We recently got an email inquiring about some martial arts classes. The subject request was worded strangely, and the english and grammar were poor, and this had some obvious signs of a potential email scam. We still provided a reply, as we welcome everyone to our gym, but found out rather quickly that it was indeed a scam.
The first inquiry is as follows:
Hello!
“I hope this e-mail finds you well! This is Brad Carlton. I would love to know if you are available for Martial Art Class and do you accept credit card for payment ?? kindly get back to me ASAPRegards
Brad Carlton”
We replied asking for more details. Perhaps he was inquiring about private lessons? It is obvious that yes, we offer martial arts classes as we are a Jiu Jitsu school and our website has every single detail you would need to know about our memberships, classes and payment types.
The second email reply came back as:
“Thanks for the prompt response, I want to make an appointment for Martial Art Class for my family. I want you to get back to me with the total estimate for 2 month private training for 5 people 3(Female) aged (12, 16 and 14 )and 2(Male) aged (10 and 10) for 2 months 2hr daily 3 times a week, they will be coming with a private transportation driver for the service.I will be expecting your reply with the total cost okay
Regards
Brad Carlton”
Okay, now it’s really suspicious – especially when they throw in the private transportation driver bit.
A few quick google searches and sure enough, I found some scam reports around this name and with the same introductory email phrase. Not only results for martial arts, but for yoga and personal fitness as well. These scam reports dated back to 2015 and apparently someone is attempting to still use it today.
We provided a “friendly” reply and we haven’t heard back.
But we wanted to share this to the community and hopefully this person doesn’t pull a fast one on anyone or other facilities.
Here is some other info that was used:
Name: brad carlton
Phone: (701) 369-2383
Email: Bradcarlton5@gmail.com