We received an email today that someone going by the name Charles Krossman, of or near Suisun City and Fairfield, California, is fraudulently requesting product samples for ToolGuyd review.
He is using the email address [email protected], and now sending spoofed emails from [email protected].
This individual is NOT affiliated with ToolGuyd, and never was. Please do not send him tools, knives, or other product samples.
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Sample requests will only ever come from me or affiliated contributors using toolguyd.com email addresses, unless I make an introduction first, or am CCed on the email.
If you ever suspect funny business in a sample request, please check with me directly if you already have my info, or via the Contact Us link.
Actually, verify all samples. Email me here.
We have the fraudster’s phone number and address. The email addresses he is using to commit these crimes is posted above.
Immediately after reading this post, he tried to “verify his employment” with the companies he’s trying to swindle.
Charles/Carlos, your only recourse is to 1) Stop what you’re doing, 2) Comment here with a list of companies you attempted to defraud or successfully swindled, 3) Apologize to all of them. And then, maybe everyone we will forget about it.
Update: The same person is now trying to spoof toolguyd.com email addresses, with the name Michael Michelli, possibly others.
We have another name we’re investigating – Carlos.
The Police Department has been contacted and given his phone number and address.
Jacob says
Maybe he’ll send in some stellar review articles?
Seriously though the cajones of some people.
Jerry says
Its kind of sad (well,sad as well as nauseating) that pretty much no matter what you do, someone somewhere will try to take advantage of it.
Luke Skywarner says
Clearly that guy needs repercussions. At this point, pressing charges should be your only course of action. You should definitely contact the police.
Since his actions are damaging your business you could likely sue him as well.
What a scumbag. What a bummer. 🙁
Jason says
That sucks to hear Stu. They are just ruining it for everyone by playing this scamming bs for free stuff 🙁
rob says
Wow-sad someone would resort to that. Suisun is a small town just outside of Fairfield, it’s mostly known for being the home of the “Mothball” fleet of retired ships. Hopefully they figure out who it is/was and I’d imagine if he was spoofing you he’s probably been doing other blogs as well beyond just tools/hardware.
Scott K says
Hopefully this doesn’t affect your ability to receive samples to provide quality reviews without having to empty your bank account. Good luck resolving the issue quickly.
fred says
Sad that the world seems to have so many folks who put their talents to use for nefarious ends rather than honest endeavor.
Adam says
Nice detective work Stu! Glad finally someone got caught pulling internet scams (hopefully).
Chris says
What a dumbass. I hope they catch the prick.
Ps. Dewalt reps, can I have some flexvolt samples to review 😀 oh well, it was worth a shot haha.
Yadda says
Sad.
ACalz says
Sorry to hear that Stuart. You work hard at what you do, and have done a great job building your site, to have some asswipe pull this kind of crap. I remember when I started the now defunct TheToolReviewGuy to make some ad money from adsense and write about all the tools I had. I gave up after a year or so, because just didn’t have the time to keep at it. You work to hard brother, hope he stops this crap.
You should send him a load of cow manure in side of a Dewalt hard case and see if he likes it.
Jim says
You just open the floodgates to those who never thought of this.
Congratulations.
You should have kept your mouth shut.
KL says
Yep, let’s not talk about scams or fraud and then the criminals will never think of them. Likewise if we just don’t mention sex to teenagers they won’t think of that either.
BonPacific says
Don’t blame the victim Jim.
RKA says
Oh please. This wasn’t particularly creative nor did it require a high degree of intelligence to pull off. And he won’t be the last one to try, but suggesting a wave of similar activity will follow is a bit much. I think it’s a given that there are more stupid people out there that think getting something for nothing is a great idea.
The ones you should be afraid of are far smarter, won’t be deterred by a blog post, and operate from a remote location where US laws mean nothing. Different subject for another day.
MikeakaFazzman says
Wow thats majorly lame. I live a couple hours away from Fairfield/suisun.
The name Carlos i know ive seen here before in replies.
Brian says
That is terrible. I think you should probably make a dedicated link for review samples so those companies can easily find how to get them to you and how to avoid a scammer. I’m sorry you’ve had such terrible issues of late, hope it turns around. 🙁
Stuart says
Companies don’t just send products out to whomever requests it. They know that blogs and magazines don’t send requests from @yahoo/gmail/aol/hotmail/comcast email addresses.
Even when I made requests when working with external magazines, I’m sure companies checked my credentials or with an editor at the publications.
This issue came up with an independent toolmaker, but there were still enough red flags for them to contact me directly.
Brian says
That’s what I’m worried about, Dewalt isn’t going to be a problem…but joe blow that came up with a good idea and trying to get it off the ground is the worry. Those kind of guys can be gullible and that can be a HUGE hit for them starting up. They’re normally already operating at a loss, these scammers can kill their business. I guess it’s probably not the scammer’s target but I’m not really sure how scammers think, most don’t seem that bright…hence the address and phone number easily being acquired.
It could also open you up to more new product reviews. You might not watch EEVb on youtube but often startups send him stuff to give a brief review. It’s great to get eyes on the product so it can really help a startup and if it fits a need and is done well, it can certainly help the viewers.
Toolfreak says
Hopefully this means the companies caught on real fast before they ever got a sample of anything.
Bill says
Keep your chin up….?
RC Ward says
Gotto love the internet huh, a hot bed of crooks and con artists. Not sure what you can do about it though. If you are a crook and it’s in your heart to do that it will catch up with you one day or another. Good luck catching this creatin
Michael says
Prosecut to the fullest extent of the law
Tyler says
So sorry to read this. It’s seems at this point, action had been taken and hopefully everything is resolved and your reputation is still in good standing.
Good luck with it all.
Mickey O says
That’s crazy. Send tools to [email protected]
John says
The scumbags in this world will do anything…..except get a real job and earn an honest buck!