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Your hearts are in the right place... but ,, the way you guys "Tag Team" people, is very off-putting to the people you seek help and assistance from. Not only is it unnerving, but it immediately puts them on the spot and makes them feel threatened regarding their own business and lively hood... It was also difficult for me to watch because of this. I felt sorry for the business owners... You really upset their worlds..... A couple of suggestions., dont "Tag Team"... particularly if they are older or elderly... You wont get help and they will shut down out of shear confusion..... Also, dont wear dark sunglasses when your talking to the shop owners,, allow them to see your eyes and that your honest in your intentions... Lastly.. Look and act more professional. Shirt and tie may be nice, get business cards maybe even have a brochure or pamphlet that explains what you do and the story behind your help... Worst Case Scenario, create a dvd with your information on it and show it on your laptop to the shop owner... Not only does it look more professtional, but it shows that you are more invested in trying to help someone, than two guys coming in out of the blue and "Accosting" the worker or shop owner..... If you follow these suggestions, as well as speak slower, and not so loudly, I promise you will get a much much different outcome.... on a side note, you might consider inviting the shop owner for a cup of coffee to a nearby coffee house and show them the video there at some place that is much more neutral territory. Rolling up on them inside their shop puts them completely on guard and they will either come out fighting like the woman in the 2nd address, or they will completely shut down like the man in the first video..... This is old news to you guys.. old hat.... the stores and people that your dealing with, it is not. It is new and scary to them.... Sweet talk them a bit.. maybe give them T-shirts with your business logo or tagline, SOMETHING and you will get a much better outcome.... I promise... (unless of course they are actually a part of the scam....then your cover is blown anyway...)
if you meet the scammer face to face, you could always make a citizens arrest and detain the scammer until the police show up... there are some ins and outs regarding a citizens arrest in the state of California and the potential problems that could happen if you are wrong.... further info can be easily searched.. I found info here: www.shouselaw.com/ca/defense/penal-code/837/
As a private investigator with 30 years of surveillance experience, may I offer a few suggestions that might help? First of all, it's doubtful that you're going to get anywhere by trying to involve the people that work at (or own) these PO Box rental locations. They KNOW that shady people use their services and probably don't care. If it were me, I'd send the package in an easily identifiable box that you can spot from at least 50-75 feet away...like maybe a colored box, an oddly shaped one, or a regular brown box that's sealed with brightly colored packing tape. Make sure you guys have a picture of what the box looks like. Bear in mind that the pick-up guy will be on the lookout for anything suspicious....like people hanging around outside, or multiple people sitting in a vehicle and looking toward the store. If he/she sees anything that seems odd, they most likely will just leave the area. I'd get a vehicle with tinted windows, binoculars, lots of snacks/drinks, and be prepared for a several hour surveillance. Maybe shoot just a few seconds of video of everyone entering the store once you know the target package has been delivered. It's always possible that the pick-up guy has a relationship with the person working the counter that would allow them to walk in the front door, pick up their package, and leave through the rear door. Don't go in the store AT ALL and don't make a move until you see that easily identifiable box being carried out the door. At that point you have two choices -- you can jump out and confront them, videoing them AND the tag number of the vehicle they leave in, or you can tail them to their next stop by using a small tracking device that you'd previously put into the target box. I'd be happy to recommend an inexpensive but very effective one. Lastly, I wouldn't initiate contact the scammer for any reason at all....not to let him know the package has been delivered (believe me, he already knows because he's most likely tracking it too) and definitely not to try to find out when it's going to be picked up. I admire what you guys doing and I'm not trying to tell you how to do your job...just want to share some things I've learned over the years that might make it a little easier. Happy hunting!!! =)
I agree and am appalled at the fact that owners agree to sign up for this and know what may be going on! You live and you learn - they’re clearly new doing this but it’s a good lesson and i love their drive - i hope they keep pursuing what they’re doing and don’t get discouraged. This is just a small block in the road and thanks for the advice you gave them!
This man is speaking facts, these youtubers are rookies, the mail lady knows these folks are scamming she don’t give a fuck. Y’all need to do this smarter.
Jackie Nole - What are you even talking about? If you want to run a mail business, that doesn't make you bad or corrupt. You'd have to be naïve as hell to think that less than above board stuff won't be passing through your location on the regular. That's like saying realtors are corrupt because sometimes people make meth labs in the houses they buy. It's not up to the proprietor to concern themselves with why the person is using the box. In fact, when the cops left the first location, they said he was going to examine the proof and potentially close down the box/not renew. That is something he didn't have to do if he didn't give a shit, he could just keep taking the guy's money. I understand where both the business owners were coming from completely, and think you'd be crazy to react in any way other than how they reacted if these guys approached you with the crazy energy and manic story they presented, all while carrying a camera without the person's consent on private property, discussing criminal activity and all that. Obviously they're trying to do something good, but they're going about it so, so wrong. They could get someone trying to take revenge on that store owner if he closes the mailbox, or if they did intercept the scammer, he could have attacked them, even potentially had a gun. They're putting innocent people at risk, and they need to completely reconsider how they're going to do things moving forward.
You're given them great advice. I hope they'll listen to you. The problem is they don't have a plan. Their objective is just to confront the scammer, but that's not enough, they're not law enforcement, they're not detectives. With the proper planning, they could bust the whole operation, but what they're doing is very ad hoc, very amateurish.
Guys I love what you are doing. Take this as constructive feedback. When Art does the talking with his Russian accent and speaking fast and passionately to these owners it it TOTALLY freaking them out. Art does a great job trying to spell it out it just feels like an assault. Have Ashton do the initial talking. His American accent and slower pace speech pace might make it easier for them to listen. For pete safe mind your volume. Loud volume comes across threatening from strangers. You have to treat the store owners like you are talking to your grandmother everytime or they will spook. I am also praying for your safety. I really hope you have more than a camera and a cell phone to keep you safe.
That is kinda true. I would recommend Ashton talking first as Art just goes all in straight away xD also when you intertwine with each other and speakover it doesnt convey the message properly.
I think you guys should let the store owners know about what's going on right from the start. Hanging around and waiting until later comes off suspicious to the store owners. And two guys talking over each other at the same time does not help either. I hope you guys take this constructive criticism.
It was really aggressive, businesses cannot trust everyone that comes in accusing someone of doing a crime. Obviously the legit way to go about it would be to tell the police, like this vigilante justice and blaming the poor business owner lady is just ridiculous. She has just as much right to suspect you guys, as she has the "proof" you are presenting her. What if you are running a scam to get information on po box owners.
I know this is an older video. I am a retired Postal employee and have worked as a clerk. If the P.O. box is in a government building, not a UPS or FEDEX store, they are not Federally owned. you can speak to the Postmaster or Postal Inspectors. They can investigate and set up a sting on that particular box. The scammer will be arrested immediately.
You need to have the box wrapped in bright orange duct tape, then you would never even have to go in the business. You could sit in your car and wait for the person to pick it up. It would be easily identifiable by the bright colored tape on the box.
What you guys are doing is great, but you seriously need to change the way you approach people. You over talk each other all the time and appear to become argumentative. You need to stay calm..
Showing up and talking with the business owners under false pretenses completely undermines your credibility. Pretending to want to open a PO Box or use a charger and then later telling them you're really there to bust a scammer is going to put people off as they now view you as a liar. Rethink your strategy.
well I think they tried not to give up their cover, so all of these comments may help them do a better job. im sure they did not mean to come out as liars in front of the store owner.
I get it and all but I think you all are missing the point and not seeing the big picture of the issue its not about how they conducted there operation its about she did not care regardless of how they did it or who they are I mean the lady has no soul and sold it to the devil all she cares is about getting paid
the business owners don't know them. they could be the scammers themselves trying to steal a package or something. in this world you don't know who to trust. maybe they could have handled it outside of the business by just waiting outside. why can't law enforcement do more about this anyway just like To catch a predator?
Guys I respect the movement, but you’re doing this totally wrong. I hope these pointers help • These owners don’t know you.. they have no reason to believe you. I wouldn’t either. You’re strangers. Fix this approach. • Ask camera permission, put them at ease. Don’t just show up like a firing squad. Tell them you’ll blur their faces during ask permission phase. Be diplomatic. • Russian dude needs to calm his energy. He’s tall, Healthy and strong looking and has accent - this will intimidate. He has to offset this with *softer* approach, to remove the intimidation from their minds. After Russian guy notices he removed intimidation from them, then slowly start introducing your energy.. because now they are not intimidated and Russian guy is entertaining. Still, keep an eye out, they may revert back into intimidation, if so.. back off some. Best to slowly bring in your energy & passion to avoid them from reverting. • Avoid arguing with them, makes you look bad to them, and to me the viewer, makes you look amateur. Don’t do that. • Don’t come at them with super saiyan passion energy. Be gentle. Too much energy like that - you turning them way. Remember you’re passionate about this stuff (not them) so approach as such. • if you serious about this, then be serious.. Get you some cheap business cards, PUT your face, on your business cards, it will bring them to ease, then they see your face on the cards and adds legitimacy to your pitch. Have genuine smiles in business card photo. You never know.. you might get business from them. • Have a pitch intro ready. Your explanation is all over the place. You confuse me and I know what you’re doing. • Keep your intro pitch *SUPER* short. No one has the bandwidth of attention. Everyone has a life with they own issues, they attention bandwith is reserved for that. So keep your intro pitch within a sentence and make sure it’s what I call *Stupid Easy* meaning, easy enough for a stupid person to understand. • Vistaprint will get you 500 business cards for only $30 - $40 (affordable) Now go master your craft. Do this right, people may start hitting you outright and putting dollars in your pocket. Even sponsors. But you have to get professional. No more arguing, no more showing up like the firing squad scaring people. Good luck!
I admire your effort, but you are going about this the wrong way. Only one of you should speak to the store owners. You're both were putting too much pressure on the store owners (especially the second one). One of you should have talked to the store owners before hand. In addition, most civilians do not want to be involved. You should have either gone to the Postal authorities or the local police, before trying this.
You are absolutely correct. Both of them are extremely overwhelmed by 2 people trying to explain the situation and they were basically talking over each other. Do not get me wrong, I'm so happy that they are doing this, 100% grateful but one of them should of calmly explained it to each of the people. They obviously don't watch TH-cam and probably not that keen on these scams. Were they involved, especially the 2nd person, who knows. It's a sad situation that this is even happening in the 1st place but I'm also thankful there's people out there trying to stop it. Shutting down that ONE box might not seem like a lot but it might deter that guy from picking stuff up at a P.O. Box.
This is exactly what I was thinking too. You guys are really excited and we're pushing too hard. You need to slow down and talk one at a time, including when speaking to the police. People get nervous otherwise, especially when you're implying he's in on it and a criminal. Admirable effort, but the execution wasn't great. But hey, this can be improved upon, and will lead to better results. But again, SLOW DOWN, stay CALM, and talk one at a time because it's very hard to understand otherwise.
I dont know if he is intimidated, but you gotta understand- A lot of people rent those PO boxes for privacy. So even if the owner doesnt agree with this particular scam- If his existing customers get wind that he is having cops investigate all the activity that happens in these boxes..... that could be a problem for the owner on a bigger picture.
I'm starting to wonder if that guy was actually involved in the scam. Pierogi said his address was used for scams before and I wonder if that's why he was so hush hush about it when Trilogy arrived. When he called the police, he probably planned all along to pretend he didn't know and told them he was going to close their mailbox just to get everyone off his tail.
FYI: I think Art can come off aggressive. Ashton should do the talking. It would help to just have one person talk, as it presents a united front. I think you'd have more success that way. Just some friendly advice!
Like practice in front of family or friends over and over, and have a checklist handy. In case they have a guy with a gun, knife, or really big guys. And for the middle guys just trying to make a living, give them a card of where they can call for help if they all get caught. AND keep practicing the ways to get out of a situation, and learn the art of Interrogation, as well put remote camera's in your shirt button holes, in your glasses, etc.. Who knows, maybe your next career will be Private Investigators. Of helping people getting their $25,000 gold encrusted .....et.. and finding and returning,.
You guys have to realise the guy who runs the post place doesn’t have any idea who you are, if you’re legitimate or if you just have some personal issues with someone. He needs to protect his customers identity, he can’t just give you all that information because you came in and made some claims. You’re not police. Now sure what you were expecting him to do on the spot in that situation. He has no idea who you are. I think you need to be more mindful about the situation he’s in.
Totally agree. We know Art and Ashton are stand-up guys and not criminals, but he or even the second person have absolutely no idea who they are. The lady annoyed me with her responses to them and her 'no care' attitude, but she was being defensive as she had no idea who they actually were and felt betrayed and her privacy invaded with the camera in her face. I think they need to have hidden cameras and try a softer approach in future to gain trust and info. It still won't work with some people but it will work with some.
@Evil Deeds they're not fake they're just rookies. They'll get better at what they do and master this art. And yeah their TH-camrs so they do care about views and monetization; so what? They will Master this art and they'll do so with monetization in mind as well. That doesn't make them fake
@Cliff Mangar exactly. The guys don’t have the full frame of reference of the owners and they are so hyped up and talking over each other that it’s 90% likely they won’t gain cooperation. Amateur hour unfortunately. Probably they will learn the right approach but it will take a while
@@quackaddict8544 Seriously, their reply to why she should trust them: we're indie filmmakers with a YT channel. Like anyone can't start a channel and film nowadays LOL
I think your mission is wonderful! I feel so bad when you don’t get the outcome you want- you work too hard for that. I’m an elderly woman who would love to be able to help, but alas everyone thinks I’m to old.
I agree with what some of the commenters are saying here - harassing the business owner (especially at the end) wasn’t cool. Why not involve law enforcement from the beginning? They don’t know who you are and you’re barging in with cameras and talking about fraudulent activity. And no mask in the middle of a pandemic? Why would they want to talk to you? Additionally you’re putting yourself into legal jeopardy by suggesting the other store owner of being a party to the fraud. He’s got a real strong case for libel there especially given it could damage his reputation and harm his business. I appreciate what you are doing especially given how so many vulnerable people are being scammed now but please professionalize your operation before you end up being sued.
I agree with that too and also think that Trilogy Media guys were quite offensive, without even explaining the owners whats going on in *clear* manner first.
Photographs for news purposes may be taken in entrances, lobbies, foyers, corridors, or auditoriums when used for public meetings except where prohibited by official signs or Security Force personnel or other authorized personnel or a federal court order or rule. ahahah lon.tv good you changed your message about filming next time if you dont know a thing about someting looke it up.
she didn't let the guys to proof their point. She was the suspicious one covering an international criminal activity, being a foreign individual, in a country that's not hers
I love the cause you stand for but you are crossing boundaries and business owners are not receptive of what you are doing. You are trying to serve the greater good but the approach is putting you up against a wall. Rethink your strategy. Telling people information doesn’t put you in a position of authority and you are getting defensive when you haven’t established trust with the person you are engaging with.
You guys are AWESOME !! I am 70 years old and I can’t tell you how many times I suspected scammers and have friends my age who were caught up in scams that cost them. Please please be careful I’m afraid for you. It’s like you are catching the same as the MOB. LOVE YOU GUYS! Be very careful out there!
Scammer Payback has tried something like that before, he enclosed a remote video camera in the hope of capturing the scammer's face when the package was unboxed... but sadly the battery died in transit due to postal delays 😕
There's small GPS trackers that last for months. Shipping delays wouldn't be a problem. At the very least you could see when the package left the building and then track them down
@@MatthewHeinrichs Or for less cost than one of those long lasting ones, you could get a cheap tracker and a cheap USB battery pack. We looked into tracking options when thieves were targeting our property, and got a pack of three trackers for like $17 CAD, and can get "kinda crappy but good enough for the purpose" battery packs for $4 from Dollarama.
I am a fan, but this video bothered both me and my wife. As someone who works in customer service, I would have kicked you out immediately. It's not fair how you approached them and I believe you owe them an apology. It is not their fault, and like it or not, they CAN'T give you personal information. You need to get the police involved for that to ever happen legally, and as you learned there isn't much they can do. However, my wife had an interesting idea: Don't ever go into the shop, but ship the packages in brightly colored/unmistakable packages and wait until you see someone pick that up. It may not work every time, but it would keep the community on your side. Keep up the, otherwise, good work!
