My name is Perry Gamsby and I stand behind my words. The original emails and much other documentary evidence is available for the relevant Authorities to view. I can be contacted at perrygamsby@yahoo.com
Here is a brief analyses of my contact with Arthur Hawk and a look at how he operates his scamming of otherwise intelligent and hardly naïve people. I was approached by Hawk in late 2003. He obviously targeted me because I had a Yahoo Group of people interested in the Philippines and I was living there.
His wife, Desiree, is a Filipina and he realises that, like Costa Rica where he was living at the time, the Philippines was a place where many people are interested in retiring to. To Hawk, that means ‘opportunity’.
Wednesday, 3 December 2003
Hi Perry,
Great to hear from you. OK...let's give it a shot at $19.95 and see what happens. 50/50 is also fine with me. I will have the book on several sites within a few days. I will link the payment system so that you will be notified of each and every order as it's received. I will pay you in cash on the last day of each month.
I'm not looking for a partner or any investment but I'm in serious need of a writer. I want to produce a book (hardbound and also on-line) titled "Philippines - The Owners Manual". See "Panama -The Owners Manual" link attached. Also have several magazines in the works for Manila. Also producing a large seminar for the Asian market including the Philippines. A very busy year coming up. There really are ways to make money in the Philippines. How much cash do you need per month to live reasonably? Let me know...and we'll talk more.
Re: Web site....why don't we create a site similar to Don's (only much, much better quality.) One of Don's problems is he really is stupid. He could be making a fortune from his site alone instead of ruling his feifdom. I can do the design work and also any e-commerce needed...very quickly. Random thoughts......what do you think?
Regards
Arthur Hawk
CEO
Opaline Asia
Web Site www.opalineasia.com
Once my appetite has been whetted with the lure of being paid to write, I was primed to start being pitched to. He knew from my posts on the Living in The Philippines Yahoo Group (owned by Don Herrington) which I used to belong to, that I had written an eBook and was not as rigid as Don, more open to giving people a fair go. In other words, vulnerable.
Wednesday, 3 December 2003
Forgot to send this link for the 'Panama Manual'. I just received your email discussing a similar project. We are on the same page! I plan to make the 'Philippines' manual much better with lots of photos etc.
This next link is a partial explanation of the seminar I'll do throughout Asia. Huge money available for the right TEAM!
http://www.flipviewer.com/popup/?opf=http://members.myflipbooks.com/jonascord/SUCCESS.opf&ver=gen
P.S. Perry, absolutely none of our discussions or business relationships are any of Don Herrington's business. I know him well...let's just surprise him!
Arthur Hawk
CEO
Opaline Asia
Web Site www.opalineasia.com
The same day I received an email from an acquaintance of Hawks. I believe Ric is a genuine person who was also duped by Hawk. We later exchanged emails and I think I also met his wife but I meet so many people as the ‘owner’ of a popular Yahoo Group they often blend into each other! The point is, Hawk used Ric to add credibility to his story and proposal.
This is stock in trade for conmen. They build up a very strong, credible and at least on the surface verifiable ‘bio’. When the warning bells begin ringing, you tend to give him the benefit of the doubt and even doubt those closer to you. Remember, this is how he makes his living and he has done this for years. He is very good at it and at this stage nobody would have any reason to doubt him. Apart from that many great projects were achieved because people took risks. That is the meaning of ‘entrepreneur’. The timid need not apply and Hawk knows how to find his marks.
Wednesday 3 December 2003
Dear Mr. Perry Gamsby,
Wow what a read.
I feel as though I know you, I have spent the last several days reading your book, which was supplied me for my opinion by our mutual acquaintance Arthur Hawks.
I am also a writer (wanna be) with several published works. Short stories, and prose.
I like your style, and am very impressed with your writing ability. You remind me of an "Aussie" whom I worked with in Laos during the "Conflict" .......
My name is Ric Hafer and I currently live in Florida. I am engaged to a fine lady from Lipa City, Batangas. She works in Manila and lives in Makati. Her name is Myra.
