PIN too" then (b) explaining to the local post office that because of a messy marriage break up you want post for Mr X held in a mailbox for collection. A week later the thieves have card and PIN...

The sleepy,rural post office were mostly at fault in the above incident, for not getting hard ID, but it happened and apparently it's a common occurrence.

It's aimed at small company directors whose names and addresses are often readily available.

I'm sure there's lots of other ways that crims can accumulate info about people from different sources, which when combined are dangerous.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 08:19 AM

Forgive me Anahata, but your anecdote positively reeks of urban myth.

When you say "I know someone", does this mean this happened to a friend of yours who recounted the details personally to you first hand,
or were you in fact told about it by " someone who knew someone who knew someone to whom it happened " ?

It is impossible to order up a replacement debit or credit card just by quoting an account number and an address.

You will be asked a number of security questions over the phone, the answers to which are impossible to know unless you are the genuine account holder or alternatively have been foolish enough to divulge the information to somebody else, ( in which case you deserve everything you get ).

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: treewind
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 10:10 AM

does this mean this happened to a friend of yours who recounted the details personally to you first hand?

Yes. Exactly that.
As it happens, someone in a folk music related business but I'd better not mention names.
Somebody with a background in IT who wouldn't make basic security mistakes too.

Remember that identity theft is not usually about targeting a particular individual - it's about trying hundreds of potential victims and hoping you get lucky with one of them. One mistake by a lazy bank employee is all it takes.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 12:18 PM

Murray:

Fraudulent deductions have not been the issue except in rare cases. The banking system controls that sort of thing through encryption, etc. The victim must be a willing participant, wiring or sending money by check or money order to the perpetrator, hoping for a good result. Identity theft may be a secondary goal in many of these cases. For the most part, they just take the "front money" and disappear with it.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 02:24 PM

well, Anahata, if it happened, it happened, but it takes more than one mistake by a lazy bank employee, it would take at least three mistakes, and then it takes a further mistake by the staff at the Post Office.

if we conservatively assess the probability of each of these mistakes at say .01 % (in actual fact more like .0001% but let's be conservative, ) then the multiplicative odds of such an unfortunate occurrence happening is (.01)^4 , or in bookies terms, 10,000,000 to 1, and remember these are conservative odds, the true probability is much much less.

I don't think I would be losing any sleep over such an eventuality coming to pass, and if it did happen, I would be secure in the knowledge that I would be handsomely recompensed by the bank for what amounts to criminal negligence on their part.

I assume your friend was in fact handsomely recompensed ?

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 20 Apr 09 - 05:06 PM

Well, they're back in touch again! This time Antony Bab of the Heritage Music Company wants to book me for a cultural festival to be held in London next month, again in rather quaint grammar.
The website link checks out for Mike Gary and Heritage Music (www.heritage-awards.tk) although there's no mention of an event in May, and there's no way of making a direct contact with Mike Gary and Antony Bab gets no mention at all.

The venue is Friends House on Euston Road (a real enough venue).

So ... this time the Queen isn't involved and they're not saying (yet) how much they're offering as a fee.

Has anyone else been approached?

Anne

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 20 Apr 09 - 05:32 PM

OK, the plot, as they say, thins.
I googled the mobile phone number given in the email and discovered that this same Anthony Bab is also soliciting UK representatives for "Alizyme", and that the phone number redirects out of the UK.

Clearly, therefore, a scam but slightly cleverer than last time in that he's using a better-known venue and links to an existing website where a real Mike Gary has a real company called Heritage Music.

I was mildly excited there for all of ....oh, three minutes.

Back to obscurity.

Anne

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 20 Apr 09 - 05:48 PM

Anne, IMO, you are not obscure. You are a dynamite arranger, singer, musician, singer. You may have eluded 'stardom', but to achieve that you'd have to 'dumb down' your stuff, and I don't see you doin' that anytime soon.