Yes! I was thinkig about a colored sticker so they could wait for him outside and then Art can serve him the best of Vlad so he feels intimidated. But, if he opened the package inside he will be so pissed seeing there is nothing in there and it will show when he will storm out of the place ready to receive the treatment by Ashton and Art... But if he has not open the package he doesn't know there is nothing so the box will be very precious and won't react the same way at all! You need to foresee a lot of scenarios, it all depends on your intentions, your final goal in confronting them? You can't arrest them, the guy is not at the top of the food chain or provably not involved at all in the scams and expects money that Top Scam owes him and promised he will get soon... Same thing they did with the lady. Except this is no lady and you are not at home in front of a camera but facing guys expecting money, that you don't know the past and are most probably armed, no police protection unless they open a real case, name a victim, could be you guys, you help them collecting datas so they have something to ask for a mandate and an actual case with a victim and well, a crime! There is nothing in the box so nothing is stolen and no victim either now... It seems to me the possible gain is quite small compared with the risks of facing them alone.😕 But if there is some good sharpie ink, with noize, smell and debris flying out of the box when they open it (there is a yt that did a genius box for the package stealers! Explosion of colors). Then, everybody knows they are crooks, scrap their clothes, stink and you are laughing from your car filming it all for our joy! Love you guys! Sophie
@@yolnow4ever515 good point, but if they were really expecting $15,000 in cash i sure hope they wouldnt be stupid enough to open the package in the store lol
@@quackaddict8544 con men always try to play on your sympathy and guilt you into getting their way. I have no reason to trust complete strangers who insist they are conducting a civilian sting operation in my place of business and breech the confidence of my paying customers. My concern would be contacting the authorities but we can see what that accomplished.
Last Torgo In Paris they have proof though they know the name of the guys and his P.O. Box but the clerks still can’t really do much still because they prob have a NDA agreement with all their customers and they can’t give their personal information out
same here, you guys are trying to do the right thing, but you are disregarding the business owners. i would imagine if they gave their info out, the scammer could sue the business, or am i totally off.
Yeah, I started to write the short fat guy off the moment he started mansplaining the korean woman owner. "Uh, no hun"...Who the hell are you guys to her? or the elderly man in the first business? They don't know you are doing a vigilante deed! A bit less entitlement could go a loong way, 'hun".......
I love this!! But just a soft skill tip.....you guys may need a more gentle approach explaining to older people or people who may not understand. You gotta realize you guys are all pumped and raring to go and you catch these people off guard. Can't wait for the next episode, though. You guys may have hit gold here!!
I agree, kinda felt sorry for the first guy. If you watched it live all the viewers are jumping on him saying he's a part of it. I honestly feel he's just older and doesn't understand things like TH-cam and such or maybe he's worried about repercussions from the scammer.
@@raven0565 Yh me too. I could tell he was nervous and scared and wanted the police there to protect him. We know Art and Ashton are good people. He doesn't know that and what they say obviously overwhelmed him.
I applaud what you are doing, but even though your intentions are good, your method in this video is questionable at best. I understand that owners/employees of businesses can get overwhelmed in the situation. They don't know who you are, they have no forewarning, they have no way of knowing if you are a threat. If you film them and don't blur their identity (right on the spot, they have no reason to take you at your word), they might be frightened that the criminals might show up and hurt - or even - kill them. You've just told them that criminals are working out of their shop. No wonder why they are scared. And, even when you do blur their identity, the mules know who they are. What responsibility do you take if anything happens to them? This can really have serious consequences. Doing the wrong thing for the right reason doesn't justify your actions in this particular situation. You are hyped up in the situation and want to do right, but don't use a flustered woman's immediate reaction and label her as not caring about people being scammed. You came on too strong here, and you should own it. Perhaps rethink your strategy before doing something like this next time. Wasting time from scammers is one thing, which I love that you are doing. Going at people without giving them a proper chance to think about it for more than a few minutes, passive aggressively and condescendingly addressing them (calling her "hun" when you are annoyed at her) while filming just undermines what you are doing. Sorry, guys, but this method is poorly thought through.
Completely agree with this. I actually felt sorry for the store people in the end. Appreciate a lot of good work is being done to highlight scammers but felt this went a bit too far, lost a little bit of respect for TM today unfortunately.
The reason he felt harassed is because of the tone and amount of information you will giving him in the amount of time he was trying to process it. Pretty sure he felt overwhelmed and needed help from someone he could trust.
Or because he's involve and taking his part. More like that? So strange, jerky, and dirty he called the police and use the word "harassment". Nobody in this world can be more gentle, trustable, sourced, and presenting even ID card and proof like they did... Same for the girl. (probably that why they have all accent, they came from another land... Probably someone install them here, and they live their best life. But we'll never know, but can only strongly supposing.)
That dude is definitely the mule. Owning a business that rents PO boxes is basically legal invincibility for all mail fraud and illegal packages. Plus it's a decent business to launder money through.
You guys really messed up the last one, you should went and directly talked to her, no just enter the store, ask for a charger and then start recording whitout telling her what was going on, that's very suspicious and was very wrong, I hope you have learned something about that situation.
Yeah, I think so as well. Honestly, the first one as well, come in with one story, then wait outside for half an hour, then come back with another story. I understand the store people thought it was very dodgy. And the explanations are all over the place, this lady knows nothing about what happened at the other place, so to come in and just keep going on about police being called to the store isn't really going to get the woman interested, she'll just think they've got a hidden agenda and try different approaches to see which one will stick. Oh, phone charger not a sad enough story? How about people getting scammed out of money? No, I don't know what you're here for, but I know it's not that. Just get straight to the point, it'll be easy enough to see then by their reactions how they feel about the situation and if they're possibly in on it themselves. Explain yourself, calm, coherent, and tell them what your plan is on catching the scammer out. If they don't want it, they don't want it, no arguments. If they think you're on to something, they'll help.
But the only reason this outcome happened was since the scammer didn't even show up. If the scammer did show up, they wouldn't need to talk to the employee and cause this problem. So this isn't really their own fault, as the employee should have taken the situation wwaayy more seriously.
@@no_one563 Perhaps if they'd not been lurking around suspiciously with a video camera and been more patient, and not kept ringing the guy, the scammer might have actually turned up!
@Evil Deeds I'm afraid you're absolutely correct. After I seen the elderly lady is STILL getting money 5 months later on GoFundMe after "losing" $30.000 to a scammer it seems like they're really milking it for profits themselves. Ppl should look between the lines especially when it comes to TH-camrs.
In the future I think you guys have to only have one of you explain what is going on, because you're talking over each other and the story is all over the place which leads to the business owners not quite properly understanding what is going on. And Art needs to tone it down a little because he comes off as a little aggressive and intimidating in a moment where the person he's talking to is probably having an anxiety attack after just finding out that there's a scam operating in their business. A softer, more friendly approach would work better.
100% agree imagine if the scammer walked in while they were confronting the first guy? it would be too suspicious and scare him off and at the end they would have no scammer caught and a stressed business owner not knowing what to do
yeah i wish they would have waited to see if someone would show up and they knew how the package looked like and they could have waited in the car to see if someone came. yes i know theyd probably be there all day but you could just try it one time to see if its worth a shot you know? still good content tho but that lady couldnt understand english well and i dont know how she got that job when it requires people skills. yes i get it that they seemed sketchy at first and Art shouldnt talk first because yes he would probably come off as intimidating but she didnt even want to listen to anything.
Agreed. You know the size and shape of the box. Add something extra to the outside of the box. Film it before you send & film the person leaving with it from the store.
No your wrong There are two different trails The scammer comes Or b he doesn’t come.so they need help from owners.to see if he ever does come the owners know there’s a criminal right there To call police also the buisness owners could be suspects. they could be the master mind behind all of this,or know valuable information So yeah
I think the intent behind speaking to the owners is to give them a chance to prevent themselves from being caught in the middle of anything - I just think they may be fine with that, unfortunately. You can’t help anyone who doesn’t want it. 🤷🏻♀️
Yeah, I agree especially if the owners are elderly people. They don’t understand technology now a days so their always scared when people come up to them and talk about anything technology things.
Just seeing this one as I was a lucky lady and got a free month membership on the live last night. So just watching this one and I was so shocked by that last so called human. I don't think I could have been as cool and collected as you both, she made my blood boil. But it is wonderful to see how far this channel has come and I am so glad I can be a part of it. You all are super hero's for what you are doing and for what you have done in just a short time. Much love and respect from the UK. xx
I really applaud you folks in wanting to help the consumers, the public. I know a few people who are close to me that were scammed and almost scammed. I wish there were more people like you who would step up like this older gentleman in the delivery store. He either is scared of speaking up or maybe he's involved or knows the people or person involved and that's why he's hesitant. ❤❤Love what you're doing thank you. PS Maybe the business owner can't disclose sensitive information but he can still hear them out because this could be him or someone he knows next time. But I would have approached it differently but I applaud you.
@@christiangonzales7429 , Still "no victim" though. You heard the cop. It's sad ppl have to get hurt before they'd even be willing to do anything...if at all
@@prima808 I wasn't exactly talking specifically about this situation, but anyone can make a citizens' arrest when they suspect someone is committing a crime. When security guards detain someone for suspected shoplifting, that is a citizens' arrest. Same thing if you caught someone breaking into your car, you make a citizens' arrest by detaining that person while waiting for the police. But yes, you're right a victim of a crime is a requirement in order to prosecute and it's sad that people have to be hurt first :(
As the lady said, she is running a business, and even if you say that you have proof etc., her first responsibility is to her customers, not you. Even the “proof” that you have could be made up by you in order to get back at whoever owns the PO Box. I also agree that Art is a lot overbearing and when he starting talking faster and raising his voice and then Ashton you join in and start laying gilt trips on her, I would tell you guys to get the hell out of my business. Laying guilt on someone for something that has, in her opinion sketchy proof is not the way to go about it.
If the scammer is doing this routinely and suddenly now he is getting odd calls from the sender and the "shop" trying to push him to pick up within 20-30 mins then the scammer is going to suspect something.
Ugh I said the same thing. Dude never got calls before from the "store" or "ups" and all of a sudden these ppl are calling like crazy saying they got a package and need a signature asap. Dude knew something was wrong.
Have to start somewhere and learn as you go when money rules the world and sheep turn a blind eye anything to throw a wrench in a scammers plan is a W when it's you vs the world
Did these guys think that these people could be dangerous to seriously anybody picking up that amount of money is going to have some muscle with them muscle usually has guns and if the shop owner or the actual business itself is in on it they may never leave that store alive if someone is willing to steal from you they will most likely be willing to kill you especially if you're messing with their money
Love to watch you catching scammers, but I'm wondering what the store clerks were supposed to do. You did go in under false pretenses to both stores and then bombarded them with this information. They felt threatened, confused, and ... well ... scammed.
What was the false pretences? They said they were independent film makers. You're making excuses for a lazy woman in the store who didn't want to care about the situation.
Here's the issue... The scammers know the shipping store owners and you're putting the owners on the spot. They HAVE to come to work and now you're putting their lives in jeopardy. If that's no big deal to you, how about putting your own addresses out there? This old man at the shipping store is now on blast, on film, and has to be involved in all this now. At least don't show the store and don't show the employee. Nowadays it's easy to figure out where these places are even if you blur them out. You're being too aggressive and putting them at a much higher risk than they need or deserve to be in.
This 100%. What if one of these scammers turns out to be crazy and seeks revenge? They could send a bomb to that store for all you know, people are nuts. Or what if they actually do intercept the scammer, who is unstable and has a lot to lose? What if that scammer turns around and pulls a gun? These guys are taking that risk willingly, they know it could be very dangerous. Those people in the store are completely innocent and didn't ask or consent to be involved. What if they, or other innocent people - including potentially children - were to be hurt? They'd be in a world of trouble, nevermind having to live with that. These guys are trying to do good, and I love that. But they're diving in head first, with no planning, no thought, no research, no idea about what they're doing, and how they do it now could get someone innocent very badly hurt, or worse.
This is very true. They don't seem prepared enough either. About the time someone fights back or they get in a sticky situation, I don't think they are ready for that yet. I think they are trying to do good work, but they need to be more careful. And definitely have more connections! If they grew to be an actual group of several people then they definitely have a better chance.
The first store owner may have felt threatened but I believe he was somehow involved by his body language and his verbal and lack of verbal responses. The lady was responding angrily because she felt she had been taken advantage of.
I appreciate what you guys are doing; I think it's fantastic; however, I believe that you may have been a little too extreme when speaking with the store owners. You can't come in there with the assumption that these PO box owners are in on the scam. Confront them kindly and a little more calmly instead of jumping on them right away. Tell them what you do, your names, and why you're filming. Also, the charger thing was a little weird. You can't blame that lady for wondering what you guys were doing when you waltzed in with a camera all of a sudden. She was frightened, and I'm pretty sure that wasn't the best way to go about the situation. You could have instead waited in the parking lot, and when you scammer guy didn't show up, your friend could have just come back outside and waited with you guys.
You guys do know that when the idiot sees all 3 of you in the shop then he's not gonna go inside to get the box anymore... so Do it right and stay in the car, watch closely and wait for him to come out to confront him. Also for the love of God let Ryan do the talking next time.
naj they have to hear him picking up the package. They can’t just stop everyone that’s coming out of the store with a box. If they taped up the box with colored tape that would help make it identifiable without having to go in though.
@@Jess19877 exactly, they could come up with many ideas to identify the box... I mean put yourself in the mule's shoes, would you go inside to pick it up if you see 3 grown ass men poking around in the shop and one of them with a camera?
naj this is their first time doing something like this. The last time they just went to a house and the person was guaranteed to be there so give them a break. It’s a learning experience. Their plan was to be secretly recording. Art was the one inside recording from his phone secretly while they waited for the mule. When the mule didn’t show up that’s when they went in with the other camera. Would I personally go in the shop with 3 men inside with a camera? No, I wouldn’t but only because I’d think they were filming something for a commercial or the news and I wouldn’t want to bother them. Other people may not even notice and go right in.
Yeah no sorry but please take this as feedback. The way you guys handle the situation is WAY too frantic and confusing. No wonder the first person called the cops you guys were absolutely suspicious. You go into the building with one reason then come back with 3 guys saying something else. Of course he's going to get spooked. Then the man was being descriptive as possible ( which he shouldn't have done to protect the persons identity) and you guys called him uncooperative. One the police was involved he was SO much more calm and even clarified that he wasn't being harassed, he was just more freaked out more than anything. I remember from the other video with the elderly lady her hands were shaking alot and even though you couldn't see her face, she seemed anxious. TLDR: Try to be more nicer to the owner / manager and have ONE person explain what's happening, have 2 people in someones face must be intimidating, especially to the more elderly.
I totally agree. You need a totally unassuming little old lady like me to go into those stores and quietly explain what's going on. You guys are like two bulls in a china cabinet. Seriously. Regardless of what you were saying, you'd push my buttons too and turn me off. I know you are passionate and trying to do the right thing, however you're going about it all wrong. You need to team up with an un intimidating quiet type of woman that doesn't feel threatening, but is truly undercover and knows how to blend in instead of screaming from the mountain top. You don't realize how off putting you are.
You guys are doing a Good job, but please, stay calm, don’t talk over each other, yapping nervously. I would be intimidated by a Big Russian talkingto me like that. Calm Down, have some paperwork ready If the police gets involved. Good luck. 😋
yeah paperwork is key. Talk is cheap, anybody can say "we have the proof". A few pg document outlining all of the proof you have, with bitlinks to key audio clips of the scammers. Have to have a specific crime in mind that they are committing to get much help from the police, maybe money laundering? if the crime is mail fraud then it may have to go through the higher-ups who manage the mail system, I don't know how that would work. In order for the cops to detain and question your mule they need reasonable suspicion or probable cause for a crime, you have to hand that to them on a platter with your evidince, otherwise the guy walks and doesn't have to say a word.
I agree. I understand getting nervous but if they’re going to do things like this they need to be super prepared in every way possible, stay calm & don’t feed into each other. Then I think they’ll be pros at this and do it even more effectively
Oh give me a break, if you side with that 2nd lady's bs, you're what is wrong with this country. These guys only got irrated when the "lady" started being a complete nut job. She said it herself, she doesn't care if criminals rent her boxes, she just wants their business! Just another example of people not wanting to get involved in something for the better, because it could cause them to lose a buck 🙄
Also smart internet people, if she would've shut her trap for 2 seconds to let them speak, they have all the proof she would need on their phone. How is "paperwork" better proof? "Hey...so I know you have VIDEO AFTER VIDEO of proof of these scams, but can you put it on paper and show me?" 🤣 Truth is, she didn't want to know the truth!
I'm really impressed. Your effort to do something about it is A+! We all hit a brick wall when solving a case sometimes but, one thing leads to another...eventually. And answers always come by writing down the questions....!
She’s worried that the scammer will be locked up then he won’t continue to give her money for renting out the P.O. Box. That’s what’s she’s really worried about, she would rather have a criminal keep giving her money for the P.O. Box than have them locked away and lose a paying customer....y’all are disgusting
So the person behind the counter has two people throwing bucket fulls of information at them - and a big guy with a cooky accent waving his arms about and being really intense, and a third guy filming it with a camera ! I wonder why they go on the defensive......
I don't think he is being aggressive. He is obviously hyped up emotionally and he is just one of those people that tends to be a bit over zealous. It can be threatening to someone who does not know him, but as you have seen in the clips when he interacts with his friends he is very passionate. Yes, I do agree he perhaps needs so guidance to tone it down somewhat ! I think the team need to look at how they go about approaching the mail depots, they really look suspicious and I am not surprised that they were unsucessful in the two attempts they showed. But theses guys need to be applauded for what they do, and that $30,000 + chegue for that lady was wonderful.
