The Con Artist Smackdown

A week ago, we were the target of the classic “The Check in the Mail” con. Problem was, the conman had only a bare grasp of the English language and no idea that we do not sell wine.

From: Wilmer Hayes
Date: Nov 6, 2007 6:20 PM
Subject: Wine Inquiry

Hello
Am Wilmer Hayes living in florida, am a wine supplier, i supply forweddings and birthday ceremonies, am really intrested in this wine(TheSommelier Smackdown)and i will like to know the actual amount of itand i want 200pieces of it , but my payment option is cashier check and i want you to calculate the shippment and get back to me asap.
Wilmer
–

—– Original Message —–
From: “Keith Wallace, The Wine School of Philadelphia”
To: winesupply@consultant.com
Subject: RE: Wine Supply

Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 09:00:56 -0500
Mr Hayes,

You seem to be a bit mistaken. The Sommelier Smackdown is not a Wine, but a Wine Class.

Regards,

Keith Wallace

______________________

At this point, I hoped the poor little conman was going to give up, but no such luck:

On 11/7/07, Wilmer Hayes wrote:

Hello Keith Wallace thanks for the reply, can you kindly calculate the 200pieces and get intouch with me with your information :Name, address,city,Zipcode and state. i hope to hear from you soon

______________________

I didn’t respond to that email, so here came another one:

On 11/8/07, Wilmer Hayes wrote:

I need 10 Quantity of each of the wines mentioned below

The Vintage Factor
How to Throw a Wine Tasting Party
Wine 101
The Wines of South Africa and New Zealand
The Money Factor
The Sommelier Smackdown
Holiday Food & Wine Pairing ………..

Kindly calculate all the wines and get back to me with there amount and the total of everything ,with the Sommelier Smackdowns,…i hope to hear from you soon

______________________________________

Okay, Wilbur isn’t going to give up, so I figured I should send him an invoice. After all, if I am going to be a mark, I might as well be a good one.

—– Original Message —–
From: “Keith Wallace, The Wine School of Philadelphia”
To: “Wilmer Hayes”
Subject: Re: sommelier smackdown


Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2007 18:04:35 -0500

Mr Hayes,

If you want that many seats to a few wine classes, we are happy to have you. You do realize you are buying seats in a wine class and not wine? We do not sell wine. I have attached the invoice.

______________________________________

Will Wilmer figure out that his game has gone pear shaped? Apparently not, since I get this email a few hours later:

On 11/9/07, Wilmer Hayes wrote:Okay, i will write out the check to you and you will get it before wednesday…thanks bye

Why Mr. Hayes, why?




Comments

2 Responses to “The Con Artist Smackdown”

  1. Food & Wine Blog | The Con Artist Smackdown on November 11th, 2007 10:26 pm

    [...] Hello Am Wilmer Hayes living in florida, am a wine supplier, i supply forweddings and birthday ceremonies, am really intrested in this wine(TheSommelier Smackdown)and i will like to know the actual amount of itand i want 200pieces of it , but my payment option is cashier check and i want you to calculate the shippment and get back to me asap. Wilmer – Read more [...]

  2. Dave Gaier on November 26th, 2007 9:06 pm

    Yes, Wilmer, there is a Santa Claus. And I imagine he will let you purchase 200 “Sommelier Smackdowns.” They come in 1.5 liter bottles and cost $250 each; have soft, supple tannins; aromas of coffee, leather and chocolate; and dense blackfruit flavors.

    If you smack one down too hard, however, it will break, and if you try to get away without paying, the sommelier himself will smack you with one.

    Good investment, if you ask me. Try one!

Leave a Reply




  • Wine Reviewer Login