Myra and I and my former Father in law, (No kidding, he and I are best friends, live together and own a house together here in central Florida), Visited Bohol in October. We have a friend who built a house, in Tagbilaran, we stayed in there house. Those were the best 3 weeks of my life.
Anyway, I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your writing style. The content of your book was most informative, and should be required reading for anyone who is considering, marrying a Filipina, or coming to the Philippines, or even just wanting a good read.
I have been to the Philippines a half dozen times, I learned a lot and am sure it will help me to understand Myra too. Actually it already has, a lot! I also laughed out loud, (very un characteristic of me), I was not bored, by not one paragraph throughout. I would enjoy reading more of your work.
I understand you were in the intelligence community during your service career? Let me encourage you to write a fiction novel. One that would be marketable to the general public.
Congratulations with your signing with Opaline Press. I would hope a printed copy will be available soon. If so I would like a signed copy.
I would like to be your friend. Perhaps we can collaborate on something in the future. I am currently writing a novel.
Keep on Keeping on, and miles of Smiles to ya mate.
I await your reply.
Ric Hafer
Winter Haven, Florida USA
Hawk had sent a copy of my eBook to Ric for ‘review’. He then tells me he will sell my eBook for me and as I have a family to support and jobs for expats are few and far between in the Philippines I was eager to do business. I had been trying to sell it myself but with little success. I knew how to write, not market and sell online! The funny thing is this experience helped me to get to where I am today, selling hundreds of copies of my eBooks online, going into hard copy publication and applying for a PhD Candidature based on an idea about making it easier for authors to self publish!
Friday 5 December 2003
Hi Perry,
Your new book is for sale today at www.opalineasia.com.
Over the next few days it will also be for sale at www.opalinepress.com and www.true-filipina.com. I would like to drop a message into the list directing people to have a look. Let me know if you approve. also send me a few chapters of the new book. We will talk more about the other opportunities when I arrive there. Cheers
Arthur Hawk
CEO
Opaline Asia
Web Site www.opalineasia.com
He then fed my greed (and that is what they all work on, keep in mind greed is not necessarily a bad emotion to have sometimes) with this:
Friday 5 December 2003
Perry,
No problem inserting a new intro. I'll wait for it before I start to push. I am also negotiating with other sites to sell your book. The more exposure the better! Will keep you informed but will not make any commitments without your OK.
Arthur Hawk
CEO
Opaline Asia
arthur@opalineasia.com
Web Site www.opalineasia.com
Of course there were no other sites and there was no ‘push’! But at this time I had no reason not to believe him. I did some ‘due diligence’ and researched Opaline Press and Arthur Hawk on the net, but of course he had his bases covered and the web site looked pretty solid. I guess it is easier to present a solid front online than in reality. In the movies the conmen always have clever tricks like borrowing swanky offices, cars and yachts to impress the mark. Much easier to arrange in the virtual world!
Then I received this email from Ric in reply to my asking more probing questions about Arthur Hawk. In hindsight I should have walked away right then and there, but I am curious and fairly resilient and was keen to take some chances to get m writing career off the ground. The offer he made Ric was pretty much the same one he made to me but by then some months had passed, I was bored with my job at Bigfoot and keen to find something else.
As well, I appreciate Hawk knows his marks. He knows what pushes our buttons and where we are strong and weak.
Friday 5 December 2003
In a message dated 12/4/03 6:35:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, perrygamsby@yahoo.com writes:
How come you didn't go to work for Opaline? I really don't know Arthur other than via a handful of emails. Does he have a successful business or is he just starting out? If I was to work for him as a writer I would have to pack in this job at Bigfoot, which at least I know is a well established company.
Hi Again Perry,
Please understand, all I have is my integrity and reputation and my moral convictions. To this end I have mixed feelings about telling you my true gut feelings about Opaline and Arthur. However, as your friend (Hopefully) I would be less that that if I didn't tell you. Therefore Perry, All I can do is give you the facts and let you draw your own conclusions. I never have anything "Bad" to say about anyone. I figure any malice shown to someone shall return to you seven fold.