I really think you need to take the MANY, MANY comments about how you do business and totally revamp the way you do things. The first store was not too bad, but you completely blew it with the second store. You were harassing her and she told you to leave yet you continued to lay a guilt trip on her. To her, you were the ones in the wrong, could be potential scammers bent on getting back at whoever rented the PO Box. Really guys, you blew it big time. Art, no offense, but shut up and let Ashton do the talking. Even better, do the brightly colored box/tape and confront the mule OUTSIDE the store. I really hope you guys do a video acknowledging what ever one is saying and figure out how to do this better. Just about every comment had some advice for you. You should take it under consideration and then move forward. Don’t do this again until you have a much better plan of attack.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Please... the mission seems to be honorable, but the execution is distasteful and of poor judgment, and (as a result of) can easily be perceived as insincere. This was the first video I've seen and will watch more, but please SERIOUSLY take heed to comments being made. Usually the ones that don't make you feel completely validated are the ones that hold the most value.
Agreed, they were all acting super sketchy in the first store and then way over aggressive at the second. If the phone call to the boss didn't make the scammer suspect something, the mule showing up and seeing them in the store probably made him nope out.
I thought even the first store was bad, that poor man. But the second one, omg, at least this lady stood her ground. Art really needs to shut up in these, as soon as they become a bit defensive he starts to overwhelm them with even more information and is indeed getting aggressive. It's just too much. Just put yourselves in their shoes. The second lady was right, to her you were just the same as the scammer. Coming in there telling her all this stuff, how is she supposed to know you're not the liar? Yeah, you have proof but you're just saying that and she's supposed to believe you? What's your plan when they ask for that proof? Make them watch the youtube videos right there and then? If this happened to me I would've thrown you out (especially after calling her 'hun'!). They have a duty to protect their customers and you start guilt tripping them for not believing your overload of information they can't possible process in that short amount of time unless they were familiar with these scams already. And without being able to provide proof other than saying you have proof. I mean really. All things a scammer would say.
Hats off to what you guys are doing! Suggestion: Purchase some Trilogy business cards to look more professional when dealing with business owners and police.
Completely inappropriate to bombard store owners like that. I understand what you're trying to do, but you're forcing these owners into situations they don't know they might be liable for. It's not polite to stick a camera in a person's face in their own property. You aren't the cops. You need to give them the evidence and let them do surveillance, if you aren't to wait long hours outside.
It’s legal to film in government mail offices. It’s in the rules and regulations that media filming is allowed and they all are legally supposed to hang them on the wall.
@@MindlessVIRUS143 You’re right. Maybe they can use prop money, or any item rather so it can count as property, and hopefully law enforcement can open their eyes to see the bigger picture.
What if they send like a giftcard charged with 100 dollars ? They are surveiling the package anyway and by sending a card they avoid sending cash by mail? And the way they are aproaching the store owners is very aggressive and accusive, the russian guy should not start speaking,they should understand that people are suspicious against anyone coming in claiming that this and that is going on,she doesnt know if they themselves are scammers,if they allways gets this response they should change theyre approach..
Art is soooo aggressive. Let the other person talk in a calmer voice. If you want the help of the establishments, do not argue. Practice restraint when talking. You are very aggressive. If I am the owner of the establishment, I will not talk to you either. Why, you are being aggressive and making me feel like a criminal for not helping you. It makes sense to be cautious nowadays. Until you prove anything I will not help. You have to see the perspective of other people not only yours. So you need to think of another calmer approach for the people to beliin your cause. Take this as an advice. I believe in you.
How do you ask for help and then when she asks for a business card, you say 'no, we're not going to give you that'? How's she supposed to trust you? Don't you want her to call back and help? Such a poorly executed plan..
@@issadraco532 then don't stick around and bully her. She's obligated to follow the law. Just because you have your panties in a bunch, that doesn't mean she has a legal loophole. You either cooperate or gtfo. No in-between bullshit where you keep yelling at a random immigrant trying to make a living.
@@issadraco532 no way you just typed out a whole essay where you keep saying the same bullshit over and over again? Learn to crunch your thoughts. I'll do it for you. You are a racist towards Chinese people and when they do the right thing and not break the law for random men that barged into her store it makes you so mad that you type out essay long racist comments about a whole country to make yourself feel better. You're welcome.
I have directed and produced reality television shows. I know a thing or two about interacting with people in an unscripted way, and trying to nudge things in a certain direction so as to get the reactions you want, especially when there's conflict or trouble involved for the person being filmed. So with that in mind, here's some advice for you/my thoughts, after watching this: You guys are trying to do good, but you're very naïve. The business owners in this vid don't know you from anyone else. They don't understand what the scams are about in the first place. They don't understand two fast talking strangers with cameras - all they know is that some big guys they don't know are there talking excitedly and fast at them about a scam . They haven't really identified themselves and there's a CAMERA in her face. Like what in the world do you expect to happen?? The second you said that you were going to get the owners involved, I was like - well this is over now. They aren't concerned about taking YOUR word for what "doing the right thing" is. They're concerned with running their businesses legally, and not doing anything that could get their business in trouble, affect their livelihood, lose their jobs, etc. For all they know, you could be making everything you say up in order to scam them or take advantage of someone. And you walk in saying you "have proof" - not really. What you have is a long, convoluted story involving people pretending to be other people, a package that has money in it except not really, etc. To people who watch this channel and understand what you're doing, you have proof. But why do you think these scams are so prevalent to begin with?? Because people don't understand any of this stuff. They can watch your proof and get absolutely nothing from it. They have no reason to trust you, they don't understand what you're talking about, and you're filming them without a heads up, and then getting aggressive, insulting and argumentative when they don't cooperate with you. It's a recipe for complete and utter failure, and it will never succeed with that particular formula. I really love and admire what you're doing, and support you guys 100%. But try to step out of your narrow box of understanding, and approach things from other people's perspectives. You guys are loud, forceful and intimidating to some people to begin with, and then walking in with a camera - you've effectively ended any cooperation you might otherwise have had right from the start. Personally, it's a long shot, but I think you should at least look into some kind of cooperation with the police or FBI's digital crimes divisions. Remember "To Catch A Predator"? The people would arrive, and meet Chris Hansen and the police instead. There was no victim there either, but because they figured it all out in advance and had the laws ironed out, they were able to pursue convictions. That, or leave business people out of it all together. What if someone pulls a gun on you? You guys are taking that risk knowingly by doing this, but involving private folks in their place of business, especially where there could be innocent civilians, potentially even children, around, is shortsighted, dangerous and really not that cool for you to do. Plan it out better, and keep up the great work,. You guys have so much heart, and that is so clear, you really want to do the right thing. But do it in a smart way, with a plan that doesn't involve innocent people or their businesses unless they've consented to it ahead of time. And if things don't go your way - just walk away. Arguing and insulting mail business owners will earn you a reputation, and you'll either get banned from their stores or have a bunch of mail people really upset with you. The next time, cops might not be so understanding - they don't love "vigilantes", even if what you're doing is for the greater good of your community. It's all about perspective, and you guys are completely clouded by your own, and are failing to look at things from other people's points of view. That woman at the end wasn't a bad person for not helping you - she explained her point of view to you: "I don't trust anyone." So accept it and move on. Don't forget, you're promoting yourselves, earning money and making a name while doing this. There's absolutely nothing in it for these people except for potentially putting themselves, or their livelihood, in danger. Plus, older people are often suspicious of younger folks anyway, sadly. Understand what motivates them, and you'll never be caught off guard by their reactions again -- both of which were one MILLION percent predictable. I'd have been shocked if it went any other way than how it did. And you want people to know you as good guys trying to do the right thing. Take no for an answer, and don't resort to getting nasty about it... it's not a good look, and will turn people off. Just my two cents, for what it's worth! Good luck!
**_Well said and really great advice for Trilogy Media to follow....Their approach had brought unwanted attention for the business owners and could create potential danger to the business owners place of business and livelihood*_*
Brilliantly well said. 👍 I hope they read this. They're awesome guys, they just need to understand how they can be misunderstood by people who don't watch their channels. Then they can be even more effective in protecting people from scammers.
I applaud and thank you both for what you do. I loath scammers!! I do find Art too confrontational, too threatening, and/or too crass when talking with the store owners. If I was the store owner, I would be scared to deal with Art in my store too. Ashton should do all the talking. Ashton is calmer, civil and easier to communicate with. Art turns people off. Ashton is much more productive in dealing with people whose help they are trying to get.
Seeing art’s stature in comparison to the shopkeeper kinda sold what you said. He dwarfed him. He’s a very tall man and unfortunately the accent can make his words of wisdom come off aggressively. Absolutely feral for art tho dont get me wrong. I applaud how passionate they both are though. Its riveting none the less.
I think art as a whole is threatening, he’s looks scary when mad (I think it’s a Russian thing because my friends is scary when she’s mad/normal) idk his accent also sounds like he’s from the Russian mafia or something.
Art was in the right. The woman in the store was lazy and didn't care or want to take action. She even said "I don't care" . She wants the criminals money to run her legit business.
Not to be rude, you guys are suspicious when you go in as you do. The store owners might not be so put off if the guy who doesn't speak with an accent was doing the explaining. I would be very put off if you came in my store with all this pushy stuff. Work on your presentation.
What the owner meant is that: if you lied about the charger, you may be lying about anything else. She thought that you are a criminal trying to do something for your own good.
Yes exactly! I understand these guys are not professional at what they are doing but I'm on the side of the women in this video, I would be questioning everything. If you lied to me once you could be still lying.
@@organicthug5220 it’s gonna be next to impossible to convince someone to willingly send thousands of dollars to a scammer. Sure, they’re gonna be working to intercept it and involve law enforcement, but it’s still a scary idea that you may never see that money again.
When you both are talking over each other and both of you are sounding so excited , it is VERY chaotic and confusing for someone to understand what you are trying to say
Art is that culprit, he needs to stop talking so much, they’re more incline to listen to ash calmly. Look how he tried to argue with that woman cutting ash off
He talks too fast and kind of makes a situation seem intense, I’d start letting the other guy do all the in person interactions because of that and because of his accent they may not be able to see that he’s not aggressive.
Yea I saw that....they both trying to talk over each other and get over excited. If they can get some trainning from law enforcement on how to help them it would be far more effective
you guys are so aggressive, no wonder you guys weren't getting any help from the stores. they have no clue who yall are. you could be trying to steal someone's package or god knows what
They have all the evidence that it's a scam. The first owner was just a little overwhelmed but said to the police he was going to do more about it. The woman just straight up refused to see any evidence at all.
@@thatmayday Because none of it matters they can't close a mail box on a whim and a few bits of papers from some randoms off the street its got to come from a court/police, they also can't divulge customer information no matter the accusations or evidence...
Please ignore the negative comments because you guys are my heroes!! As far as the private investigator, obviously he hasn’t seen your videos about the packaging you guys do. As far as the comment about it being poorly executed, obviously he hasn’t done this type of work. Keep up the good work & I always watch your videos. Love you guys & please stay safe.
Scammers aren’t gonna just nonchalantly walk in to pick up a package when there are numerous people inside. He’s committing a crime. The less people, the less witnesses. Not only that, but lounging around waiting while wearing sunglasses indoors makes it very suspicious for a scammer to come forward.
He can't give them any money without technically knowingly supporting organized crime, nor can he take any money from them without knowingly profiting from organized crime. Sucks, but it's a risk I wouldn't take. Also, really, it wastes police time, because courts will not appreciate it one bit (wasting their time over a buck). Could all backfire quite badly, annoying as that is.
Why would these store owners trust your “proof”? You’re harassing these business owners AND filmed the second business owner without consent. You entered the second *private* property under FALSE PRETENSES by asking for a phone charger. Now what reason does she have to trust your word? You guys are really going about this the wrong way.
Are you ok? Is there something wrong with your brain? A scammer is using their business to take money off old people's pensions, and all you care is the poor little employee who supports the scammer? I am seriously struggling to understand your logic here.
@@Crisalsera You're suggesting these folks are actively supporting scammers because they are intimidated by grown men entering their place of business seeking information on one of their customers? 🤔
Omg I thought I was the only one that noticed that. She delivered a verbal slap and the chunky guy started getting condescending. LOL that was awesome. Keep up the good fight guys. Your theories are all perfect and stellar. but your practice is atrocious! Work on that part of it all and you might end up with better results. Sunglasses indoors and a sweater in 90 degree weather make you seem a little shady off the bat.
totally agreeing with you there. Patience and respect to others is key. Don’t lie and manipulate to get what you want because morally your as bad as the scammers.
But she was getting all worked up about him lying about a cell phone charger. That's not a burn. 😆 Yes, it's clear why the business owners thought they were suspicious. But that woman was no better, showing complete cognitive dissonance
Imagine I don't like someone. Say I had a verbal fight with them over politics. I want to get their legitimate business shut down. I track down which P.O. Box they are using and show up at the store. I then lie about having proof they are a scammer. I am aggressive and trying to get them to do something about this P.O. Box. This is just one of many possible scenarios that could have been playing out with these businesses. Your proof could be fake, manufactured, etc. They don't know you at all and have no reason to trust you. Also they have no reason to believe that you are not a scammer or doing something wrong or illegal. These people are acting reasonably and correctly.
definitely felt like you were scaring the guy in the shop. .You have to do something"......a PO Box is a private affair. What credentials do you have to interefer with a PO Box?
More to the point, they seem to be unaware that messing with the mail or anyone attempting to get it, whether there is a scammer involved or not, is a serious federal crime. As is causing a serious incident in a post office
Art has to realize that he is very intimidating. This guy is just doing his job and ash gets very passionate and it can come off wrong to some people. They feel attacked. You’re hearts are in the right place but the execution needs to be handled a little differently. I fell bad for the man, just look at how ask towers over him. It comes off as aggressive. He’s being cornered while on the phone and that’s a very vulnerable position to be in. You can tell he’s totally freaked out. Don’t get offended when people get scared. Just realize how you act comes off on others. He has to protect himself too. I’m sure he’s not allowed to disclose information.
Unpopular opinion but I don’t think the filmmakers are seeing the big picture that’s being said by the business owner. The owner is more upset on the particular strategy about confronting the scammer in her store than the crime itself. At the end of the day, the filmmakers are not concerned about what happens to the owner after the confrontation is over. Not concerned about how this situation could create future backlash that can tarnish the business. To try to stop a scammer that is coming to the store with a camera crew and then not be upfront about the initial purpose of the visit would only intimidate the owner and its customers. Think for a moment, customers don’t want to be in the middle of shady activity that may be happening in the store. Also some people may not want to do business in a shop that has illegal activity happening right up under their noses and it is all being confronted in public for everyone to see. Also, the usage of the camera through misleading them in believing that they only there to charge a dead phone only supercharges the issue of it being more of a publicity stunt, which indirectly gives the business a black eye in terms of their rep, especially if they didn’t know anything about it. In other words, I respect the sentiment of what the guys are doing but making it a public spectacle on the owner’s expense does not provide a sense of confidence to the owner that the filmmakers are on their side which is the worst way to get the respect and trust of an owner.
The work you boys and Pierogi are doing is noble. There have been a lot of ideas and suggestions thrown your way in these comments. One thing I'd like to mention is body language. The first owner had his arms crossed because he felt threatened and Art had his hands spread out on the counter. It's those little unspoken things that speak really loud. Ashton, if possible next time please remove your sunglasses while speaking to someone, especially inside. It gives the appearance that there is something to hide. Aside from those and other things others have pointed out, y'all are doing God's work and we all learn as we go along. It's sad to say but there will be many, many, many more opportunities to expose these scumbags.
I hope you guys take a step back and realize your approach was completely inappropriate and ineffective. While your efforts are indeed valiant, it was a waste of time. Those business owners were side swiped with both of you talking incessantly and not giving them time to think. Come up with a better plan next time.
Thanks to you guys for doing this!! I will also say more patience is definitely needed, get some binoculars/ camera mounted on store front and wait! Good luck guys
That's a good idea except for the fact that the money needed to be wrapped in foil to hind the contents from xraxs n such so a gps tracker signal would probably be blocked by the foil also n most likely wouldent work
I agree with the tracking device. Mostly that you dont have to go into the store. Just wait outside and then follow the guy. He will not open it inside the store. But he might in his vehicle.
Was too long a video with no suspect. As people commented. I would not confront the business owner or the person in the store. Just put a tracking device in the box. Then can wait outside and follow the package. The police want a victim, so in order to facilitate that, if you are monetized, put money in that box. Check laws to see what is needed to consider mail fraud or a victim. Maybe it only needs to be $40. Then you are a victim. Not a $15k victim. But still a victim. Or you can figure out how to put a dye pack inside the foil. At least easy to find the scammer. I thought that they would be using the western union part of business to send money after too.
I had meant to join a while ago. Better late than never. As I mentioned to P, everything all you scambaiters do is very much needed and appreciated. Also thanks to one of your videos a few months ago I found gaurdio. Sadly I'm not in America so most of the services for things you American scambaiters do isn't available to me. All of you, P, Chappy, Modder Paul, social catfish, Kitboga, scam sandwich..... the list is so long! You are all doing hard yet important work to help people all over the world. I can't give much, but what I can is yours. Thank you AND your team again for all you do.
