Total money lost $580
Type of a scam Online Purchase
Made inquiry to purchase 10 Hatchimals from company listed with Alibaba.com. Company rep (Able Kelly) contacted me by email, said to send 200usd, by Western Union or Money Gram, to Phoung Dinh at the above address. Once I had done so, I immediately got another email saying the cost to ship 12 items was too great but if I would send another 200 usd they would be able to ship me 24 for the same price. Since I know shipping small amounts is not very cost effective, it did sound fairly reasonable, so I reluctantly sent another 200usd. AGAIN, I was requested to send a third 200 usd to cover customs, VAT and duties.
I refused. I subsequently asked for proof of the order and a shipping invoice to confirm any charges. None was forthcoming.
I got an email from the (supposed) shipping company (Prime Express Courier) saying they had my order just waiting for my last payment, which I again refused to send.
They have sent me emails and text messages urging me to send more money.
Now I find out, from doing some research, that the text messages came from a text account in Toronto, Canada.
Also, back on Alibaba.com, I contact a couple more companies tro inquire about their Hatchimals offer, and got back emails from the same people!!!