Arthur contacted me, because I was asking for Fil/American relationship stories in research, background and culture tidbits for my book. He said he was impressed with me and would like me to consider coming to work for him. He threw out a lot of impressive figures. Since I had done Motivation Seminars in the past, he had developed a seminar based upon Napoleon Hill's principles set forth in "The law of Success" 1928.
Several days later he sent me his website and presentation in Flip book form.
I was very impressed by it and still am. However, I was so disappointed when his offer came, but not surprised because I am by "LEARNED" nature and past experiences SKEPTICAL. I have made three wives very wealthy. Every one of them made the statement "Honey I would never hurt you" ... (Afterward, when asked), "But I meant it at the time"
So I have become skeptical with reason.
I set up some tests for myself. I told Larry< ( My best Friend, More about him later), I said if he (Arthur), is legit, then he will pay for my air fare to Manila and never lie to me. He sent me several things to impress me. He asked my opinion on your book. After I read your book, I told him you had a very readable style, and I would love to be able to write as good. I suggested to him that it should be in print as well as ebook. I am not keen on ebooks at this point. Your book is commercial grade printable, and if it were me I would personally take it to every publishing house in the United States until I got it sold. I think I told you the same things in not so many words.
Then came the "Whammer" ... The Catch .... Hook Line and sinker .... The Sting ... My opinion though. He might have been on the up and up. But why has everyone I had ask about him, not responded to me? Could it be because the also don't want to say anything bad about anyone? I honestly don't know. Arthur Hawks might be the most upstanding and honest man in the Philippines. Actually he was not in the Philippines at all. He was in (He said Ottawa Canada.) Hells Bells, I don't know.
Arthur then came to me with an offer. Give him $5,000.00 USD Now and $5,000.00 USD upon arrival in Manila (My expense). $10,000.00 USD for 10% of the business, sight unseen without any examination of the books or facilities. Of course I didn't just fall off the turnip truck yesterday. I made him a counter offer. Which was a good business offer, and also would give me privy to the operation and the books. All I got was a withdrawal of the offer. (SEE BELOW), What do you think? I hope this was only the facts and not taken with malice. Because it was intended to be void of any Bull Shit or Malice.
Perhaps, you will give me your opinion?
Arthur's Offer
> Ric,
> I need a VP-Opaline Press to help me with the
> seminar as well as other
> situations like this forwarded message. I'm at the
> stage where I'm being
> overwhelmed with work ...it's time to start
> spreading it around. You would work closely
> with me starting almost immediately. But there is a
> price to pay Ric. I
> would rather you become a part-owner of the entire
> project as opposed to being an
> employee only. At this point, I have more than
> $150,000 of my
> money invested in Opaline. I intend to turn it into
> $5 Million over the next three years.
> And I will. You need to own at least 10% of this
> deal at a cost to you of
> $10,000. You have told me that your funds are
> limited, and I understand so I
> would break it into 2 payments of $5K each. One due
> now and the other due In
> Feb. when you arrive in Manila. You would be
> entitled to receive 10% of the net
> gate for each seminar and 10% of net magazine and
> book sales. To start, you
> would receive a minimum of $1k a month via draw.
> Let me know ASAP.
> Regards,
> Arthur Hawk
> CEO
>
> My Reply:
>
> Dear Arthur:
> I have received your offer and I think it is a fair
> offer. I think it is an
> opportunity of a lifetime, and one which I am
> prepared to pursue with the
> determination, and a burning desire. This
> opportunity provides me with a Definite
> Aim, Direction, and a Plan. I know without a doubt
> you will never regret your
> decision to work with me. As Edwin C. Barnes did
> with his plan to work with
> Edison, I also have, and will continue to direct
> 100% of my energy toward this
> goal. I am glad you are "Overwhelmed" with these
> things, it is an indication
> that we are on the right path.
> I was expecting to pay a price, The higher the price
> the higher the rewards,
> right?
