Contact Me Submission: Suspicious Order Request from Polk City, Iowa

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses experiences and concerns regarding suspicious order requests received through the Contact Me feature, particularly from individuals in Polk City, Iowa. Participants share their encounters with vague submissions and potential scams, as well as strategies for verifying the legitimacy of such requests.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant received a Contact Me submission with minimal information and questioned its legitimacy, noting they were unfamiliar with the area.
  • Another participant suggested calling the number to verify, mentioning potential scam tactics involving overpayment.
  • One participant shared a similar experience with an automated service when contacting a suspicious number, which led to a sales pitch.
  • Another participant expressed frustration over needing to verify the authenticity of inquiries, sharing a past experience where they successfully identified a legitimate request.
  • Some participants noted that certain names associated with scams, like Donna Dixon and Debra Dixon, have been reported frequently.
  • One participant mentioned receiving multiple suspicious contacts from the same area code and shared names linked to those inquiries.
  • Another participant described "pinger" numbers as a common source of suspicious contacts, explaining how they operate and suggesting that they are more of an inconvenience than a threat.
  • One participant remarked that genuine customers could simply place orders directly on the website, questioning the need for Contact Me submissions.
  • Another participant noted that while they haven't received recent suspicious contacts, others in their local group have reported similar issues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the legitimacy of Contact Me submissions, with some participants expressing skepticism and others sharing experiences of legitimate inquiries. No clear consensus emerges regarding the nature of these requests.

Contextual Notes

Participants' experiences highlight the challenges of identifying legitimate customer inquiries amidst potential scams, particularly with vague submissions and unfamiliar area codes.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who receive Contact Me submissions and are concerned about the legitimacy of such inquiries may find the shared experiences and insights relevant.

Intrepid_Chef
Intrepid_Chef
Silver Member
Messages
5,144
I got a Contact Me submission with no information but the phone number and "I Want To Order."

The phone number is a land line in Polk City, Iowa.

I am nowhere near Iowa, nor do I know anybody there, but who knows who my newsletter has been forwarded to?

I do not recognize the name.

Is this a scam?
 
? Weird... I'm assuming you googled the phone number? All you can do is call... if they try to do the whole I pay you extra, you send me change thing, you know it's a scam. Wouldn't take a check. Only a credit card.
 
Probably- I got a Contact Me like yours before Christmas. The area code was in New York City- I'm in Wisconsin. I called and it was some kind of automated answering service- so I could only leave a message- I did. They did call back and got my voicemail and they were trying to sell me something- don't remember what.
 
Don't you HATE that we now have to question someone when they email us?
I had one that was vague come in around Christmas.She was saying she had an old catalog and wanted to order a few things and listed what she wanted. I just said I was happy to assist her, told her when we needed to order to receive by Christmas, gave her the prices. I then asked where she was located, etc (played as if determining our shipping options).But by asking questions, I at least was able to get more info from her to determine if it was legit. Turned out this one was (someone from my church who must have been at a workshop I did years before). But you'll maybe get some info. Not sure I'd do it with just a phone number....that does make it a bit more suspicious. Would that person have any way of knowing you are not in Iowa??
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Some out of state people confuse my state name with theirs but ...

I was thinking of calling her tonight from my landline so I could block the caller ID.
 
What is the name? For some reason a lot of the scam ones lately originate in Iowa - Donna Dixon or Debra Dixon is a scam for sure....
 
I've been getting some with the 515 area code lately. Same number, two different names:Barbi Auntry and Tony Renner
 
Just google the number. If it comes back as a "pinger" number, don't bother.Pinger is a company that allows users to download an app, choose a phone number & have free text & calls. HOWEVER, they have to watch videos/ads to "earn" minutes ... OR ... have their friends/family call them to earn free minutes. Users have figured out if they hit our system & we call them back, it's a quick way to earn minutes.The "I want to order" is typical of the message that they are putting in with "nill", "null", "n/a" in the other fields.Without checking the number, I'm guessing it's one of them just by what you gave. I've had SEVERAL of those now.If so, they are not trying to steal anything from you ... just inconvenience you. The ones trying to place a BIG order and pay by check/cashier's check/money order through a debtor and need you to place the order ASAP are the scammers.
 
Barbi just "contacted" me too. 515 number.
 
If they wanted to order, they could have just placed the order on the website...
 
Although I haven't gotten one lately (got two last fall), some other consultants in my local group have. We've been reporting them to HO. I'm never sure if it's a "pinger" number or a hacker, since some of the "contacts" actually have orders attached.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a suspicious order request from Polk City, Iowa?

If you receive a suspicious order request, it's important to verify the details before proceeding. Contact the individual who placed the order directly to confirm their identity and intent. If you still have concerns, report the incident to your direct sales company for further guidance.

How can I identify a suspicious order request?

Suspicious order requests may include unusual shipping addresses, orders for large quantities of items, or requests for expedited shipping without a clear reason. Additionally, if the payment method seems unusual or the customer is unwilling to provide verification, these could be red flags.

What are the potential risks of processing a suspicious order?

Processing a suspicious order can lead to financial loss, chargebacks, or fraud. If the order is fraudulent, you may not receive payment, and you could also face issues with your direct sales company regarding compliance and security protocols.

Can I report suspicious order requests to authorities?

Yes, if you believe the order request is part of a larger fraudulent scheme, you can report it to local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Providing them with as much information as possible can help in their investigation.

What steps can I take to protect myself from fraudulent orders?

To protect yourself, always verify customer information, use secure payment methods, and be cautious with orders that seem out of the ordinary. Regularly educate yourself on common fraud tactics and stay informed about your company's policies regarding suspicious activity.

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