This is an excellent program. You are learning as you go. Don't be discouraged. You WILL succeed in finding scammers eventually. Now...one comment I do need to make. I have worked in retail stores, and I learned to trust NO ONE. While you and I both know that you are legitimate and that you simply want to expose scammers, she had no idea who you were, and for all she knew, you could have been scammers yourself (just like the SSA scammers claim that a scammer stole your social security number). Without any legal ID from you, she needed to do whatever she could to protect her business. At the same time....if she felt threatened by you, she should have called the police herself, which she did not do. As you know, there are SO many phonies out there (not just telephone scammers)....a retail merchant HAS to be as careful as possible, especially if someone tells you a horror story like the one you related to the woman....who also has trouble understanding because she has problems with English. You might want to seek some advice from experienced gotcha journalists on how to deal with this type of situation. Again....I really appreciate all you do (I have a youtube channel myself, and your videos have inspired me in many ways). Trust me, you will get better and better at this. I eagerly await your next episode.
Good advice, Prof. I really hope that everyone involved in making this video takes time to reflect on the way this was handled and develop a better strategy for the next investigation. I actually felt sorry for the second lady, especially as she specifically asked for filming to stop (which was disregarded) and she was told it was not going on youtube... if she sees this vid it will only make her more convinced that Art & Ashton were lying to her.
Hi Professor, I really appreciated your point of view in this comment. I too was in Retail the last 10 years before my retirement. We had every kind of scam run on us, from stolen credit cards, bad checks, counterfeit money, to items being returned with books or bricks in the boxes. I know they were a little over exited and at these 2 locations and we all learn from our mistakes. Other than the mistakes though, this was thrilling to watch, my heart was pounding the whole time. I hope everyone reading these comments will check out your channel: Professor Scambait. Take care my friend.
I'm beginning to think the guy with the sunglasses isn't very bright and has some dunning-krugger effect going on. Poor guy hopefully he gets a better grip on how to behave and interact with people.
@@serenerose2720 it's more than that tho. Definitely some lack of social skills or experience, a personality disorder re: narcissism, drug use, or just plain stupidity. Lol.
I agree with what others are saying, what you do is great but you explain things so frantically and talk over eachother. I'm not surprised the shop workers weren't cooperative to be honest. You need to work on your professionalism going forward, you are working with serious stuff so approaching these situations in an armature fashion isn't going to yield results. Just some constructive criticism, what you're doing is great and love scam baiting vids!
Thanks to you, scammers continue scamming peolpple and you can be the next victim of them because of karma. That's what they need to know so they maybe whim to move a finger to do something about it. Trylogy media, you are doing fantastic!
Mail fraud is under federal jurisdiction, so you’re wasting your time talking to the local police. Notice the patrol officers didn’t even file a report. One way to approach would be to schedule an appointment with a detective with the police department/s and see if s/he would contact the feds and all of you work together.
I totally understand how these people would feel intimidated. You’ve got a big Russian guy who is practically yelling. Another guy wearing sunglasses waiting inside and outside the shop and whispering stuff to one another, and another guy filming. That could seem pretty shady. 🤷♂️
Naw you dumb, thats on them. The fact hes even doing anything about scammers throws their feelings out the window. "Intimidation" happens when u too stupid to understand the situation
ThetaTrolling While I may not agree with your perspective, I respect your opinion. Also, it is possible to express your thoughts without including an insult. It requires less typing too.
The guy filming, Brandon I believe is his name, was using his shirt as a mask and all I was thinking was how he looked like he was about to rob the store. We know that won't happen but an elderly man or a tiny woman prob felt intimated by the 3 guys walking in under false pretenses.
People like that are equivalent to any animals, as animals are guided by their feelings developed by evolution telling them whats scary and what isnt, and not their rational thinking. Simply fools
As much as I appreciate what you're doing, I have to be honest and voice that I do think you're coming off as overexcited and aggressive. Gotta keep the adrenaline in check, my dudes. Like I said, overall I appreciate your work, but this video was pretty cringe during the confrontations of shop owners. 😬😅
i had the same reaction too! I get that they want to do the right thing but they could easily make more owners/ elderly panic which would cause much more worse problems
Yes, and telling the shop owners that they're as bad as the criminals just because they're completely overwhelmed by the way you're excitedly approaching them isn't helpful. It's just really not compassionate and ultimately comes off as insulting and doesn't make anyone want to be on your team. The second owner made sense when she said that, in her position at the time, she had no reason to believe these guys were trustworthy. I would feel the same, being steamrolled completely out of nowhere. Again, good intentions, bad approach.
The Russian(?) dude needs to calm the F down. If he came in acting like that I'd kick him out of my store scam busting or not scam busting. He seems like a nut job.
First of all, guys, thank you for what you are doing. You've already had plenty of messages telling you how to fine tune your tactics. Standing conspicuously around the business front door wearing your Trilogy Media gear would send the money mule running. No wonder nobody showed up for either package. Also, a 6"4' Russian guy talking in a loud voice about scammers and borderline accusing the owners of being involved was not the best course of action. Still, though, I'm disgusted with that second store person. She doesn't care if her customers are using her boxes for illegal purposes. She doesn't even want to know and cares more about keeping the box rented than what it's being used for. I don't know the law in California but owners of PO Box rentals must not share any liability with people illegally using their places of business. If you told me I had a scammer using my business I'd want to set up a sting with you to catch them. But that's just me. Bravo to your camera guy (sorry I don't recall his name) for continuing to film that woman. She sucks.
What you are doing is right, how you are doing it is all wrong. You cannot just go into a business ask them for one thing, then after 30 minutes of waiting tell what you are actually there for. You were extremely rude and aggressive to the second one, and you refused to give her any personal information other than your TH-cam channel, she every right to kick you out and when she asked you to leave you didnt. She should have called the police. Love what you do but please learn from this experience and maybe next time you will have cooperative owners
Gavin is totally correct here and myself, I hope you get those bastards too! Its great that you want the youtube bust in your face (and we all want to see it), but sooner or later, fraud is going to turn in to deadly force, and I don't see you guys wear bullet proof vest (BE SAFE ABOUT THIS)! You should be doing this like the News investigators: working with authorities, video tape the bust, and maybe asking those busted how you got into this business and how it works. Walking into a business because there is a suspicion of criminal activity is not actual a crime...just yet. Do it the right way, get the prove, get the arrest, and then the business can shut them down. Hate to see them walk out the court house on a technicality and box 154 closes and reopens the next day, with a new fake name and you start this all over again! What a F***** scam!
Guys if you're trying to catch one of these scammers or someone from that group, do you think it's a good idea to wear trilogy media tshirt? You may get recognised by someone🤔🤔🤔 apart from that I just love that you & pierogi are working together on taking these mofo's down👇👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Well done xxxxx
yeah... the same thing came to my mind when I watched them walking across the car park, "Oh great these guys don't know, killing is just as simple as fishing on vacations". next time disguise yourself and be as cool as CIA or KBG (since Ashton from US and Art from Russia)
I like and appreciate what you guys do, but you do not come off well in this video at all. We know who you are and love your passion, but the store owners who you're dealing with have no idea who you are or what your intentions are. You were very aggressive and confrontational with both of them...put yourself in their shoes, an elderly man and a woman alone in their stores while 3 guys aggressively confront them demanding information regarding a package - you know what your intentions are, but to them it was very obviously an intimidating situation. In their eyes, you came into their stores under false pretenses and were (from their point of view) acting suspiciously - they were well within reason to be defensive and not instantly believe you. The fact that you can prove what you're saying stops mattering once things escalate and they want nothing to do with you. Keep doing what you're doing - it's great - but also, please learn from this.
You gotta realize that man isn't the owner, its the mail system, he's just an associate and he can't provide information without a warrant for that specific p.o box. You guys need to be careful, could find yourself in the middle of an FBI or CIA sting
She’s worried that the scammer will be locked up then he won’t continue to give her money for renting out the P.O. Box. That’s what’s she’s really worried about, she would rather have a criminal keep giving her money for the P.O. Box than have them locked away and lose a paying customer....y’all are disgusting
@@TheShowOff2I You realize mail is highly confidential. They can't just give out information to random people off the street. I guess you would be Ok with me going to your post office and having them telling me your personal information by telling them a story? We have a system that doesn't allow vigilante justice for a reason. They need to gather evidence and present it to the police then the proper authorities can get the information with a warrent. This isn't the wild west cowboy.
She’s worried that the scammer will be locked up then he won’t continue to give her money for renting out the P.O. Box. That’s what’s she’s really worried about, she would rather have a criminal keep giving her money for the P.O. Box than have them locked away and lose a paying customer....y’all are disgusting
@@TheShowOff2I She certainly doesn't show the concern a natural born citizen would for fellow citizens, in any country for that matter. If I go to her country and open a business, I'd better have concern if it's brought to my attention that my business is being used to rip people off.
Well id be aggrivated to with someone who is just trying to give them a heads up. It would be different if he was saying we wanna know who this guy is and information on him but the reason they are so uptight and angry is obviously because they have some role to play in the scam
This was an atrociously handled instigation, especially the way they spoke to the lady at the end when she was starting to come to... so many things should have been handled differently. Lost some respect for these guys unfortunately.
Definitely lost a lot of respect for the guys after watching this episode. I know their hearts are in the right place but the way they conducted themselves and handled the situation was really dumb. They really need to rethink their strategy and work smarter.
@@mattfury389 "good intentions"? Insulting the lady for not complying with their demands? Sounds like Antifa in CHOP, and what if she accepted to close the PO box, couldn't the scammer just open another PO box?
@@eastwest312paq8 The good intentions are to bust and hopefully catch a scammer. That is their end goal remember. But yeah it was a bit uncomfortable to watch at times. I'm not sure how the PO box system works in US but im sure his identity (invoice address) would be blacklisted and it would give him the difficulty of registering a new account with different address/bank account.
Art, you come off REALLY aggressive. I know it's passion and excitement (I don't blame you because I would get excited myself) but you really need to know how to cool things down. I mean, if I was the old dude and two crazy talking people from god knows where came up to me and told me about scammers in my mailbox; I would feel harassed too. I'm sure you watched a lot of American movies like Rocky where the big Russian guy is intimidating and menacing to deal with. If I was that old dude, that's how I would feel. I'm a tall black female that gets a lot of looks from old white people and if I come off aggressive and scary then that's how they see me. Where am I going with this? I don't know.
nah i definitely agree. nothing against art we all know he has good intentions.. but to someone with no background that knows nothing about him and is in a state of shock his demeanor, accent, etc. would be pretty scary
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Trilogy Media just subbed to Scammer Payback and have already watched episode 1
Brilliant you two!!!! Simply brilliant!!! Bravo. Huge fan. Sending all my love from Woodstock NY. 🌼❤️🦋
_@Trilogy Media_
*You’re doing an amazing job along with Scammer Payback, keep it up! ✌️😊*
Your hearts are in the right place... but ,, the way you guys "Tag Team" people, is very off-putting to the people you seek help and assistance from. Not only is it unnerving, but it immediately puts them on the spot and makes them feel threatened regarding their own business and lively hood... It was also difficult for me to watch because of this. I felt sorry for the business owners... You really upset their worlds.....
A couple of suggestions., dont "Tag Team"... particularly if they are older or elderly... You wont get help and they will shut down out of shear confusion..... Also, dont wear dark sunglasses when your talking to the shop owners,, allow them to see your eyes and that your honest in your intentions... Lastly.. Look and act more professional. Shirt and tie may be nice, get business cards maybe even have a brochure or pamphlet that explains what you do and the story behind your help...
Worst Case Scenario, create a dvd with your information on it and show it on your laptop to the shop owner... Not only does it look more professtional, but it shows that you are more invested in trying to help someone, than two guys coming in out of the blue and "Accosting" the worker or shop owner.....
If you follow these suggestions, as well as speak slower, and not so loudly, I promise you will get a much much different outcome....
on a side note, you might consider inviting the shop owner for a cup of coffee to a nearby coffee house and show them the video there at some place that is much more neutral territory. Rolling up on them inside their shop puts them completely on guard and they will either come out fighting like the woman in the 2nd address, or they will completely shut down like the man in the first video.....
This is old news to you guys.. old hat.... the stores and people that your dealing with, it is not. It is new and scary to them....
Sweet talk them a bit.. maybe give them T-shirts with your business logo or tagline, SOMETHING and you will get a much better outcome.... I promise... (unless of course they are actually a part of the scam....then your cover is blown anyway...)
if you meet the scammer face to face, you could always make a citizens arrest and detain the scammer until the police show up... there are some ins and outs regarding a citizens arrest in the state of California and the potential problems that could happen if you are wrong.... further info can be easily searched.. I found info here: www.shouselaw.com/ca/defense/penal-code/837/
As a private investigator with 30 years of surveillance experience, may I offer a few suggestions that might help? First of all, it's doubtful that you're going to get anywhere by trying to involve the people that work at (or own) these PO Box rental locations. They KNOW that shady people use their services and probably don't care. If it were me, I'd send the package in an easily identifiable box that you can spot from at least 50-75 feet away...like maybe a colored box, an oddly shaped one, or a regular brown box that's sealed with brightly colored packing tape. Make sure you guys have a picture of what the box looks like. Bear in mind that the pick-up guy will be on the lookout for anything suspicious....like people hanging around outside, or multiple people sitting in a vehicle and looking toward the store. If he/she sees anything that seems odd, they most likely will just leave the area. I'd get a vehicle with tinted windows, binoculars, lots of snacks/drinks, and be prepared for a several hour surveillance. Maybe shoot just a few seconds of video of everyone entering the store once you know the target package has been delivered. It's always possible that the pick-up guy has a relationship with the person working the counter that would allow them to walk in the front door, pick up their package, and leave through the rear door. Don't go in the store AT ALL and don't make a move until you see that easily identifiable box being carried out the door. At that point you have two choices -- you can jump out and confront them, videoing them AND the tag number of the vehicle they leave in, or you can tail them to their next stop by using a small tracking device that you'd previously put into the target box. I'd be happy to recommend an inexpensive but very effective one. Lastly, I wouldn't initiate contact the scammer for any reason at all....not to let him know the package has been delivered (believe me, he already knows because he's most likely tracking it too) and definitely not to try to find out when it's going to be picked up. I admire what you guys doing and I'm not trying to tell you how to do your job...just want to share some things I've learned over the years that might make it a little easier. Happy hunting!!! =)
I agree and am appalled at the fact that owners agree to sign up for this and know what may be going on! You live and you learn - they’re clearly new doing this but it’s a good lesson and i love their drive - i hope they keep pursuing what they’re doing and don’t get discouraged. This is just a small block in the road and thanks for the advice you gave them!
This man is speaking facts, these youtubers are rookies, the mail lady knows these folks are scamming she don’t give a fuck. Y’all need to do this smarter.
Jackie Nole - What are you even talking about? If you want to run a mail business, that doesn't make you bad or corrupt. You'd have to be naïve as hell to think that less than above board stuff won't be passing through your location on the regular. That's like saying realtors are corrupt because sometimes people make meth labs in the houses they buy. It's not up to the proprietor to concern themselves with why the person is using the box. In fact, when the cops left the first location, they said he was going to examine the proof and potentially close down the box/not renew. That is something he didn't have to do if he didn't give a shit, he could just keep taking the guy's money.
I understand where both the business owners were coming from completely, and think you'd be crazy to react in any way other than how they reacted if these guys approached you with the crazy energy and manic story they presented, all while carrying a camera without the person's consent on private property, discussing criminal activity and all that.
Obviously they're trying to do something good, but they're going about it so, so wrong. They could get someone trying to take revenge on that store owner if he closes the mailbox, or if they did intercept the scammer, he could have attacked them, even potentially had a gun. They're putting innocent people at risk, and they need to completely reconsider how they're going to do things moving forward.
You're given them great advice. I hope they'll listen to you. The problem is they don't have a plan. Their objective is just to confront the scammer, but that's not enough, they're not law enforcement, they're not detectives. With the proper planning, they could bust the whole operation, but what they're doing is very ad hoc, very amateurish.
Listen to this man but ur so on this
Guys I love what you are doing. Take this as constructive feedback. When Art does the talking with his Russian accent and speaking fast and passionately to these owners it it TOTALLY freaking them out. Art does a great job trying to spell it out it just feels like an assault. Have Ashton do the initial talking. His American accent and slower pace speech pace might make it easier for them to listen. For pete safe mind your volume. Loud volume comes across threatening from strangers. You have to treat the store owners like you are talking to your grandmother everytime or they will spook. I am also praying for your safety. I really hope you have more than a camera and a cell phone to keep you safe.
That is kinda true. I would recommend Ashton talking first as Art just goes all in straight away xD also when you intertwine with each other and speakover it doesnt convey the message properly.