> I am willing to start Immediately. I accept your
> offer to become Vice
> President of Opaline Press. I also accept your offer
> to become 10% share holder in
> the company. However, as I have told you I do not
> have the $!0k. Actually, I do
> not have the 5K. I presently have less than $100.00
> to my name.
> Predicated on our conversations and the figures you
> presented to me, this is
> what I propose to you. I will pay you $15,000 USD.
> for 8% of Opaline Press.
> With a promissory note to purchase the other 2%
> within one year from the time of
> the full payment of the initial ($15,000 USD)
> investment; i.e., an additional
> $5,000.USD.
> That will Double your return from $10k to $20,000.00
> for the 10% of Opaline
> Press.
> Since I currently do not have your original initial
> requested amount the only
> way for me to get the funds is to be more valuable
> to you and the firm, to
> which the value will constitute the increased
> revenue and double the 5 year
> projection.
> Since I do not know your complete business plan and
> the scope of the
> business, and you have not met me, we both will be
> taking a substantial leap of faith.
> Don't you agree?
> I do not have the money to buy a plane ticket to
> Manila at present.
> Therefore, if you will pay my air fare to Manila, I
> will take my last $100. and get the
> 1 year Visa, pack my bags and come to Manila, to go
> to work with you. With
> your $1k per month draw, and everything else going
> toward the $15,000. I should
> be able to have that paid in 8 months. Then the
> additional 5K paid within an
> additional 6 months, to be fully vested in 14 months
> maximum.
> If I had the ability to borrow from a banking
> institution I would in a Manila
> Minute. I have faith you have been sent my way to
> help provide me with a plan
> of action.
> I have no idea of your present financial status, if
> you, like me, are unable
> to find funds to pursue this counter offer, then let
> me know, and we shall
> seek an alternative together.
> By the way, I do have an option for lodging there in
> Makati, for the short
> term.
> I am ready Arthur. Let me know your thoughts on my
> proposal as soon as
> possible.
> Best Regards,
> Ric Hafer
>
This was his last email.
Dear Ric,
Thank you for your response. I appreciate your honesty. I don't need the funds Ric, but I have found in the past that when you just give, it usually doesn't work. I don't care about the amount etc. I know what I have, I know what I can do, and I know what it's worth. I regret that I will have to withdraw my offer and we are both disappointed I'm sure. I'm headed to Calgary on Saturday where I'll have a chance to visit with my 26-year-old-son Jordan for a few days, then on to Cebu. When and if you make it to Manila please call me. My cell is 916-763-5701.
Warm regards
Arthur Hawk
CEO
Opaline Asia
Web Site www.opalineasia.com
Nevertheless after reading the email above, I did ask some hard questions of Hawk. He replied very cleverly but I was still not convinced and so declined to leap into bed with him at that stage. Note the little baits and hooks he throws in, the way he plays on people’s insecurities, vanities and idiosyncracies.
Sunday 7 December 2003 (Philippines Time)
Perry,
Thanks for your reply. See answers below.
Arthur Hawk
CEO
Opaline Asia
Web Site www.opalineasia.com
----- Original Message -----
From: perry gamsby
To: Arthur Hawk
Sent: Monday, December 08, 2003 12:02 PM
Subject: Re: Greetings
Arthur, I will hold off doing anything with the domain Streetwise Philippines until we can meet in person. For now I am happy to have you offer the Alive and Kicking version on your website, all done on the honour system and with an electronic handshake as to sharing revenue. The web site is not something I wish to rush or ruin and as there is obviously money to be made with it (I have never made my plans public, just played dumb and simple for obvious reasons) I want to make sure it isn't blown away.
>>>Perry, I will set up so you receive a message from pay pal any time someone purchases the book. as far as the web site is concerned, do what you like with it. If we don't work together on Streetwise, then I will proceed with another site including a new forum etc.
I like that photo, do you own it or is it public domain? I would hate for the photographer to get upset if we use it without his ok.
>>>I own the photo.