In the past few weeks I have met--both on-line and in person--some absolutely wonderful writers, singers and musicians. They ain't none of them 'famous', but lots of them have more than a few people travelling hundreds of miles to be at their shows. Honey, it don't get much better than that.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 20 Apr 09 - 06:46 PM

Bruce, thank you!
I was, in some measure, being facetious, of course ...but it would be good to have some hot-shot PR company seek me out for some high profile gig all the same.
And wouldn't it be great if we didn't need to think our music had to be "dumbed down" for wider public consumption? The more I work with my music and stories in all kinds of places (prisons, schools, community events) the more I realise how patronising the providers of mainstream entertainment are to the general public. Who are (that's the public) more than capable of appreciating what I do. But getting exposure in the mainstream media - ah, now that's a whole different business. And I mean business.

Anne

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,leena
Date: 26 Apr 09 - 10:48 AM

Hi,

Just want to know if this heritage music company is true or SCAM??
Certain Edward Alex keeps on calling me and telling about the performance and I also met a certain Natasha who is their diplomat saying that she is carrying the 20,000pounds to be paid for my performance, but unfortunately I dont have a visa to enter to UK thats why they talk to Luis Vilora of British High commission to do my visa and they said its already confirmed that its okay and they told me to contact Caleb Robert of HSBC to send my performance fee, so what do you think? They keep on sending me emails and keeps on calling me, now when I'm waiting for my documents that contains visa all of them are gone!!

Is anybody here have the same case? Is the Heritage Music Company really exist??? Im a peformer and a musician..

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,leena
Date: 26 Apr 09 - 11:02 AM

If someone is contacted by Heritage Music Company and telling you that the performance will be on May2-3 of this year.... question???? how come they invite us without any audition? I also organizing a music festival but this is different??? Anybody share the same experience that I have????

please let me know....

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 26 Apr 09 - 11:16 AM

In a word, it's bullshit.

If you don't believe that, simply ask them to provide a pre-paid return trip airline ticket, confirmation of a good hotel to stay at while you're there, and say $1000 to spend for incidentals. When none of that shows up, then neither will you.

Keriste, just look at the use of the English language in the letter they sent out.


"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"

1) There are about 50 terrible errors with the use of the language, the punctuation of the language and the diction of the letter. If indeed Mike Gary is the author of that drivel, he is a fuckwit (to use a phrase from my friend, Spaw).

2) "Dear Band" ???? When ya got hundreds pf thousands to give away, dontcha think you'd find out the "Dear Band"'s name and maybe use it? That kinda ranks up there with "Dear Occupant, YOU have won $100,000. Provide us with your credit card number and pin numbers and we'll see what we can do about making you richer than you are at this moment." Anyone who does that shouldn't be let out alone.

Bah, humbug.

NO, it's not real.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 26 Apr 09 - 11:19 AM

New Otani Hotel LA
Los Angeles hotel reservations
Hotel Reservations - 800-916-8592


That is a toll-free number. Call the reservation desk and see whether they have a function on the days given in the letter.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 26 Apr 09 - 01:50 PM

Leena, you don't say where you're from, but if you've been booked by people you haven't known about before to play a concert in the UK for a fee of £20,000 then you must be a super star playing mainstream music. In which case you'd have played in the UK before and know the ropes about getting a work visa.
£20,000 is an enormous fee for a musician. The gig would be well publicised and you would be well taken care of by the promoters. It doesn't sound as if that's the case. If you are a superstar, then tell us your performing name and we'll all cheer from the rooftops for you! If not, call the British High Commission yourself to find out what's happening (or not) with your visa.

This is a scam. If something sounds too good to be true, then it is. If you have personal details for any of the people you mention in your post, then give them to the police where you are and tell them that they're involved in some kind of international fraud.

I've had similar correspondence twice now - read the rest of this thread and you'll see how annoyed it makes me.

Anne

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Bugsy
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 01:56 AM

I don't know if you've "hit the big time" but according to the emails I've been receiving, I've won over $450,000,000 in the last 3 weeks??

How lucky am I??

Cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,leena
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 08:56 AM

Hi Anne,

I'm working in an international schools here in Thailand. A certain Edward Alex is the one who send me an email through the email ad of [e-mail], give me your email so that I can send to you all the emails that he sent to me. now about the visa, I already send emails to a British high commission and Mr. Luis Vilora is the one who's processing my visa. This is the story, when this man is "doing the processing of my visa" he asked me to pay 30euro for the visa fee, is there a fee? second, he told me that he send the documents (visa and other papers) through the DHL and of course I give my address, and I'm living 400meters from the British council, then you know? the document was lost according to him (Luis Vilora) and the DHL staff CAN'T FIND my place. And he is asking me to pay 33euro for the damage fee! Oh my gosh! and you know what? Mr. Edward Alex told me to "please pay the amount" so that I can get my visa... i told them wait why should I pay? am i right or wrong?