I agree! I think he was being very forward and direct. Considering this might be new and sudden for the shop owner
Yeah this is a good feedback. I can understand the owners feeling overwhelmed with all the sudden influx of information.
_@John B_
*You’re SPOT ON! 100% correct and constructive feedback..*
*I was thinking about that too 😲*
_@YesOrDie_
*You’re right, speaking on top of one another actually confuses the listeners ✌️🤣*
I think you guys should let the store owners know about what's going on right from the start. Hanging around and waiting until later comes off suspicious to the store owners. And two guys talking over each other at the same time does not help either. I hope you guys take this constructive criticism.
These guys are idiots and are very aggressive and rude in the way they talk to store owners
Except the store owner/worker may be in on the scam
It was really aggressive, businesses cannot trust everyone that comes in accusing someone of doing a crime. Obviously the legit way to go about it would be to tell the police, like this vigilante justice and blaming the poor business owner lady is just ridiculous. She has just as much right to suspect you guys, as she has the "proof" you are presenting her. What if you are running a scam to get information on po box owners.
@@bubbabitty5438 Yep, he knows more than he says.
@@bubbabitty5438 If they're in on the scam, berating them is not the way to get info from them.
I know this is an older video. I am a retired Postal employee and have worked as a clerk. If the P.O. box is in a government building, not a UPS or FEDEX store, they are not Federally owned. you can speak to the Postmaster or Postal Inspectors. They can investigate and set up a sting on that particular box. The scammer will be arrested immediately.
They are ignorant and won't do their research. They purposely like to do the confrontational crap for views as you'll see in even recent videos.
You need to have the box wrapped in bright orange duct tape, then you would never even have to go in the business. You could sit in your car and wait for the person to pick it up. It would be easily identifiable by the bright colored tape on the box.
tracking device in package.
heck, put an old smartphone with a full charge in the package & "find my phone"
For sure, needs to be way more discreet than this.
What if he puts it in a backpack?
@@shaun2463 make it an odd shape?
It wouldn't matter. The store owners are in on it. They're most likely repackaging these.
What you guys are doing is great, but you seriously need to change the way you approach people. You over talk each other all the time and appear to become argumentative. You need to stay calm..
then do it yourself smart guy
Natsuki he’s 100% right though.
You are 100% correct. Ignore that douchebag Natsuki.
Showing up and talking with the business owners under false pretenses completely undermines your credibility. Pretending to want to open a PO Box or use a charger and then later telling them you're really there to bust a scammer is going to put people off as they now view you as a liar. Rethink your strategy.
Totally agree with the 2nd shop owner. You over stepped the mark, you are not law enforcement, don't be disrespectful.
Sure, they will end up having problems with this tactic.
well I think they tried not to give up their cover, so all of these comments may help them do a better job. im sure they did not mean to come out as liars in front of the store owner.
I get it and all but I think you all are missing the point and not seeing the big picture of the issue its not about how they conducted there operation its about she did not care regardless of how they did it or who they are I mean the lady has no soul and sold it to the devil all she cares is about getting paid
the business owners don't know them. they could be the scammers themselves trying to steal a package or something. in this world you don't know who to trust. maybe they could have handled it outside of the business by just waiting outside. why can't law enforcement do more about this anyway just like To catch a predator?
Thank you guys for letting us know all this kind of scams, I cannot stop following you.
Guys I respect the movement, but you’re doing this totally wrong.
I hope these pointers help
• These owners don’t know you.. they have no reason to believe you. I wouldn’t either. You’re strangers. Fix this approach.
• Ask camera permission, put them at ease. Don’t just show up like a firing squad. Tell them you’ll blur their faces during ask permission phase. Be diplomatic.
• Russian dude needs to calm his energy. He’s tall, Healthy and strong looking and has accent - this will intimidate. He has to offset this with *softer* approach, to remove the intimidation from their minds. After Russian guy notices he removed intimidation from them, then slowly start introducing your energy.. because now they are not intimidated and Russian guy is entertaining. Still, keep an eye out, they may revert back into intimidation, if so.. back off some. Best to slowly bring in your energy & passion to avoid them from reverting.
• Avoid arguing with them, makes you look bad to them, and to me the viewer, makes you look amateur. Don’t do that.
• Don’t come at them with super saiyan passion energy. Be gentle. Too much energy like that - you turning them way. Remember you’re passionate about this stuff (not them) so approach as such.
• if you serious about this, then be serious.. Get you some cheap business cards, PUT your face, on your business cards, it will bring them to ease, then they see your face on the cards and adds legitimacy to your pitch. Have genuine smiles in business card photo. You never know.. you might get business from them.
• Have a pitch intro ready. Your explanation is all over the place. You confuse me and I know what you’re doing.
• Keep your intro pitch *SUPER* short. No one has the bandwidth of attention. Everyone has a life with they own issues, they attention bandwith is reserved for that. So keep your intro pitch within a sentence and make sure it’s what I call *Stupid Easy* meaning, easy enough for a stupid person to understand.
• Vistaprint will get you 500 business cards for only $30 - $40 (affordable)
Now go master your craft. Do this right, people may start hitting you outright and putting dollars in your pocket. Even sponsors. But you have to get professional. No more arguing, no more showing up like the firing squad scaring people. Good luck!
dayum, awesome pointers! do u give business advice too? haha i need some
that's real life looser, only scripted videos will go according to plan, real life people don't care about other people
no
Words well written from a grifter.
This man just gave you a free blueprint to success. Everything stated in this will help your process go 20 times smoother.
I admire your effort, but you are going about this the wrong way.
Only one of you should speak to the store owners.
You're both were putting too much pressure on the store owners (especially the second one).
One of you should have talked to the store owners before hand.
In addition, most civilians do not want to be involved.
You should have either gone to the Postal authorities or the local police, before trying this.
Nope
100% spot on
You are absolutely correct. Both of them are extremely overwhelmed by 2 people trying to explain the situation and they were basically talking over each other. Do not get me wrong, I'm so happy that they are doing this, 100% grateful but one of them should of calmly explained it to each of the people. They obviously don't watch TH-cam and probably not that keen on these scams. Were they involved, especially the 2nd person, who knows. It's a sad situation that this is even happening in the 1st place but I'm also thankful there's people out there trying to stop it. Shutting down that ONE box might not seem like a lot but it might deter that guy from picking stuff up at a P.O. Box.
This is exactly what I was thinking too. You guys are really excited and we're pushing too hard. You need to slow down and talk one at a time, including when speaking to the police. People get nervous otherwise, especially when you're implying he's in on it and a criminal. Admirable effort, but the execution wasn't great. But hey, this can be improved upon, and will lead to better results. But again, SLOW DOWN, stay CALM, and talk one at a time because it's very hard to understand otherwise.
@@jakublizon6375 Very very well said and couldn't agree more!
I can see how a little old man would feel intimidated by a large Russian guy. God bless you all. 💜
I dont know if he is intimidated, but you gotta understand- A lot of people rent those PO boxes for privacy. So even if the owner doesnt agree with this particular scam- If his existing customers get wind that he is having cops investigate all the activity that happens in these boxes..... that could be a problem for the owner on a bigger picture.
I'm starting to wonder if that guy was actually involved in the scam. Pierogi said his address was used for scams before and I wonder if that's why he was so hush hush about it when Trilogy arrived. When he called the police, he probably planned all along to pretend he didn't know and told them he was going to close their mailbox just to get everyone off his tail.
@@christiangonzales7429 To a certain degree He's profiting from the scam as his service is being used
It seems he is a part of the scam.
For a large Russian guy he is physically intimidating...then he opens his mouth and you can immediately see that his intentions are good...
FYI: I think Art can come off aggressive. Ashton should do the talking. It would help to just have one person talk, as it presents a united front. I think you'd have more success that way. Just some friendly advice!
Like practice in front of family or friends over and over, and have a checklist handy. In case they have a guy with a gun, knife, or really big guys. And for the middle guys just trying to make a living, give them a card of where they can call for help if they all get caught. AND keep practicing the ways to get out of a situation, and learn the art of Interrogation, as well put remote camera's in your shirt button holes, in your glasses, etc.. Who knows, maybe your next career will be Private Investigators. Of helping people getting their $25,000 gold encrusted .....et.. and finding and returning,.
Plus, that soyboy looking manbun, has GOT to go.
Ashton turned on his bitch mode or something with the woman though for no good reason though.
You guys have to realise the guy who runs the post place doesn’t have any idea who you are, if you’re legitimate or if you just have some personal issues with someone. He needs to protect his customers identity, he can’t just give you all that information because you came in and made some claims. You’re not police. Now sure what you were expecting him to do on the spot in that situation. He has no idea who you are. I think you need to be more mindful about the situation he’s in.
Totally agree. We know Art and Ashton are stand-up guys and not criminals, but he or even the second person have absolutely no idea who they are. The lady annoyed me with her responses to them and her 'no care' attitude, but she was being defensive as she had no idea who they actually were and felt betrayed and her privacy invaded with the camera in her face. I think they need to have hidden cameras and try a softer approach in future to gain trust and info. It still won't work with some people but it will work with some.
_@Jak90_
Good suggestions..
“Use hidden cameras” next time 👍
@Evil Deeds they're not fake they're just rookies. They'll get better at what they do and master this art. And yeah their TH-camrs so they do care about views and monetization; so what? They will Master this art and they'll do so with monetization in mind as well. That doesn't make them fake
No disrespect but you guys are totally going at the store owners/staff the wrong way.
@Cliff Mangar exactly. The guys don’t have the full frame of reference of the owners and they are so hyped up and talking over each other that it’s 90% likely they won’t gain cooperation. Amateur hour unfortunately. Probably they will learn the right approach but it will take a while
Agreed, the second lady was reasonable not to trust 2 random people walking in, and you guys became aggressive and tried to shame her. Not right.
Eddie Lindwall calm down sheesh..
@@jennyy8489 WHAT!? LOL
@@quackaddict8544 Seriously, their reply to why she should trust them: we're indie filmmakers with a YT channel. Like anyone can't start a channel and film nowadays LOL
I think your mission is wonderful! I feel so bad when you don’t get the outcome you want- you work too hard for that. I’m an elderly woman who would love to be able to help, but alas everyone thinks I’m to old.
I agree with what some of the commenters are saying here - harassing the business owner (especially at the end) wasn’t cool. Why not involve law enforcement from the beginning? They don’t know who you are and you’re barging in with cameras and talking about fraudulent activity. And no mask in the middle of a pandemic? Why would they want to talk to you? Additionally you’re putting yourself into legal jeopardy by suggesting the other store owner of being a party to the fraud. He’s got a real strong case for libel there especially given it could damage his reputation and harm his business. I appreciate what you are doing especially given how so many vulnerable people are being scammed now but please professionalize your operation before you end up being sued.
I agree with that too and also think that Trilogy Media guys were quite offensive, without even explaining the owners whats going on in *clear* manner first.
I did not know you watched scam baiting videos
Photographs for news purposes may be taken in entrances, lobbies, foyers, corridors, or auditoriums when used for public meetings except where prohibited by official signs or Security Force personnel or other authorized personnel or a federal court order or rule. ahahah lon.tv good you changed your message about filming next time if you dont know a thing about someting looke it up.
The lady at the end was suspicious of you 3, she didn't want her to be on camera because she didn't even know you.
Okay, psychopaths with this conversation can win a victim I think ... the Chinese lady was smart!
She clearly stated she did not want you filmin in her store yet you kept filming. Not very professional of you.
she didn't let the guys to proof their point. She was the suspicious one covering an international criminal activity, being a foreign individual, in a country that's not hers
She was sus asf
I love the cause you stand for but you are crossing boundaries and business owners are not receptive of what you are doing. You are trying to serve the greater good but the approach is putting you up against a wall. Rethink your strategy. Telling people information doesn’t put you in a position of authority and you are getting defensive when you haven’t established trust with the person you are engaging with.
You guys are AWESOME !! I am 70 years old and I can’t tell you how many times I suspected scammers and have friends my age who were caught up in scams that cost them. Please please be careful I’m afraid for you. It’s like you are catching the same as the MOB.
LOVE YOU GUYS!
Be very careful out there!
How about hiding a GPS inside the box somehow. That way you can track where the box goes.
Scammer Payback has tried something like that before, he enclosed a remote video camera in the hope of capturing the scammer's face when the package was unboxed... but sadly the battery died in transit due to postal delays 😕
The only problem is if they open it nearby or in their car and throw away the excess before heading home.
i think they have you send to/near a western union so they can relay the cash asap. probably lose the box and non-cash content shortly after.
There's small GPS trackers that last for months. Shipping delays wouldn't be a problem. At the very least you could see when the package left the building and then track them down
@@MatthewHeinrichs Or for less cost than one of those long lasting ones, you could get a cheap tracker and a cheap USB battery pack. We looked into tracking options when thieves were targeting our property, and got a pack of three trackers for like $17 CAD, and can get "kinda crappy but good enough for the purpose" battery packs for $4 from Dollarama.
I am a fan, but this video bothered both me and my wife. As someone who works in customer service, I would have kicked you out immediately. It's not fair how you approached them and I believe you owe them an apology. It is not their fault, and like it or not, they CAN'T give you personal information. You need to get the police involved for that to ever happen legally, and as you learned there isn't much they can do. However, my wife had an interesting idea: Don't ever go into the shop, but ship the packages in brightly colored/unmistakable packages and wait until you see someone pick that up. It may not work every time, but it would keep the community on your side. Keep up the, otherwise, good work!
Totally agree. (Ppl are just assuming their cautious reaction means they’re enablers.)
Yes! I was thinkig about a colored sticker so they could wait for him outside and then Art can serve him the best of Vlad so he feels intimidated. But, if he opened the package inside he will be so pissed seeing there is nothing in there and it will show when he will storm out of the place ready to receive the treatment by Ashton and Art... But if he has not open the package he doesn't know there is nothing so the box will be very precious and won't react the same way at all! You need to foresee a lot of scenarios, it all depends on your intentions, your final goal in confronting them? You can't arrest them, the guy is not at the top of the food chain or provably not involved at all in the scams and expects money that Top Scam owes him and promised he will get soon... Same thing they did with the lady. Except this is no lady and you are not at home in front of a camera but facing guys expecting money, that you don't know the past and are most probably armed, no police protection unless they open a real case, name a victim, could be you guys, you help them collecting datas so they have something to ask for a mandate and an actual case with a victim and well, a crime! There is nothing in the box so nothing is stolen and no victim either now... It seems to me the possible gain is quite small compared with the risks of facing them alone.😕
But if there is some good sharpie ink, with noize, smell and debris flying out of the box when they open it (there is a yt that did a genius box for the package stealers! Explosion of colors). Then, everybody knows they are crooks, scrap their clothes, stink and you are laughing from your car filming it all for our joy! Love you guys! Sophie
@@yolnow4ever515 good point, but if they were really expecting $15,000 in cash i sure hope they wouldnt be stupid enough to open the package in the store lol
Great Idea!
That someone can come prepared with a big shopping bag or a backpack and you certainly can't go up and confront someone on what's in their bag.
If i were either of the store clerks, i would think these guys were trying to scam me
Huh?
@@quackaddict8544 con men always try to play on your sympathy and guilt you into getting their way. I have no reason to trust complete strangers who insist they are conducting a civilian sting operation in my place of business and breech the confidence of my paying customers.
My concern would be contacting the authorities but we can see what that accomplished.
Last Torgo In Paris they have proof though they know the name of the guys and his P.O. Box but the clerks still can’t really do much still because they prob have a NDA agreement with all their customers and they can’t give their personal information out
same here, you guys are trying to do the right thing, but you are disregarding the business owners. i would imagine if they gave their info out, the scammer could sue the business, or am i totally off.
Yeah, I started to write the short fat guy off the moment he started mansplaining the korean woman owner. "Uh, no hun"...Who the hell are you guys to her? or the elderly man in the first business? They don't know you are doing a vigilante deed! A bit less entitlement could go a loong way, 'hun".......
I appreciate each and everything you guys do lol. As a victim of those Scumbags, I Thank you, you guys are true heroes 💓
Y'all gotta chill when talking to strangers man, that old guy had every right to be spooked and you didn't do a super good job calming the situation.
Amen! Even trying to explain it to the cops in such a crazed, "trying to get ahead of the story," way felt like things could've gone pretty badly
I love this!! But just a soft skill tip.....you guys may need a more gentle approach explaining to older people or people who may not understand. You gotta realize you guys are all pumped and raring to go and you catch these people off guard. Can't wait for the next episode, though. You guys may have hit gold here!!
I agree, kinda felt sorry for the first guy. If you watched it live all the viewers are jumping on him saying he's a part of it. I honestly feel he's just older and doesn't understand things like TH-cam and such or maybe he's worried about repercussions from the scammer.
@@raven0565 Yh me too. I could tell he was nervous and scared and wanted the police there to protect him. We know Art and Ashton are good people. He doesn't know that and what they say obviously overwhelmed him.
