Phone Scam

On February 10, 2000, Richard Nickel, contacted an ad in the New Times Newspaper regarding employment as a phone operator. 2000 Entertainment was currently hiring men and women to talk from their home for adult conversation lines.

The ad designates that no experience is necessary, can be full time or part time, and can earn big money; $25/hr plus $1 commission/minute. The numbers to call were (602)230-4200 or toll free 1-888-330-9112. It also lists a pager number 1-888-670-8464.

At that time, Richard spoke with a gentleman named Tom who gave him an ID code #5519. He then instructed him that he would have an initial cost investment of $500 to be sent via Western Union to Queens, New York to Art Multi. Richard did this in good faith, money transfer #8746007210 at a cost of $43.

Subsequently, he had additional conversations instructing that more money be sent.
2-11-2000 #8744715920 to Matt Pillar $600 + $50 cost
2-12-2000 #8743148815 to Stan Garta $700 + $57 cost
2-12-2000 #8747127827 to David Marina $700 + $57 cost
2-13-2000 #8741517378 to Lisa Athor $950 + $75 cost
2-18-2000 #8745657969 to Sidney McTurff $750 + $57 cost
2-18-2000 #8742113971 to Sidney McTurff $750 + $57 cost

Each time, Richard was told that he would be receiving money and that he would be set up quickly to earn the money. He was promised that he would receive a check returning the initial set up cost. Unfortunately, none of that happened. In acting in good faith, he lost a substantial amount of money in a relatively short amount of time. The last conversation he had with Tom, he was told that he was acting like a jerk and to get lost. When Richard told him he had not received his check, he was told he had to send $1500 more.

Richard contacted the BBB and they have no record of complaints.

He filed a complaint with New Times and was told they would investigate.

He called US West to see if he could get an address that went with the phone number.

I believe that today upon the advice of a friend with The Thunderbirds, he was to go by the Federal Building to see if they could help him.

Richard can be contacted as follows:
Richard Nickel
7900 E Princess Drive #2021
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-563-7704
cell 623-910-6886

Any help that you can give will be most appreciated. He thought that he had an opportunity to earn money and instead has lost his savings. Without this money, he is in danger of losing the life he has worked for because he will be unable to pay his own bills.

As a friend, I am trying to help him and hope that you can too.