Then they send a lady diplomat to talk to me and I meet her in bangkok, i told her that i"m a music teacher and what will i do? do i need to perform with my students or what coz i don't have any idea about this. I keep asking Edward Alex about this but he send me contract already.... well its a long story.....

SO, this is a scam? This is not true? I really don't have any idea about this please give me some details... and how about the other musicians? do they have the same experience as I have? They say that I will received the payment tomorrow and its wired in my bank well lets see....

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: breezy
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 10:02 AM

No you have not hit the big time but you may have been hit big time.

suckered

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Arnie
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 11:04 AM

Well, some scams work because the old adage about a fool and his (or her) money soon being parted still holds true. I read over the weekend that an Asian lady resident here in the UK is too embarassed to admit to her family that she has just lost £500,000 to an investment scam. This is one of a few such scams springing up during the recession, promising investors huge rewards on their investments. The problem is that some people with lots of spare cash (yes, they really do exist!)have nowhere to put their money now that the various Ponzi schemes have gone belly-up and are desperately seeking a home for all their money that will pay more than the measly 2-3% currently offered by the banks. This latest one was quite a sophisticated scam, with the lady being lead on gradually over a number of months - she said that the scammers had professional looking letterheads and brochures - so she was convinced it was a genuine company!! Well, if it worked for Madoff (the clue was always in his name)then it will work for the next generation of scammers.....Think I'll stick to Premium Bonds.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Emily S
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 01:54 PM

This scam sounds like one making the rounds earlier only notched up. That scam worked by suckering a poor artist into thinking a gig was coming their way. Payment would be sent prior to the gig (how often does that happen in legitimate life??). The payment would be with a money order - one that looked real enough. It was also always more than the amount agreed on. The performer would deposit the money order - or maybe it was a cashier's check - and then the scammer would email back saying "Oops, we overpaid you. Could you send us back the difference?" The performer would return to overage and then the original check would bounce.

These are scammers of the lowest kind, preying on folks who are trying to do honest work. It's one thing to hit on someone's greed but hardworking artists have fallen for this and suffered for their honesty.

Basically, if it's too good to be true, it isn't.
Beware folks!
Emily S

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 04:54 PM

Leena - please don't send me all your emails!
It is quite usual for a visa to cost money, so that part of it isn't odd. Was the "lady diplomat" from the British Embassy? (it's an embassy in Thailand, not a High Commission). It may well be true that DHL have somehow lost your documents, although that part sounds very odd. According to my Google search just now, the website you should be checking with is http://ukinthailand.fco.gov.uk/en/visas/ where they say that fees for visas are charged in local currency, not euros, so it may be that again you're dealing with the scammers. Check out the official website and see if the phone numbers and email addresses you've been given are the right ones.

However, as to the fee you've been offered to perform in the UK and the existence of Heritage Music - I'm sure that part is a scam. A fee of £20,000 is, as I said before, only likely for a mainstream headline act and very unlikely if you've never played in the UK before. And Heritage Music is the name used by the two different scam emails I've had personal involvement with. It's not a well-known company here - if you Google the name you'll find one website, and that doesn't mention important concert events. If your "Edward Alex" is as important as he says he is - paying fees of £20,000 he should be the biggest of the big time promoters - why doesn't he have a proper email address instead of one with a different name and via yahoo?   As Emily says above, payment for a gig is never made ahead of the gig, so if they say they've paid you already you need to be very, very suspicious. Something is very wrong about this.

Don't pay out any more of your own money until you've checked and double-checked every "fact" and name you've been given. Where is the concert supposed to be happening? Check it out on line. If it's a major event (and for a fee of £20,000 it would have to be a major event) it will be on line and selling tickets. If you can't find it, it doesn't exist. Also go back to the start of this thread and read the correspondence - see if any of it matches your experience. If it does, you're in the process of being scammed.

Good luck!

Anne

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 05:07 PM

How has this thread remained above the line for so long?