_@Raven_
*You’re right ✌️😊*
Agreed
I applaud what you are doing, but even though your intentions are good, your method in this video is questionable at best. I understand that owners/employees of businesses can get overwhelmed in the situation. They don't know who you are, they have no forewarning, they have no way of knowing if you are a threat. If you film them and don't blur their identity (right on the spot, they have no reason to take you at your word), they might be frightened that the criminals might show up and hurt - or even - kill them. You've just told them that criminals are working out of their shop. No wonder why they are scared. And, even when you do blur their identity, the mules know who they are. What responsibility do you take if anything happens to them? This can really have serious consequences. Doing the wrong thing for the right reason doesn't justify your actions in this particular situation. You are hyped up in the situation and want to do right, but don't use a flustered woman's immediate reaction and label her as not caring about people being scammed. You came on too strong here, and you should own it. Perhaps rethink your strategy before doing something like this next time. Wasting time from scammers is one thing, which I love that you are doing. Going at people without giving them a proper chance to think about it for more than a few minutes, passive aggressively and condescendingly addressing them (calling her "hun" when you are annoyed at her) while filming just undermines what you are doing. Sorry, guys, but this method is poorly thought through.
I hope you all read these comments.
The use of "hun" was gross to me as well. In this case it was condescending, not endearment.
Completely agree with this. I actually felt sorry for the store people in the end. Appreciate a lot of good work is being done to highlight scammers but felt this went a bit too far, lost a little bit of respect for TM today unfortunately.
Great comment. I hope they read this.
I unsubscribed from them. Absolutely disgusting and unacceptable.
The reason he felt harassed is because of the tone and amount of information you will giving him in the amount of time he was trying to process it. Pretty sure he felt overwhelmed and needed help from someone he could trust.
Or because he's involve and taking his part. More like that?
So strange, jerky, and dirty he called the police and use the word "harassment". Nobody in this world can be more gentle, trustable, sourced, and presenting even ID card and proof like they did...
Same for the girl. (probably that why they have all accent, they came from another land... Probably someone install them here, and they live their best life. But we'll never know, but can only strongly supposing.)
I LOVE Art. He must know his thick accent with missing adjective articles puts ppl on edge. Ashton should do all the talking to victims.
The older man was extremely frustrating. I don't blame Art for having that tone.
That dude is definitely the mule. Owning a business that rents PO boxes is basically legal invincibility for all mail fraud and illegal packages. Plus it's a decent business to launder money through.
You guys really messed up the last one, you should went and directly talked to her, no just enter the store, ask for a charger and then start recording whitout telling her what was going on, that's very suspicious and was very wrong, I hope you have learned something about that situation.
Yeah, I think so as well. Honestly, the first one as well, come in with one story, then wait outside for half an hour, then come back with another story. I understand the store people thought it was very dodgy.
And the explanations are all over the place, this lady knows nothing about what happened at the other place, so to come in and just keep going on about police being called to the store isn't really going to get the woman interested, she'll just think they've got a hidden agenda and try different approaches to see which one will stick. Oh, phone charger not a sad enough story? How about people getting scammed out of money? No, I don't know what you're here for, but I know it's not that.
Just get straight to the point, it'll be easy enough to see then by their reactions how they feel about the situation and if they're possibly in on it themselves. Explain yourself, calm, coherent, and tell them what your plan is on catching the scammer out.
If they don't want it, they don't want it, no arguments. If they think you're on to something, they'll help.
Yeah, the second part went overboard, imho. ✔️But, keep up the great works you’ve been doing. I’m still very proud of y’all! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
But the only reason this outcome happened was since the scammer didn't even show up. If the scammer did show up, they wouldn't need to talk to the employee and cause this problem. So this isn't really their own fault, as the employee should have taken the situation wwaayy more seriously.
@@no_one563 Perhaps if they'd not been lurking around suspiciously with a video camera and been more patient, and not kept ringing the guy, the scammer might have actually turned up!
@Evil Deeds I'm afraid you're absolutely correct.
After I seen the elderly lady is STILL getting money 5 months later on GoFundMe after "losing" $30.000 to a scammer it seems like they're really milking it for profits themselves.
Ppl should look between the lines especially when it comes to TH-camrs.
In the future I think you guys have to only have one of you explain what is going on, because you're talking over each other and the story is all over the place which leads to the business owners not quite properly understanding what is going on. And Art needs to tone it down a little because he comes off as a little aggressive and intimidating in a moment where the person he's talking to is probably having an anxiety attack after just finding out that there's a scam operating in their business. A softer, more friendly approach would work better.
100% agree
imagine if the scammer walked in while they were confronting the first guy? it would be too suspicious and scare him off and at the end they would have no scammer caught and a stressed business owner not knowing what to do
Ash was too, I really don’t understand how they thought leading in with what feels like an abuse of generosity kills any abilities to trust.
Cool
You guys really shouldn't talk to the owners. Just find who picks up the package..
yeah i wish they would have waited to see if someone would show up and they knew how the package looked like and they could have waited in the car to see if someone came. yes i know theyd probably be there all day but you could just try it one time to see if its worth a shot you know? still good content tho but that lady couldnt understand english well and i dont know how she got that job when it requires people skills. yes i get it that they seemed sketchy at first and Art shouldnt talk first because yes he would probably come off as intimidating but she didnt even want to listen to anything.
Agreed. You know the size and shape of the box. Add something extra to the outside of the box. Film it before you send & film the person leaving with it from the store.
No your wrong
There are two different trails
The scammer comes
Or b he doesn’t come.so they need help from owners.to see if he ever does come the owners know there’s a criminal right there
To call police also the buisness owners could be suspects. they could be the master mind behind all of this,or know valuable information
So yeah
I think the intent behind speaking to the owners is to give them a chance to prevent themselves from being caught in the middle of anything - I just think they may be fine with that, unfortunately. You can’t help anyone who doesn’t want it. 🤷🏻♀️
Yeah, I agree especially if the owners are elderly people. They don’t understand technology now a days so their always scared when people come up to them and talk about anything technology things.
Just seeing this one as I was a lucky lady and got a free month membership on the live last night. So just watching this one and I was so shocked by that last so called human. I don't think I could have been as cool and collected as you both, she made my blood boil. But it is wonderful to see how far this channel has come and I am so glad I can be a part of it. You all are super hero's for what you are doing and for what you have done in just a short time. Much love and respect from the UK. xx
I really applaud you folks in wanting to help the consumers, the public. I know a few people who are close to me that were scammed and almost scammed. I wish there were more people like you who would step up like this older gentleman in the delivery store. He either is scared of speaking up or maybe he's involved or knows the people or person involved and that's why he's hesitant. ❤❤Love what you're doing thank you. PS Maybe the business owner can't disclose sensitive information but he can still hear them out because this could be him or someone he knows next time. But I would have approached it differently but I applaud you.
I still say, get your private investigator certifications so you can arrest the scumbags yourselves. Good work!
Private investigators don't have the authority to arrest anyone in the US. They would still have to have the police involved to make a formal arrest.
They can make citizens arrests just like anyone else.
@@christiangonzales7429 , Still "no victim" though. You heard the cop. It's sad ppl have to get hurt before they'd even be willing to do anything...if at all
Tracy Anne What about bounty hunters? 🤔
@@prima808 I wasn't exactly talking specifically about this situation, but anyone can make a citizens' arrest when they suspect someone is committing a crime. When security guards detain someone for suspected shoplifting, that is a citizens' arrest. Same thing if you caught someone breaking into your car, you make a citizens' arrest by detaining that person while waiting for the police. But yes, you're right a victim of a crime is a requirement in order to prosecute and it's sad that people have to be hurt first :(
As the lady said, she is running a business, and even if you say that you have proof etc., her first responsibility is to her customers, not you. Even the “proof” that you have could be made up by you in order to get back at whoever owns the PO Box. I also agree that Art is a lot overbearing and when he starting talking faster and raising his voice and then Ashton you join in and start laying gilt trips on her, I would tell you guys to get the hell out of my business. Laying guilt on someone for something that has, in her opinion sketchy proof is not the way to go about it.
If the scammer is doing this routinely and suddenly now he is getting odd calls from the sender and the "shop" trying to push him to pick up within 20-30 mins then the scammer is going to suspect something.
Ugh I said the same thing. Dude never got calls before from the "store" or "ups" and all of a sudden these ppl are calling like crazy saying they got a package and need a signature asap. Dude knew something was wrong.
Have to start somewhere and learn as you go when money rules the world and sheep turn a blind eye anything to throw a wrench in a scammers plan is a W when it's you vs the world
Good point.
These 3 guys have no patience to wait. They’ll make a terrible private investigator.
Did these guys think that these people could be dangerous to seriously anybody picking up that amount of money is going to have some muscle with them muscle usually has guns and if the shop owner or the actual business itself is in on it they may never leave that store alive if someone is willing to steal from you they will most likely be willing to kill you especially if you're messing with their money
Love to watch you catching scammers, but I'm wondering what the store clerks were supposed to do. You did go in under false pretenses to both stores and then bombarded them with this information. They felt threatened, confused, and ... well ... scammed.
What was the false pretences?
They said they were independent film makers.
You're making excuses for a lazy woman in the store who didn't want to care about the situation.
Exactly
Here's the issue... The scammers know the shipping store owners and you're putting the owners on the spot. They HAVE to come to work and now you're putting their lives in jeopardy. If that's no big deal to you, how about putting your own addresses out there? This old man at the shipping store is now on blast, on film, and has to be involved in all this now. At least don't show the store and don't show the employee. Nowadays it's easy to figure out where these places are even if you blur them out. You're being too aggressive and putting them at a much higher risk than they need or deserve to be in.
This 100%. What if one of these scammers turns out to be crazy and seeks revenge? They could send a bomb to that store for all you know, people are nuts.
Or what if they actually do intercept the scammer, who is unstable and has a lot to lose? What if that scammer turns around and pulls a gun? These guys are taking that risk willingly, they know it could be very dangerous.
Those people in the store are completely innocent and didn't ask or consent to be involved. What if they, or other innocent people - including potentially children - were to be hurt? They'd be in a world of trouble, nevermind having to live with that.
These guys are trying to do good, and I love that. But they're diving in head first, with no planning, no thought, no research, no idea about what they're doing, and how they do it now could get someone innocent very badly hurt, or worse.
This is very true. They don't seem prepared enough either. About the time someone fights back or they get in a sticky situation, I don't think they are ready for that yet. I think they are trying to do good work, but they need to be more careful. And definitely have more connections! If they grew to be an actual group of several people then they definitely have a better chance.
U right about that and Russian dude can’t talk they just keep pressing the store owners I kno how I’d feel wit 3 ppl walkin up on me wit cameras
The first store owner may have felt threatened but I believe he was somehow involved by his body language and his verbal and lack of verbal responses. The lady was responding angrily because she felt she had been taken advantage of.
I appreciate what you guys are doing; I think it's fantastic; however, I believe that you may have been a little too extreme when speaking with the store owners. You can't come in there with the assumption that these PO box owners are in on the scam. Confront them kindly and a little more calmly instead of jumping on them right away. Tell them what you do, your names, and why you're filming. Also, the charger thing was a little weird. You can't blame that lady for wondering what you guys were doing when you waltzed in with a camera all of a sudden. She was frightened, and I'm pretty sure that wasn't the best way to go about the situation. You could have instead waited in the parking lot, and when you scammer guy didn't show up, your friend could have just come back outside and waited with you guys.
Is the local police who you should be working with or is there an FBI Agent?
Who usually resolves "mail fraud"?
@@teresalipot7111 usually USPS (the US Postal Inspector) but it's a federal crime so the FBI would be involved as well.
You guys do know that when the idiot sees all 3 of you in the shop then he's not gonna go inside to get the box anymore... so Do it right and stay in the car, watch closely and wait for him to come out to confront him.
Also for the love of God let Ryan do the talking next time.
naj they have to hear him picking up the package. They can’t just stop everyone that’s coming out of the store with a box. If they taped up the box with colored tape that would help make it identifiable without having to go in though.
@@Jess19877 exactly, they could come up with many ideas to identify the box... I mean put yourself in the mule's shoes, would you go inside to pick it up if you see 3 grown ass men poking around in the shop and one of them with a camera?
naj this is their first time doing something like this. The last time they just went to a house and the person was guaranteed to be there so give them a break. It’s a learning experience. Their plan was to be secretly recording. Art was the one inside recording from his phone secretly while they waited for the mule. When the mule didn’t show up that’s when they went in with the other camera. Would I personally go in the shop with 3 men inside with a camera? No, I wouldn’t but only because I’d think they were filming something for a commercial or the news and I wouldn’t want to bother them. Other people may not even notice and go right in.
Not to mention the sign that says "if there's 3 ppl in here already wait outside cause covid"...
@@Jess19877 you're right, it's their first time i agree, just giving them an advice for next time.
Y’all have come far in how you “interview” and interact with people that are victims of these scams. So glad y’all learned from doing this
Yeah no sorry but please take this as feedback.
The way you guys handle the situation is WAY too frantic and confusing. No wonder the first person called the cops you guys were absolutely suspicious. You go into the building with one reason then come back with 3 guys saying something else. Of course he's going to get spooked. Then the man was being descriptive as possible ( which he shouldn't have done to protect the persons identity) and you guys called him uncooperative. One the police was involved he was SO much more calm and even clarified that he wasn't being harassed, he was just more freaked out more than anything. I remember from the other video with the elderly lady her hands were shaking alot and even though you couldn't see her face, she seemed anxious.
TLDR: Try to be more nicer to the owner / manager and have ONE person explain what's happening, have 2 people in someones face must be intimidating, especially to the more elderly.
Dannn M they were being nice to people its just they weren't listening and ignored the situation.
I totally agree. You need a totally unassuming little old lady like me to go into those stores and quietly explain what's going on. You guys are like two bulls in a china cabinet. Seriously. Regardless of what you were saying, you'd push my buttons too and turn me off. I know you are passionate and trying to do the right thing, however you're going about it all wrong. You need to team up with an un intimidating quiet type of woman that doesn't feel threatening, but is truly undercover and knows how to blend in instead of screaming from the mountain top. You don't realize how off putting you are.
In all honesty, if it were my business I would have told you guys to leave the store.
You guys are doing a Good job, but please, stay calm, don’t talk over each other, yapping nervously. I would be intimidated by a Big Russian talkingto me like that. Calm Down, have some paperwork ready If the police gets involved. Good luck. 😋
yeah paperwork is key. Talk is cheap, anybody can say "we have the proof". A few pg document outlining all of the proof you have, with bitlinks to key audio clips of the scammers. Have to have a specific crime in mind that they are committing to get much help from the police, maybe money laundering? if the crime is mail fraud then it may have to go through the higher-ups who manage the mail system, I don't know how that would work. In order for the cops to detain and question your mule they need reasonable suspicion or probable cause for a crime, you have to hand that to them on a platter with your evidince, otherwise the guy walks and doesn't have to say a word.
Plus I don’t know a lot of American rules and rights but in France we cannot call someone who didn’t commit any crime a criminal.
I agree. I understand getting nervous but if they’re going to do things like this they need to be super prepared in every way possible, stay calm & don’t feed into each other. Then I think they’ll be pros at this and do it even more effectively
Oh give me a break, if you side with that 2nd lady's bs, you're what is wrong with this country. These guys only got irrated when the "lady" started being a complete nut job. She said it herself, she doesn't care if criminals rent her boxes, she just wants their business! Just another example of people not wanting to get involved in something for the better, because it could cause them to lose a buck 🙄
Also smart internet people, if she would've shut her trap for 2 seconds to let them speak, they have all the proof she would need on their phone. How is "paperwork" better proof? "Hey...so I know you have VIDEO AFTER VIDEO of proof of these scams, but can you put it on paper and show me?" 🤣
Truth is, she didn't want to know the truth!
I'm really impressed. Your effort to do something about it is A+! We all hit a brick wall when solving a case sometimes but, one thing leads to another...eventually. And answers always come by writing down the questions....!
You are being way too hard on the shop owners....it is NOT their fault at all
yea ikr!!! they were literally telling the lady off like she was complicit
Once she knows and fails to do anything she is complicit.
idc
I feel like this would go way smoother if that tall dude wasn’t so aggressive. You guys need to work on your people skills.
She’s worried that the scammer will be locked up then he won’t continue to give her money for renting out the P.O. Box. That’s what’s she’s really worried about, she would rather have a criminal keep giving her money for the P.O. Box than have them locked away and lose a paying customer....y’all are disgusting
100% AGREE!!!!!! Russian dude comes off way 2 Strong!!! The old man would of prolly just let the guys do there thing...
I was about to say he’s way too intense.
So the person behind the counter has two people throwing bucket fulls of information at them - and a big guy with a cooky accent waving his arms about and being really intense, and a third guy filming it with a camera ! I wonder why they go on the defensive......
I don't think he is being aggressive. He is obviously hyped up emotionally and he is just one of those people that tends to be a bit over zealous. It can be threatening to someone who does not know him, but as you have seen in the clips when he interacts with his friends he is very passionate. Yes, I do agree he perhaps needs so guidance to tone it down somewhat ! I think the team need to look at how they go about approaching the mail depots, they really look suspicious and I am not surprised that they were unsucessful in the two
attempts they showed. But theses guys need to be applauded for what they do, and that $30,000 + chegue for that lady was wonderful.
