Comments on: Translation Scams Reloaded

By: Enrique de Miranda

Enrique de Miranda — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 10:19:11 +0000

recently had an attempt to be defrauded that way. This is the variation used: I was contacted by someone who found my name from the ATA directory. He said he had 2 long documents, part 1 and part 2 of some 58,000 words in total and requested a quote. He said he only had part 1 ready but wanted a quote for the total of words in both documents. The documents had the topic of the use of opioids and their psychological implication (probably copied from public sources). He agreed with my quote and sent me part one of translation. As I requested a 50% in advance for each part of the document, he sent a cashier check for the total, citing his need for a fast translation. The check arrived by UPS Urgent on a Saturday (of course). He “was in a rush”, so I should deposit and cash the check at once. Next day the person in charge of AP “did not approve payment” for the second part of the document and I should reimburse him for half of the amount received. Of course, I did not, but waited until I could cash the check, thinking that a cashier’s check was same as a money order. Wrong. It is not. I deposited the check and my bank froze my account. I had to open another account with different numbers, wait for several days to receive a new card in the mail and had to inform all my contacts, including IRS, about my new account number. Please beware of misconceptions about bank policies and documents. Cashier’s checks or even certified checks can be stop paid or altered. Unfortunately, many banks do not contact FBI or other authorities and just close your account.

By: Alicja Wesolowska

Alicja Wesolowska — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 14:55:53 +0000

There is another scam that should be mentioned here; a scam by legitimate translation agencies by simply non-payment to translators who are out of state. I have been defrauded in this way. The amount involved does not justify pursuing legal action, since it qualifies only for small claims court. They know that and simply do not pay resting assured that they can do it without consequences. Apparently the number of companies which practice this is increasing. I have reported this as fraud to the Minnesota Attorney General and they have responded that they have it on record, but will not pursue it on the basis of one report, so other translators should be encouraged to do this. I have also reported it as a wire fraud (e-mail) to the FBI, but again the response is the same. And I have reported it to the Labor Department and the Labor Commissioner of Minnesota. Other translators should be encouraged to do the same so that these agencies receive more complaints.

By: Sky

Sky — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 16:55:14 +0000

Thank you for your article! I have a suggestion to avoid calling a scam a specifically “Nigerian” scam. While I am aware of an actual incident involving Nigerians, these types of scams occur anywhere in the world. I believe attention to how we use language is incredibly important, especially as language professionals. It is imperative that we don’t contribute to any type of stereotyping, however minor it may seem. I hope you find this helpful! Best wishes.