DC

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 06:44 PM

Because it has to do with music?

Anne

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 07:29 PM

No it hasn't. It's doesn't take more than a sideways glance to see that it's just one more in the long line of threads of the Nigerian scam form. The connection to music is incidental.

DC

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 28 Apr 09 - 02:57 AM

I'm beginning to think 'leena' is yanking chains. WTF can be this dense?

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 28 Apr 09 - 02:59 AM

leena, did you call the hotel and ask? HUH?

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Peace
Date: 28 Apr 09 - 03:08 AM

I don't think ANYONE should send Ms Thailand at AN International schoolS any e-mail addresses.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,leena
Date: 28 Apr 09 - 06:45 AM

Hi Peace,

They send it to me personal email okay and checking about the hotel they never give me the name of the hotel because they ask me to send 33euro payment to the DHL with regards to my documents. And so as of this time, no money was being wired to my account and and I'm not a yanking chains okay? This is my first time in this kind of "scam", when I type heritage music company.tk in google, I found this kind of forum and I when I read it the same email that they send to me but the different is the name. Now, I'm sending their names and email add to the British High Commission queries and complaint but I was thinking there is one person in BHC, who contacted me about my document, is anybody here know this person in the name of LUIS VILORA from the British High Commission?

Thanks Anne for your concern, I really appreciate that...
I keep in touch thru this thread.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Apr 09 - 08:00 AM

Hi Anne,

The Heritage Music Company and the other concern people send me email saying that they HOLD the money because I'm accusing them of scam and they told me that my character is bad as an artist... well all the blame was put on my face, but they haven't answered my question about the document, where is it? Did they send it? And the money? Did they really send it to my account or they just saying that the document was lost and we're going to hold your money because of your character!

Thanks for this thread and I was shocked of the attitude of these people as if because I'm an Asian they can fooled me?

Well, no comment.....

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 28 Apr 09 - 09:18 AM

I have been advertising my availability as a teacher on Craigslist and I've started getting these kinds of reponses. Something about it stinks, methinks. What do 'Catters think?

Mark Ross


Hello,

How are you doing? Hope things are good with you? My name is Faith Walcott. I saw your advert concerning the coaching/lesson you listed to lecture anyone who is ready or who is lacking the knowledge . I have a daughter whose name is Kimberly Walcott, she is the only daughter that I have. I want the best for her in terms of education. She finished her first school in united states, but i have been only one who has been taking her responsibilities since her dad died in a car accident on his way to california for a conference meeting.so thats why i decided to have another man into mylife that will be like father to my daughter and i also.So she wont grow up knowing anyone as his father and I love her so much. Presently I'm in LONDON with his step dad. Im so sorry for saying all this, but im just saying it because I want the best for her , I will want you to me answer these important questions below so I can know the next step for you to start the lecturing...

1. How many months do you intend lecturing her ?
2. Please do you have a degree because i will need someone that is qualified.
3. How much do you charge per hour for lectures ?
4. How much is the charge/fee per month ?
5. I will need a closer Motel/Hotel close to your location, or any in the city ?
6. Do you prefare home lecture or she will come to you ?
7. Are you a male or female ?
8. Most especially, is the space for lecture still available ?
9. Whats the closest airport she can have her flight scheduled to from here?
I want you to answer these questions as soon as possible and I will wait for your response .
Thanks for your anticipated cooperation.
Best Regards.
Mrs Faith.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Apr 09 - 09:32 AM

Mark Ross,

I also got that kind of email but when I answered it... yak! its nothing.. well try to email her back..

Guys,

thanks for this thread! I have a clear mind now about the heritage music company...

thanks anne for the response..

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 28 Apr 09 - 02:17 PM

The reason this stayed above the line is because they are targetting musicians with music jobs. Yes, it's a scam, but because they are putting it out with a music slant it is likely to catch people (musicians)out (for the proof of which, read the thread).
It's a very different read and approach from the usual Nigerian scam letters (which now appear to have moved on and I for one am being offered "compensation" for having been scammed - as if!) and it is specific to musicians.
If you don't agree, just don't read the thread any further. Simples.