I really think you need to take the MANY, MANY comments about how you do business and totally revamp the way you do things. The first store was not too bad, but you completely blew it with the second store. You were harassing her and she told you to leave yet you continued to lay a guilt trip on her. To her, you were the ones in the wrong, could be potential scammers bent on getting back at whoever rented the PO Box. Really guys, you blew it big time. Art, no offense, but shut up and let Ashton do the talking. Even better, do the brightly colored box/tape and confront the mule OUTSIDE the store. I really hope you guys do a video acknowledging what ever one is saying and figure out how to do this better. Just about every comment had some advice for you. You should take it under consideration and then move forward. Don’t do this again until you have a much better plan of attack.
i agree
when you have a crush on the girl ❤️❤️❤️🥴🥴🥴🥴😄🙂😁😇😊🙂😄😗😃🤣😉😗😅🥰🥰
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Please... the mission seems to be honorable, but the execution is distasteful and of poor judgment, and (as a result of) can easily be perceived as insincere. This was the first video I've seen and will watch more, but please SERIOUSLY take heed to comments being made. Usually the ones that don't make you feel completely validated are the ones that hold the most value.
Agreed, they were all acting super sketchy in the first store and then way over aggressive at the second. If the phone call to the boss didn't make the scammer suspect something, the mule showing up and seeing them in the store probably made him nope out.
I thought even the first store was bad, that poor man. But the second one, omg, at least this lady stood her ground. Art really needs to shut up in these, as soon as they become a bit defensive he starts to overwhelm them with even more information and is indeed getting aggressive. It's just too much. Just put yourselves in their shoes. The second lady was right, to her you were just the same as the scammer. Coming in there telling her all this stuff, how is she supposed to know you're not the liar? Yeah, you have proof but you're just saying that and she's supposed to believe you? What's your plan when they ask for that proof? Make them watch the youtube videos right there and then?
If this happened to me I would've thrown you out (especially after calling her 'hun'!). They have a duty to protect their customers and you start guilt tripping them for not believing your overload of information they can't possible process in that short amount of time unless they were familiar with these scams already. And without being able to provide proof other than saying you have proof. I mean really. All things a scammer would say.
Hats off to what you guys are doing!
Suggestion: Purchase some Trilogy business cards to look more professional when dealing with business owners and police.
I think they’ve done that it recent years
Completely inappropriate to bombard store owners like that. I understand what you're trying to do, but you're forcing these owners into situations they don't know they might be liable for. It's not polite to stick a camera in a person's face in their own property. You aren't the cops. You need to give them the evidence and let them do surveillance, if you aren't to wait long hours outside.
It’s legal to film in government mail offices. It’s in the rules and regulations that media filming is allowed and they all are legally supposed to hang them on the wall.
Antonia Furnari these are third party contractors. They are not government employees.
Send $1 from a real name next time. That technically would make you a victim.
That’s a great idea
I think it has to be a certain amount to have an actual case but also sending money in the mail is illegal so you could get in trouble for that.
Exactly what I said on a different video of theirs
@@MindlessVIRUS143 You’re right. Maybe they can use prop money, or any item rather so it can count as property, and hopefully law enforcement can open their eyes to see the bigger picture.
What if they send like a giftcard charged with 100 dollars ? They are surveiling the package anyway and by sending a card they avoid sending cash by mail?
And the way they are aproaching the store owners is very aggressive and accusive, the russian guy should not start speaking,they should understand that people are suspicious against anyone coming in claiming that this and that is going on,she doesnt know if they themselves are scammers,if they allways gets this response they should change theyre approach..
Art is soooo aggressive. Let the other person talk in a calmer voice.
If you want the help of the establishments, do not argue. Practice restraint when talking. You are very aggressive. If I am the owner of the establishment, I will not talk to you either. Why, you are being aggressive and making me feel like a criminal for not helping you. It makes sense to be cautious nowadays. Until you prove anything I will not help.
You have to see the perspective of other people not only yours. So you need to think of another calmer approach for the people to beliin your cause.
Take this as an advice. I believe in you.
@Evil Deeds they are not morron
You gave her a heads-up, it is up to her to pass the information along to her boss. Whether you like it or not, she is doing what she can.
Just walk away! She is scared! You are overwhelming! She doesn’t know you!
How do you ask for help and then when she asks for a business card, you say 'no, we're not going to give you that'? How's she supposed to trust you? Don't you want her to call back and help? Such a poorly executed plan..
These three guys only care about making their video and uploading it on TH-cam.
@@issadraco532 then don't stick around and bully her. She's obligated to follow the law. Just because you have your panties in a bunch, that doesn't mean she has a legal loophole. You either cooperate or gtfo. No in-between bullshit where you keep yelling at a random immigrant trying to make a living.
@@issadraco532 no way you just typed out a whole essay where you keep saying the same bullshit over and over again? Learn to crunch your thoughts.
I'll do it for you. You are a racist towards Chinese people and when they do the right thing and not break the law for random men that barged into her store it makes you so mad that you type out essay long racist comments about a whole country to make yourself feel better.
You're welcome.
Yeah he was getting too emotional and stopped caring just as he claimed she did.
@@wardogsmokes Chinese isn't a race...
I have directed and produced reality television shows. I know a thing or two about interacting with people in an unscripted way, and trying to nudge things in a certain direction so as to get the reactions you want, especially when there's conflict or trouble involved for the person being filmed. So with that in mind, here's some advice for you/my thoughts, after watching this:
You guys are trying to do good, but you're very naïve. The business owners in this vid don't know you from anyone else. They don't understand what the scams are about in the first place. They don't understand two fast talking strangers with cameras - all they know is that some big guys they don't know are there talking excitedly and fast at them about a scam . They haven't really identified themselves and there's a CAMERA in her face. Like what in the world do you expect to happen?? The second you said that you were going to get the owners involved, I was like - well this is over now.
They aren't concerned about taking YOUR word for what "doing the right thing" is. They're concerned with running their businesses legally, and not doing anything that could get their business in trouble, affect their livelihood, lose their jobs, etc. For all they know, you could be making everything you say up in order to scam them or take advantage of someone. And you walk in saying you "have proof" - not really. What you have is a long, convoluted story involving people pretending to be other people, a package that has money in it except not really, etc. To people who watch this channel and understand what you're doing, you have proof. But why do you think these scams are so prevalent to begin with?? Because people don't understand any of this stuff. They can watch your proof and get absolutely nothing from it.
They have no reason to trust you, they don't understand what you're talking about, and you're filming them without a heads up, and then getting aggressive, insulting and argumentative when they don't cooperate with you. It's a recipe for complete and utter failure, and it will never succeed with that particular formula.
I really love and admire what you're doing, and support you guys 100%. But try to step out of your narrow box of understanding, and approach things from other people's perspectives. You guys are loud, forceful and intimidating to some people to begin with, and then walking in with a camera - you've effectively ended any cooperation you might otherwise have had right from the start.
Personally, it's a long shot, but I think you should at least look into some kind of cooperation with the police or FBI's digital crimes divisions. Remember "To Catch A Predator"? The people would arrive, and meet Chris Hansen and the police instead. There was no victim there either, but because they figured it all out in advance and had the laws ironed out, they were able to pursue convictions.
That, or leave business people out of it all together. What if someone pulls a gun on you? You guys are taking that risk knowingly by doing this, but involving private folks in their place of business, especially where there could be innocent civilians, potentially even children, around, is shortsighted, dangerous and really not that cool for you to do.
Plan it out better, and keep up the great work,.
You guys have so much heart, and that is so clear, you really want to do the right thing. But do it in a smart way, with a plan that doesn't involve innocent people or their businesses unless they've consented to it ahead of time. And if things don't go your way - just walk away. Arguing and insulting mail business owners will earn you a reputation, and you'll either get banned from their stores or have a bunch of mail people really upset with you. The next time, cops might not be so understanding - they don't love "vigilantes", even if what you're doing is for the greater good of your community. It's all about perspective, and you guys are completely clouded by your own, and are failing to look at things from other people's points of view. That woman at the end wasn't a bad person for not helping you - she explained her point of view to you: "I don't trust anyone." So accept it and move on. Don't forget, you're promoting yourselves, earning money and making a name while doing this. There's absolutely nothing in it for these people except for potentially putting themselves, or their livelihood, in danger. Plus, older people are often suspicious of younger folks anyway, sadly.
Understand what motivates them, and you'll never be caught off guard by their reactions again -- both of which were one MILLION percent predictable. I'd have been shocked if it went any other way than how it did. And you want people to know you as good guys trying to do the right thing. Take no for an answer, and don't resort to getting nasty about it... it's not a good look, and will turn people off.
Just my two cents, for what it's worth! Good luck!
Worth WAY more than two cents, m⳽. jⲇckaloᕈe .ʝ. joᖾnstoŋe. Very, very well articulated. I hope they take your excellent advice.
**_Well said and really great advice for Trilogy Media to follow....Their approach had brought unwanted attention for the business owners and could create potential danger to the business owners place of business and livelihood*_*
Brilliantly well said. 👍
I hope they read this. They're awesome guys, they just need to understand how they can be misunderstood by people who don't watch their channels. Then they can be even more effective in protecting people from scammers.
My sentiments exactly
Can you get me in a movie? I’m 13 years old
I applaud and thank you both for what you do. I loath scammers!!
I do find Art too confrontational, too threatening, and/or too crass when talking with the store owners. If I was the store owner, I would be scared to deal with Art in my store too. Ashton should do all the talking. Ashton is calmer, civil and easier to communicate with. Art turns people off. Ashton is much more productive in dealing with people whose help they are trying to get.
Seeing art’s stature in comparison to the shopkeeper kinda sold what you said. He dwarfed him. He’s a very tall man and unfortunately the accent can make his words of wisdom come off aggressively. Absolutely feral for art tho dont get me wrong. I applaud how passionate they both are though. Its riveting none the less.
I think art as a whole is threatening, he’s looks scary when mad (I think it’s a Russian thing because my friends is scary when she’s mad/normal) idk his accent also sounds like he’s from the Russian mafia or something.
Art was in the right.
The woman in the store was lazy and didn't care or want to take action.
She even said "I don't care" . She wants the criminals money to run her legit business.
Not to be rude, you guys are suspicious when you go in as you do. The store owners might not be so put off if the guy who doesn't speak with an accent was doing the explaining. I would be very put off if you came in my store with all this pushy stuff. Work on your presentation.
Thank you for saying that... that's what I'm about to say. These two guys are very irritating and at the same time comical.
Dude needs to lose the sunglasses also, they need to be more professional looking.
the russian dude needs to chill and let the other guy talk
@@voltamperoffhes from russia he said it before plus i know russian -cyka blayt
He's Swedish
Exract you know russian and you cant even spell blyat?
@@clancywoods7728 cyka
Fr
What the owner meant is that: if you lied about the charger, you may be lying about anything else. She thought that you are a criminal trying to do something for your own good.
Exactly
Yes exactly! I understand these guys are not professional at what they are doing but I'm on the side of the women in this video, I would be questioning everything. If you lied to me once you could be still lying.
Yea get detectives involved from the jump. Send real money from a real victim, give police the lead
@@organicthug5220 it’s gonna be next to impossible to convince someone to willingly send thousands of dollars to a scammer. Sure, they’re gonna be working to intercept it and involve law enforcement, but it’s still a scary idea that you may never see that money again.
@@organicthug5220 and even if they do, they won’t technically be a “victim” anymore. It’s still the same as what Perogi did.
When you both are talking over each other and both of you are sounding so excited , it is VERY chaotic and confusing for someone to understand what you are trying to say
Art is that culprit, he needs to stop talking so much, they’re more incline to listen to ash calmly. Look how he tried to argue with that woman cutting ash off
Art is going to get tazed. He's very aggressive albeit well intentioned.
He talks too fast and kind of makes a situation seem intense, I’d start letting the other guy do all the in person interactions because of that and because of his accent they may not be able to see that he’s not aggressive.
Exactly
I love art, the man is the goat. It’s sad police are some times too trigger happy
Lmao no he's not please shut up. Cops deal with hyped up people all the time and no one gets hurt.
@@stephanbonnar6311 You are sadly uneducated please stop talking. Just refrain from it.
Two of you completing each others sentences, and Art's high energy is just too much for them. You've got to ease people softly into the situation.
Yea I saw that....they both trying to talk over each other and get over excited. If they can get some trainning from law enforcement on how to help them it would be far more effective
its like two people on cocaine who need to yap there ears off. 1 person should be the talker.
you guys are so aggressive, no wonder you guys weren't getting any help from the stores. they have no clue who yall are. you could be trying to steal someone's package or god knows what
They have all the evidence that it's a scam. The first owner was just a little overwhelmed but said to the police he was going to do more about it. The woman just straight up refused to see any evidence at all.
@@thatmayday actually she did ask to watch the video evidence, and they said no, this is all you get, his name, and PO box
@@eastwest312paq8 I think she was asking to see what all had been recorded in her store, not the evidence against the scammer.
@@jacobvanveldhuizen4365 i re-watched it, you're right, still, they acted like stupid assholes
@@thatmayday Because none of it matters they can't close a mail box on a whim and a few bits of papers from some randoms off the street its got to come from a court/police, they also can't divulge customer information no matter the accusations or evidence...
Please ignore the negative comments because you guys are my heroes!! As far as the private investigator, obviously he hasn’t seen your videos about the packaging you guys do. As far as the comment about it being poorly executed, obviously he hasn’t done this type of work. Keep up the good work & I always watch your videos. Love you guys & please stay safe.
Scammers aren’t gonna just nonchalantly walk in to pick up a package when there are numerous people inside. He’s committing a crime. The less people, the less witnesses. Not only that, but lounging around waiting while wearing sunglasses indoors makes it very suspicious for a scammer to come forward.
"We need a victim" - Ok, get your friend to send $1. Now there's a victim.
Brilliant idea!
If thats the difference that needs to be done to get these scumbags, great idea.
i had the same thought
You win
He can't give them any money without technically knowingly supporting organized crime, nor can he take any money from them without knowingly profiting from organized crime. Sucks, but it's a risk I wouldn't take. Also, really, it wastes police time, because courts will not appreciate it one bit (wasting their time over a buck). Could all backfire quite badly, annoying as that is.
Why would these store owners trust your “proof”? You’re harassing these business owners AND filmed the second business owner without consent. You entered the second *private* property under FALSE PRETENSES by asking for a phone charger. Now what reason does she have to trust your word? You guys are really going about this the wrong way.
You also stated that you would not put it on youtube, which is obviously false.
To accuse her of not caring is absolutely ridiculous. Tell me, again, what reason did you give these store owners to trust you?
Are you ok? Is there something wrong with your brain? A scammer is using their business to take money off old people's pensions, and all you care is the poor little employee who supports the scammer? I am seriously struggling to understand your logic here.
@@Crisalsera You're suggesting these folks are actively supporting scammers because they are intimidated by grown men entering their place of business seeking information on one of their customers? 🤔
@@Crisalsera I'm struggling to understand why the world has idiots like you in it every day. Then i'm reminded about illegal border crossings.
Shout out to the camera man for the awesome footage
He said you're protecting liars and she told him you came in as a liar ...WOW. BURRRN
Omg I thought I was the only one that noticed that. She delivered a verbal slap and the chunky guy started getting condescending. LOL that was awesome. Keep up the good fight guys. Your theories are all perfect and stellar. but your practice is atrocious! Work on that part of it all and you might end up with better results. Sunglasses indoors and a sweater in 90 degree weather make you seem a little shady off the bat.
totally agreeing with you there. Patience and respect to others is key. Don’t lie and manipulate to get what you want because morally your as bad as the scammers.
But she was getting all worked up about him lying about a cell phone charger. That's not a burn. 😆 Yes, it's clear why the business owners thought they were suspicious. But that woman was no better, showing complete cognitive dissonance
I hope you guys read the comments and take them to heart rather than being stubborn
Imagine I don't like someone. Say I had a verbal fight with them over politics. I want to get their legitimate business shut down. I track down which P.O. Box they are using and show up at the store. I then lie about having proof they are a scammer. I am aggressive and trying to get them to do something about this P.O. Box.
This is just one of many possible scenarios that could have been playing out with these businesses. Your proof could be fake, manufactured, etc. They don't know you at all and have no reason to trust you. Also they have no reason to believe that you are not a scammer or doing something wrong or illegal.
These people are acting reasonably and correctly.
definitely felt like you were scaring the guy in the shop. .You have to do something"......a PO Box is a private affair. What credentials do you have to interefer with a PO Box?
Exactly, they have none. Way too aggressive and disrespectful.