I think the magazine has value and, although it crosses over from merely meeting a Filipina for marriage and into the realm of retiring, escaping here, I didn't agree to Escape Artist having the online rights to the title, just the book as they offer it. But so that they aren't offended or feel they have cause for redress, I would want several details sorted out and properly noted before I would agree to be involved with any enterprise and use that title and my name, etc.
>>>> again, not a problem
I think there is a lot of potential in what you suggest, which is why I have been working towards it and so has Don and yourself. Lets talk a little more and make sure we are both on the same wavelength and neither of us will be surprised later due to a simple error in communication.
>>>Perry, I always like to keep things simple...I hope i can sell a lot of books for you!
What do you think? Cheers, Perry
Arthur Hawk
Hi Perry
Hope you are well and happy. We are starting to get traffic on your book (no sales yet) but I'm sure it will do well as we start our real promotion over the next week. A few ideas and questions: See the covers attached....some ideas I had and started to work on last summer. Don was interested in "Living in the Philippines" magazine but didn't follow through with his main article etc. He seems to get a hate on for anyone the least bit smarter than him or anyone who can be a success financially in the Philippines. Go figure! Anyway, I will still proceed with my ideas and would like to change the magazine to "Streetwise Philippines". I think an on-line publication every two months would be a great success at $39.95/yr subscription. The magazine would have all the usual articles about migration, work, finding love etc. Your opinion would be appreciated. Also would like to design a web-site for streetwise where your book could be sold, a link to the forum, a link to my sites, a real estate section etc. Let me know what your thoughts are.
Arthur Hawk
CEO
Opaline Asia
Web Site http://www.opalineasia.com/
> ATTACHMENT part 2 image/jpeg name=little cover.jpg
> ATTACHMENT part 3 image/jpeg name=LIVING IN THE PHILIPPINES.jpg
The photo was of a woman in a canoe in a tropical lagoon and a stunning image. I had my doubts then and they remained in my mind, even though I heard nothing more from him for some months. In late February he arrived in the Philippines, contacted me and we met. I agreed to write the ‘Living In The Philippines’ magazine for him and he drew up an employment contract that was very well constructed and professional appearing. He claimed his company, Opaline Press Inc, was working out of Hong Kong for tax purposes and so the ‘jurisdiction’ for any disputes would be Hong Kong and not the Philippines. Clever stuff. No doubt he had pulled that elsewhere, perhaps claiming Costa Rica as jurisdiction for contracts signed in Panama?
I worked hard on three issues of the magazine from when I left my job at Bigfoot Inc in March to Easter which was mid April. I had received one half monthly salary payment but then the problems started. With all the ‘build-up’ and the receipt of some hard cash, why not believe his tale of the transfer of his money being held up due to the Easter break? Then a week later it was currency laws n the US where the money had been routed through from Panama. Then the web site 2Checkout or whoever it was handling payments was not forwarding his income of many thousands.
I realised I could hang in there and hope or I could bail out now and try and get to Australia, get a job and restock the family coffers before I couldn’t afford busfare let alone airfare! During this time his wife and son left him to live with her parents in the province, his landlady was actually murdered in the house above their basement apartment and he started to run seriously short of cash. I even bought him beer and cigarettes, which he preferred over food as he ‘slaved away’ to get his money through.
I have to hand it to him though, he has a certain flair. He offered to drive me to the airport when I left, and his local driver and he did indeed take me to the airport. He shook my hand, looked me in the eye, swore he would make sure my wife and family didn’t starve and so on. We left on amicable terms, even though I knew I would never trust a word he said ever again. Elapsed time from his contacting me to that day was six months.
I then spent four winter months in Australia where, while not as bleak as a northern hemisphere winter, when you are holding up a STOP/SLOW bat at 5am in below freezing conditions, it’s cold enough. Especially when you have just spent two years in the tropics! There is more to this tale, stay tuned!
Perry Gamsby MA(Writing), CertIV Small Business Mgt, CertIV Trg&Ass
Email to: perrygamsby@yahoo.com