Anne

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 28 Apr 09 - 02:19 PM

Leena - if you want to know if there is a Luis Vilora at the British Embassy in Thailand (it's NOT a High Commission) then use the link I gave you before and ask them on that phone number or at that email address. None of us here are likely to be experts in the staff at British Embassies.
But it's a scam. You're clearly not a high profile music star so no one over here in the UK is going to pay you that much money for a concert appearance. Trust me on this!

Anne

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 28 Apr 09 - 06:55 PM

OK Anne, I'll take your advice and keep out of the thread but if any musicans are foolish enough to take your e-mail seriously for even two seconds, then perhaps they deserve all that's coming to them.

DC

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Rob the Roadie
Date: 29 Apr 09 - 05:18 AM

I would string them along for some time giving them duff info. The more time they spend chasing you the less time they spend chasing dumb suckers! Besides it will be interesting o see what they say next!!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,leena
Date: 29 Apr 09 - 07:27 AM

thanks a lot Anne,

they send me another email and saying there are not scammers "as if" they're telling the truth, you know when I called them they're really not British people because they don't have accent when they speak...

again thank you very much Anne....

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 03:47 PM

Yes we were aproached as well; something struck me as odd right away!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,musicians/artist
Date: 01 May 09 - 06:41 AM

guys,

is any one received an email coming from the Heritage music company there in London? the organizers keeps on telling me that they have a performance this may2-3 in this venue:

The Venue as follows:
VENUE:
Friends House Hall( London ) Hospitality
Friends House
173 Euston Road
London NW1 2BJ

kindly check this co musicians, because I received an email coming from edward alex and he's inviting me to attend and perform there and the payment fee is 40,000pounds????? is this true? UNBELIEVABLE!!

Their number:
THE HERITAGE MUSIC COMPANY
[phone]

LET ME KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 01 May 09 - 11:09 AM

If it's too much trouble for you to read this thread or google concerts in London over this weekend (or any of the names in the email) then you probably deserve to be scammed. Yes, it's unbelievable and that's your biggest clue - it's not believable.

Nor, coming at the end of this thread, is your question.

Anne

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Bugsy
Date: 02 May 09 - 04:55 AM

I find it hard to believe that ANYONE thought of this as anything but a SCAM in the first place.

Cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 02 May 09 - 08:05 AM

So do I, Bugsy, so do I - and I, of course, didn't. But just as there are people who fall for the Nigerian letter and the bank "security alerts" there are people who fall for this one. I'd love to believe there are total strangers out there willing to pay me £20,000 for one concert performance, though. *sigh*

This same message has surfaced on a fiddle forum as well, though - it's certainly getting around without (so far) being picked up by the various hoax busting sites.

Anne

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST
Date: 05 May 09 - 11:32 AM

The scam hits Mexico too! I got the Heritage House invitation and at first I thought it was legit, but when I saw how much they were going to "pay" me I knew it was bullshit. I searched the web and here I am with other musicians saying how nice it would be to get that much money for two 30 minute sessions! Well, now that it's over all I can do is laugh and keep playing my instrument knowing I'm a little wiser, you learn something new everyday, friends!
Juan
www.myspace.com/juan_gaspar

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Guest in Canada
Date: 12 May 09 - 05:49 PM

It has now hit Canada too. I got the email the other day on tour, and I didn't know any better so I answered the email. He replyed with this....

A london show for a music awards and festival. I called and he doesn't even sound like he is from there. We don't even play Gospel music LMAO so I knew there was something wrong when he emailed me.

I called today and talked to this so called MIke guy and said the show was cancelled and moved to June 20-24. It was first told to me that the show was on the 10th!

Anyways, ITS BULLSHIT. I can't believe they would scam musicians..


"We read through your website and I observe how intelligent you are in the
Gospel Music entertainment World which is going to help us to have an easy
communication with you.

The Company is taking care of your traveling tickets and Hotel
Accommodation.

You Band needs to obtain UK work Permit from the British High Commission
to enable smooth arrangements. My Company will connect you to the BRITISH
COMMISSION to procure this relevant documents without been stressed up.

Reconfirm your home and office address and also send us a written
Biodata about your band for our perusal and further action .You can
only send me emails bcos i am presently out of the office for an official
duty
in Spain.