That's more than likely why the potential mule didn't take the package
More to the point, they seem to be unaware that messing with the mail or anyone attempting to get it, whether there is a scammer involved or not, is a serious federal crime. As is causing a serious incident in a post office
Art has to realize that he is very intimidating. This guy is just doing his job and ash gets very passionate and it can come off wrong to some people. They feel attacked. You’re hearts are in the right place but the execution needs to be handled a little differently. I fell bad for the man, just look at how ask towers over him. It comes off as aggressive. He’s being cornered while on the phone and that’s a very vulnerable position to be in. You can tell he’s totally freaked out. Don’t get offended when people get scared. Just realize how you act comes off on others. He has to protect himself too. I’m sure he’s not allowed to disclose information.
Exactly, also....they need to stop calling the women “hun”
That owner looked like he has dimentia or something he was so out of it
Yup, totally agree. Came off very agressive but totally support their cause.
No good deed goes unpunished.
Unpopular opinion but I don’t think the filmmakers are seeing the big picture that’s being said by the business owner. The owner is more upset on the particular strategy about confronting the scammer in her store than the crime itself. At the end of the day, the filmmakers are not concerned about what happens to the owner after the confrontation is over. Not concerned about how this situation could create future backlash that can tarnish the business. To try to stop a scammer that is coming to the store with a camera crew and then not be upfront about the initial purpose of the visit would only intimidate the owner and its customers. Think for a moment, customers don’t want to be in the middle of shady activity that may be happening in the store. Also some people may not want to do business in a shop that has illegal activity happening right up under their noses and it is all being confronted in public for everyone to see. Also, the usage of the camera through misleading them in believing that they only there to charge a dead phone only supercharges the issue of it being more of a publicity stunt, which indirectly gives the business a black eye in terms of their rep, especially if they didn’t know anything about it. In other words, I respect the sentiment of what the guys are doing but making it a public spectacle on the owner’s expense does not provide a sense of confidence to the owner that the filmmakers are on their side which is the worst way to get the respect and trust of an owner.
The work you boys and Pierogi are doing is noble. There have been a lot of ideas and suggestions thrown your way in these comments. One thing I'd like to mention is body language. The first owner had his arms crossed because he felt threatened and Art had his hands spread out on the counter. It's those little unspoken things that speak really loud. Ashton, if possible next time please remove your sunglasses while speaking to someone, especially inside. It gives the appearance that there is something to hide. Aside from those and other things others have pointed out, y'all are doing God's work and we all learn as we go along. It's sad to say but there will be many, many, many more opportunities to expose these scumbags.
I hope you guys take a step back and realize your approach was completely inappropriate and ineffective. While your efforts are indeed valiant, it was a waste of time. Those business owners were side swiped with both of you talking incessantly and not giving them time to think. Come up with a better plan next time.
I completely agree!
Totally agree
Well the saying goes .....if you fail to plan then plan to fail
no
Same when you talk to cops and interrupting each other non-stop!
Thanks to you guys for doing this!! I will also say more patience is definitely needed, get some binoculars/ camera mounted on store front and wait! Good luck guys
Just put a GPS tracking device in the package for goodness sake’s! I bet you most of these PO Box owners are in on the scam!
That's a good idea except for the fact that the money needed to be wrapped in foil to hind the contents from xraxs n such so a gps tracker signal would probably be blocked by the foil also n most likely wouldent work
Joe Shmoe Golly Gee I wish I would’ve thought of that. I guess I just wouldn’t put the money in foil.
I agree with the tracking device. Mostly that you dont have to go into the store. Just wait outside and then follow the guy. He will not open it inside the store. But he might in his vehicle.
Was too long a video with no suspect. As people commented. I would not confront the business owner or the person in the store. Just put a tracking device in the box. Then can wait outside and follow the package.
The police want a victim, so in order to facilitate that, if you are monetized, put money in that box. Check laws to see what is needed to consider mail fraud or a victim. Maybe it only needs to be $40. Then you are a victim. Not a $15k victim. But still a victim.
Or you can figure out how to put a dye pack inside the foil. At least easy to find the scammer. I thought that they would be using the western union part of business to send money after too.
Prob the owner too
The problem is that those PO Boxes are primarily rented for dodgy reasons. They won’t shut them down or they’d have no customers!
It's good to see people like you guys expose scumbag scammers. Keep up the good work.
Update: Thanks to everyone that has
liked my comment.
I had meant to join a while ago. Better late than never. As I mentioned to P, everything all you scambaiters do is very much needed and appreciated. Also thanks to one of your videos a few months ago I found gaurdio. Sadly I'm not in America so most of the services for things you American scambaiters do isn't available to me. All of you, P, Chappy, Modder Paul, social catfish, Kitboga, scam sandwich..... the list is so long! You are all doing hard yet important work to help people all over the world. I can't give much, but what I can is yours. Thank you AND your team again for all you do.
This is an excellent program. You are learning as you go. Don't be discouraged. You WILL succeed in finding scammers eventually. Now...one comment I do need to make. I have worked in retail stores, and I learned to trust NO ONE. While you and I both know that you are legitimate and that you simply want to expose scammers, she had no idea who you were, and for all she knew, you could have been scammers yourself (just like the SSA scammers claim that a scammer stole your social security number). Without any legal ID from you, she needed to do whatever she could to protect her business. At the same time....if she felt threatened by you, she should have called the police herself, which she did not do. As you know, there are SO many phonies out there (not just telephone scammers)....a retail merchant HAS to be as careful as possible, especially if someone tells you a horror story like the one you related to the woman....who also has trouble understanding because she has problems with English. You might want to seek some advice from experienced gotcha journalists on how to deal with this type of situation. Again....I really appreciate all you do (I have a youtube channel myself, and your videos have inspired me in many ways). Trust me, you will get better and better at this. I eagerly await your next episode.
Good advice, Prof. I really hope that everyone involved in making this video takes time to reflect on the way this was handled and develop a better strategy for the next investigation. I actually felt sorry for the second lady, especially as she specifically asked for filming to stop (which was disregarded) and she was told it was not going on youtube... if she sees this vid it will only make her more convinced that Art & Ashton were lying to her.
Hi Professor, I really appreciated your point of view in this comment. I too was in Retail the last 10 years before my retirement. We had every kind of scam run on us, from stolen credit cards, bad checks, counterfeit money, to items being returned with books or bricks in the boxes. I know they were a little over exited and at these 2 locations and we all learn from our mistakes. Other than the mistakes though, this was thrilling to watch, my heart was pounding the whole time. I hope everyone reading these comments will check out your channel: Professor Scambait. Take care my friend.
I agree. Mistakes were made here, but I know they will improve.
All these scammers should be tossed in jail and they be tossed out of our country. It's clear that are making money off these scammers
she knows what they are doing and she doesn't care. That's her word here so she should be accountable for for it also.
It’s so annoying how they continually talk over eachother
I'm beginning to think the guy with the sunglasses isn't very bright and has some dunning-krugger effect going on. Poor guy hopefully he gets a better grip on how to behave and interact with people.
@Nick Jarvis thats just a rush, to much excitement , but yeah the way they went about it was wrong. To much drive.
It's actually agrivating it's interrupting your friend. Have respect please.
@@serenerose2720 it's more than that tho. Definitely some lack of social skills or experience, a personality disorder re: narcissism, drug use, or just plain stupidity. Lol.
I agree with what others are saying, what you do is great but you explain things so frantically and talk over eachother. I'm not surprised the shop workers weren't cooperative to be honest. You need to work on your professionalism going forward, you are working with serious stuff so approaching these situations in an armature fashion isn't going to yield results. Just some constructive criticism, what you're doing is great and love scam baiting vids!
Thanks to you, scammers continue scamming peolpple and you can be the next victim of them because of karma. That's what they need to know so they maybe whim to move a finger to do something about it. Trylogy media, you are doing fantastic!
Mail fraud is under federal jurisdiction, so you’re wasting your time talking to the local police. Notice the patrol officers didn’t even file a report. One way to approach would be to schedule an appointment with a detective with the police department/s and see if s/he would contact the feds and all of you work together.
That, and tell the Post Master General.
I totally understand how these people would feel intimidated. You’ve got a big Russian guy who is practically yelling. Another guy wearing sunglasses waiting inside and outside the shop and whispering stuff to one another, and another guy filming. That could seem pretty shady. 🤷♂️
It still pisses me off though that they wouldn’t believe them.
Naw you dumb, thats on them. The fact hes even doing anything about scammers throws their feelings out the window. "Intimidation" happens when u too stupid to understand the situation
ThetaTrolling While I may not agree with your perspective, I respect your opinion. Also, it is possible to express your thoughts without including an insult. It requires less typing too.
The guy filming, Brandon I believe is his name, was using his shirt as a mask and all I was thinking was how he looked like he was about to rob the store. We know that won't happen but an elderly man or a tiny woman prob felt intimated by the 3 guys walking in under false pretenses.
People like that are equivalent to any animals, as animals are guided by their feelings developed by evolution telling them whats scary and what isnt, and not their rational thinking. Simply fools
As much as I appreciate what you're doing, I have to be honest and voice that I do think you're coming off as overexcited and aggressive. Gotta keep the adrenaline in check, my dudes. Like I said, overall I appreciate your work, but this video was pretty cringe during the confrontations of shop owners. 😬😅
i had the same reaction too! I get that they want to do the right thing but they could easily make more owners/ elderly panic which would cause much more worse problems
Yes, and telling the shop owners that they're as bad as the criminals just because they're completely overwhelmed by the way you're excitedly approaching them isn't helpful. It's just really not compassionate and ultimately comes off as insulting and doesn't make anyone want to be on your team. The second owner made sense when she said that, in her position at the time, she had no reason to believe these guys were trustworthy. I would feel the same, being steamrolled completely out of nowhere. Again, good intentions, bad approach.
The Russian(?) dude needs to calm the F down. If he came in acting like that I'd kick him out of my store scam busting or not scam busting. He seems like a nut job.
First of all, guys, thank you for what you are doing. You've already had plenty of messages telling you how to fine tune your tactics. Standing conspicuously around the business front door wearing your Trilogy Media gear would send the money mule running. No wonder nobody showed up for either package. Also, a 6"4' Russian guy talking in a loud voice about scammers and borderline accusing the owners of being involved was not the best course of action. Still, though, I'm disgusted with that second store person. She doesn't care if her customers are using her boxes for illegal purposes. She doesn't even want to know and cares more about keeping the box rented than what it's being used for. I don't know the law in California but owners of PO Box rentals must not share any liability with people illegally using their places of business. If you told me I had a scammer using my business I'd want to set up a sting with you to catch them. But that's just me. Bravo to your camera guy (sorry I don't recall his name) for continuing to film that woman. She sucks.
What you are doing is right, how you are doing it is all wrong. You cannot just go into a business ask them for one thing, then after 30 minutes of waiting tell what you are actually there for. You were extremely rude and aggressive to the second one, and you refused to give her any personal information other than your TH-cam channel, she every right to kick you out and when she asked you to leave you didnt. She should have called the police. Love what you do but please learn from this experience and maybe next time you will have cooperative owners
Gavin is totally correct here and myself, I hope you get those bastards too! Its great that you want the youtube bust in your face (and we all want to see it), but sooner or later, fraud is going to turn in to deadly force, and I don't see you guys wear bullet proof vest (BE SAFE ABOUT THIS)! You should be doing this like the News investigators: working with authorities, video tape the bust, and maybe asking those busted how you got into this business and how it works. Walking into a business because there is a suspicion of criminal activity is not actual a crime...just yet. Do it the right way, get the prove, get the arrest, and then the business can shut them down. Hate to see them walk out the court house on a technicality and box 154 closes and reopens the next day, with a new fake name and you start this all over again! What a F***** scam!
Guys if you're trying to catch one of these scammers or someone from that group, do you think it's a good idea to wear trilogy media tshirt? You may get recognised by someone🤔🤔🤔 apart from that I just love that you & pierogi are working together on taking these mofo's down👇👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Well done xxxxx
yeah... the same thing came to my mind when I watched them walking across the car park, "Oh great these guys don't know, killing is just as simple as fishing on vacations". next time disguise yourself and be as cool as CIA or KBG (since Ashton from US and Art from Russia)
@@dilrukgalagoda6651 i think the concern is they could get in trouble for impersonating a federal agent
I like and appreciate what you guys do, but you do not come off well in this video at all. We know who you are and love your passion, but the store owners who you're dealing with have no idea who you are or what your intentions are. You were very aggressive and confrontational with both of them...put yourself in their shoes, an elderly man and a woman alone in their stores while 3 guys aggressively confront them demanding information regarding a package - you know what your intentions are, but to them it was very obviously an intimidating situation. In their eyes, you came into their stores under false pretenses and were (from their point of view) acting suspiciously - they were well within reason to be defensive and not instantly believe you. The fact that you can prove what you're saying stops mattering once things escalate and they want nothing to do with you. Keep doing what you're doing - it's great - but also, please learn from this.
...early days for all this with this group ... i am sure it will "improve"
Those people who work/own the po box stores are literally the target public of these scammers
You gotta realize that man isn't the owner, its the mail system, he's just an associate and he can't provide information without a warrant for that specific p.o box. You guys need to be careful, could find yourself in the middle of an FBI or CIA sting
She’s worried that the scammer will be locked up then he won’t continue to give her money for renting out the P.O. Box. That’s what’s she’s really worried about, she would rather have a criminal keep giving her money for the P.O. Box than have them locked away and lose a paying customer....y’all are disgusting
@@TheShowOff2I You realize mail is highly confidential. They can't just give out information to random people off the street. I guess you would be Ok with me going to your post office and having them telling me your personal information by telling them a story?
We have a system that doesn't allow vigilante justice for a reason. They need to gather evidence and present it to the police then the proper authorities can get the information with a warrent. This isn't the wild west cowboy.
The Bloody Talker While I agree with you, Broner never said anything like that so you are arguing with nobody...
Broner Is a man and you fail to understand!
i thought this would be cool too watch until they started yelling at the business owners/workers for not trusting two random people 😂
She’s worried that the scammer will be locked up then he won’t continue to give her money for renting out the P.O. Box. That’s what’s she’s really worried about, she would rather have a criminal keep giving her money for the P.O. Box than have them locked away and lose a paying customer....y’all are disgusting
Facts
@@TheShowOff2I She certainly doesn't show the concern a natural born citizen would for fellow citizens, in any country for that matter. If I go to her country and open a business, I'd better have concern if it's brought to my attention that my business is being used to rip people off.
Well id be aggrivated to with someone who is just trying to give them a heads up. It would be different if he was saying we wanna know who this guy is and information on him but the reason they are so uptight and angry is obviously because they have some role to play in the scam
The taller guy seems brain damaged.
why are you guys talking over each other when cops are around? kinda of annoying tbh
Haven't you ever been around cops before? It's hard not to be overcome with a kind of nervous energy.
@@jacobvanveldhuizen4365 What? They are full grown adults! It's about being mature,respectful (and professional in this situation).
@@jacobvanveldhuizen4365 If you watched their videos before, the Russian likes to talk a lot and talks over people often.
True,they should not be talking over each other when explaining the situation.
Stfu
You guys are doing a great job of saving innocent people from getting cammed of their hard-earned money. Thank you.
This was an atrociously handled instigation, especially the way they spoke to the lady at the end when she was starting to come to... so many things should have been handled differently. Lost some respect for these guys unfortunately.
Definitely lost a lot of respect for the guys after watching this episode. I know their hearts are in the right place but the way they conducted themselves and handled the situation was really dumb. They really need to rethink their strategy and work smarter.
@@Metanoiance agreed, the good intentions are there but the execution was poor. Hopefully they will learn and adapt!
@@mattfury389 "good intentions"? Insulting the lady for not complying with their demands? Sounds like Antifa in CHOP, and what if she accepted to close the PO box, couldn't the scammer just open another PO box?
@@eastwest312paq8 Antifa.. aka.. anyone who doesn't see things the way my right wing mind sees things.
@@eastwest312paq8 The good intentions are to bust and hopefully catch a scammer. That is their end goal remember. But yeah it was a bit uncomfortable to watch at times. I'm not sure how the PO box system works in US but im sure his identity (invoice address) would be blacklisted and it would give him the difficulty of registering a new account with different address/bank account.
Art, you come off REALLY aggressive. I know it's passion and excitement (I don't blame you because I would get excited myself) but you really need to know how to cool things down. I mean, if I was the old dude and two crazy talking people from god knows where came up to me and told me about scammers in my mailbox; I would feel harassed too. I'm sure you watched a lot of American movies like Rocky where the big Russian guy is intimidating and menacing to deal with. If I was that old dude, that's how I would feel. I'm a tall black female that gets a lot of looks from old white people and if I come off aggressive and scary then that's how they see me.
Where am I going with this? I don't know.
nah i definitely agree. nothing against art we all know he has good intentions.. but to someone with no background that knows nothing about him and is in a state of shock his demeanor, accent, etc. would be pretty scary
@cat bone *ethnicity card activated*
@cat bone It is the frantic loud voice in the accent that makes it scary to the shop owner. Not a racist comment.
@cat bone Since when is being Russian a race?
The tall guy being so damn aggressive no wonder they both want him out of their store.