Scam or not a Scam

And, don't take pills from strange men

I recently purchased a pistol crossbow online from a major New Zealand company. I received the usual courtesy email and was assigned an order number. The next day, I received a second email purporting to be from the company asking for a copy of my photo ID. On a second look, I noticed that my name in the second email had used my middle name as my surname, and the order number did not match the original. All this raised my 'spider senses', and I honestly thought I was dealing with a scam. I decided to phone the company's nearest store, which happened to be in Wellington. I voiced my concern to the disembodied voice. They said they would pass it on to their 'Software Team', and he would call back after I forwarded the second email to them. I waited for 24 hours, and after no response, I sent a reminder email. I received an email that the 'team' was diligently probing my issue (please note: this did not relate to any 'issue' emanating from any orifice of mine). I politely waited a further 24 hours and thereafter decided to phone a different store based in Auckland. I connected with a delightful young man, who, during the conversation, checked the order numbers I had received. It turns out that it was all legit, and indeed, it is company policy to ask for ID as proof of age when dealing with items such as crossbows. I have bought a crossbow previously online, admittedly from a different company, and this was the first time I had been asked to send a photo ID.

I'm not a naturally trusting soul, and in addition to the telephone checks, I also passed the URLs through a verification tool available online. These tools are free and easy to use. As with all things, it is wise to exercise due diligence when we navigate this difficult path called life. 

I was asked for feedback concerning my purchase experience. It was acknowledged that there was room for improvement, and my apposite comments will be passed on to the 'men in suits' or, more likely, placed in the filing receptacle labelled bin. 

Anyway, I have decided to share my email exchange for edification and training purposes. Names have been changed to protect the innocent. 

Random Gun Shop

Ref: 123XYZ 

Hi Flaxen Horatio,

Thank you for your purchase!

Due to the nature of your purchase, we are required by law to see proof you are over 18 years old.

Two ways you can provide the required information:

• Reply to this email with an attached copy of your photo ID
• Email sales@bouncybouncy.com with an attached copy of your photo ID

Note: You may be asked for ID by the courier driver on delivery

to 'The Team'

Hi,

As requested, and required, please find attached a copy of my photo ID. As you will note, I possess a rare 

handsomeness rarely discerned or appreciated. The request for a photo ID raised concerns; initially,

I thought I was dealing with a Scam Email. My concerns are as follows: I've purchased crossbows online before

and have never been asked to provide a photo ID. My full name is Flaxen Horatio Saxon; however, in the second 

email, I was referred to as 'Flaxen Horatio'. In addition, the order number (W2978) differed from the original order

number (28576). Perhaps you could clarify in your purchase confirmation email that a photo ID would be required

and that you operate with a dual order number system- just a thought from a concerned customer. I have to say

that your employee, Alfred, was extremely helpful and provided impeccable assistance during our phone conversation.

Alfred was polite and professional while dealing with my bizarre and niche sense of humour; he should be highly 

commended. Mayhap a promotion is imminent. He seems the sort of man that I would like to introduce

to my beautiful daughter. If only I could remove her from the clutches of the idiot she is associating with now.

By the way, she is an English, blue-eyed blonde. A wonderful exposition of the 'English Rose'. Anyway,

on receipt of my ID, I would be eternally grateful if you could expedite my order forthwith; please excuse 

the redundant tautology.

Cheers,

Flaxen Saxon

Web Sales at Gun Shop Akimbo	Wed, Oct 25, 4:55 PM (5 days ago)
to me

Hi Flaxen, thank you for your feedback, thoughts, and, I must say, a wonderfully written text!

I will pass this on to the team and get this posted (and definitely will let Alfred know! 

Have a great evening.

 

Kind regards,   Telescope Mugumbp Website Manager

The moral of the story: Don't eat soup with chopsticks