We have attached the company formal invitation Letter and Contract
Agreement.Return back to us with a signed copy for proper documentation.
The Event 0rganizing committee is presently updating our website more
information is coming soon.

Acknowledge the receipt of my mail

Stay Blessed
REV DR MIKE GARY
HERITAGE MUSIC COMPANY"

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Guest from Canada
Date: 12 May 09 - 05:50 PM

And he said he was in spain and to email only so i called and he answered lol idiot

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 09 - 06:53 PM

It's a great pity that we don't have the technology yet to PM these b......s back with a fire cracker of a virus to completely kick the s... out of all there computer software and hardware.
Maybe one day!

...and as a UK resident how very dare they use our (beloved!?) Queen in such a numbscull scam?

I'm outraged.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,mike
Date: 21 May 09 - 11:58 AM

I just received an e-mail from the reverend. He offered me 50,000 pounds to play two, forty minute sets!!!!! He actually called me at home this morning to remind me to check my e-mail!!!!!! Hilarious!!!!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Charles Moffat
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 11:22 AM

I recently received an email from a Brew Smith asking me to come to England and build a memorial sculpture. He said he had seen my website and was very impressed (while I am also a sculptor, there are no sculptures on my website [charlesmoffat.com] so immediately warning bells went off). He was offering to pay $9000 USD plus all my expenses.

Mr Smith then asked me to contact a "Dr Edward Alex" of the British High Commission in order to get my work permit... Dr Edward Alex then responded (from a Gmail address no less, not a .gov.uk address!) asking for some paperwork and 160 pounds sent to him in HIS name, not in the name of the British High Commission.

Of course I was already on to him. Work permit scams are apparently very common in the UK. I checked the IPs and they were both coming from the same location.

I offered to go get the work permit from British Consulate in Toronto (a mere 30 minute walk from my home) and he promptly ignored that suggestion, insisting I send the money to Edward Alex. (Oh and neither one of these people can spell properly... horrible English skills for Brits! And they LIKE USING BLOCK LETTERS A LOT IN AN IDIOTIC EFFORT TO LOOK OFFICIAL.)

I ended up playing with him, saying I didn't have enough money for the work permit, could he please send me $50 by PayPal... he said he phoned "Dr Edward Alex" and said a lesser payment would be okay.

I am going to continue playing with him as long as I can. The more time he wastes on me the less time he will spend trying to scam other people.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,justincase
Date: 06 Sep 09 - 11:13 PM

Im surprised this is going around, I got one too...

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 12:17 AM

Memo to Bugsy & tj, FYO -

The Queen is NOT HRH {Her Royal Highness} —

She is HM {Her Majesty}.


Memo to MtheGM — You need to GET OUT MORE...

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Soprano 39
Date: 10 Sep 09 - 07:35 PM

I have just received an email from DR Gary Smith to be invited at the festival music awards.
Too good to be true, all arrangements made and a great fee but i had to get intouch with the british high commission for an UK work permit and pay the fee of 200 pounds !!!!
How can these people continue they little fraud games, work on peoples hope and still walk free.
I think the guy should be tracked down and pay !!!
Was too good but to ask so much information and get can't get hold of him on the phone, makes mistakes in his emails and when i did finally speak to him a terrible foreign accent for an english guy !!!
I glad i made my research and listen to my husband before i signed or accepted anything !!!!
CAREFUL THERE HE GOES AGAIN !!!!
DR GARY SMITH AND DR WARREN DARWIN !!!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Weasel
Date: 11 Sep 09 - 08:06 AM

I had a similar sort of thing - a chap asking for lessons for his daughter who was visiting England. I told him I charged £3,000 per 30 minute lesson (Yes, three thousand pounds!) and he was quite happy with that. At some point I had to send him some cash of course. I played with him for a while and then got bored.

Cheers,

Weasel

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Ofernyc
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 04:17 PM

I was also invited to speak at Royal London Youth Conference 2010 by a gentleman named Pastor Mike Gabriel. The offer was all too good with hefty honorarium and all expanses paid. There was a presented urgency as the conference was taking place in less than two weeks. Then was referred to Dr. Warren Darwin from the British Embassy to send documents and pay a work permit fee of $400. The address was not a UK Embassy address and the whole thing was proved to be a scam.

Be careful of Dr. Warren Darwin and other scams. Always look for the address where the money is to be sent and make sure you also speak to them in person! The first sign is when you can't call them or get in touch with them!

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 04:25 PM

The biggest clue is an unexpected invitation with far more money than you might expect for an unlikely venue or event.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Sylvia Allen
Date: 30 Mar 10 - 10:05 AM

I am grateful to ALL of you who posted the scam! I do so much public speaking (and have been reaching youth markets) that I was thrilled (initially) to speak to 3,500. Once they asked for money to be sent directly to Dr. Warren Darwin (theoretially from the British Embassy) the red flags went up. How do we stop scams like this? Thanks to all, again. If you ever need (legitimately) a motivational, inspirational speaker give me a call. (www.sylviaschildren.org)

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,Toronto
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 12:05 PM

fyi - this scam is still going on in Canada. We received a request recently from this same Youth London Conference, just with a few different contacts/details. Appreciated this thread that gave us additional evidence that the red flags we sensed indeed were a problem.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: GUEST,The Rev is back
Date: 26 May 11 - 10:41 AM

It's 2011 now and I just got an email that seemed to good to be true. Five mins on google I see it is, I'll string him along for a laugh I don't have a cat to play fur balls with.
But beware he's back,



Respected Performer


My Name is Rev.Mike Gary Festival Director of Heritage Music Company
here in the London UK . A company that specializes in promotions of
events in the entertainment industry.We promote and gives
international exposure to musicians and entertainers all over the
globe.To position London as a cultural centre for world-class
performing arts in United Kingdom,the capital london will be hosting
the International Festival of Dance and Music for the ninth
consecutive time.

BLAH BALH BLAH

Yours Sincerely
Rev.Mike Gary
Festival Director
THE HERITAGE MUSIC COMPANY
[phone]*

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Ebbie
Date: 04 May 12 - 02:54 PM

Out of pure altruism I would like to help her out, but I can't figure out how she knows me. I don't remember ever meeting her but she obviously loves and trusts me.

"A personal message from your friend, Abida gaddafi:


Dear Good friend,

I am Abida Gaddafi wife of late Khamis Gaddafi the son of Colonel Gaddafi the Libyan leader who died in NATO raid in Tripoli.

I am contacting you to assist me in removing the sum of thirty six million USA dollars been parked in trunk box and deposited with a security company in cote diviore.

The funds was deposited with a security company in my name, as a matter of fact, my only son and the entire family of my father in-law were trapped in a bunker in Tripoli before the end of the war, when i manage to sneak out with my son with the help of a security guard, Cross the border and am presently in hidden place in cote diviore.
My only means of communication at the moment is my laptop and hoping to travel to to any part of the world to safeguard my life because the regime of my father in-law has collapse." And so on.

I used to tutor in English as a Second Language- do you suppose she is a former student of mine?

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 May 12 - 08:33 PM

Ebbie-

I'm so pleased to hear that you've made this valuable contact. Please follow it up and have the funds deposited to my bank account here at Mudcat Central.

MAX

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: gnu
Date: 05 May 12 - 04:30 PM

I never open emails from people/programs/sites I don't know. Having said that, I have Rogers/Yahoo mail so I can chosse to delete them before they ever get to my PC.

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Vic Smith
Date: 08 Jan 14 - 09:05 AM

The original question was Have I hit the big time? which for me is all about an artist's top claim to fame.... so here goes me with my claim -

I have played in a band for many years with a bass player who once was placed third in the fRoots magazine's Readers' Poll's Worst Trousers section.

So I ask the question - Have I hit the big time?

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 08 Jan 14 - 09:50 AM

of course!

but out of sheer vulgar curiosity, what other polls did they run?

sandra

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Richard Mellish
Date: 08 Jan 14 - 11:48 AM

Excuse me if I've missed it, but I don't think anyone in this thread has pointed out what I've seen suggested elsewhere as one reason for the poor English and nonsense in most of these messages: that the scammers are looking for uncritical victims.

Richard

Subject: RE: Have I hit the big time?
From: Old Grey Wolf
Date: 08 Jan 14 - 02:46 PM

419 scam and identity theft. The giveaway is the .co.za (South Africa), the very poor spellings and grammar, and don't forget the typos.