Below is an example of a email scam. This scam was recently received by a dear friend that wished to share the example with us. It’s hard to deny that most email scams follow the same type of pattern. An introduction, promise of money or other type of riches and request for you to follow up or provide your personal information is standard.
When you read this fake “business proposal” do your best to find the clues that give the scam away. For those that are well-versed it’s not hard to see how the hacker is trying to establish some type of relationship. Of course, it wouldn’t take long for the request of your name, address, bank account information or other personal information.
Subject: Business Proposal
FROM:MR TAN WONG
tan083w@hotmail.com.hk
I am Mr.Tan Wong director of operations, Hang Seng Bank, Hong Kong.I have urgent and confidential business proposition involving transfer of $24,500,000.00 that will be of great benefit for both of us. I will give you more details as regards this transaction as soon as you notify me of your interest. Awaiting your urgent reply via my email address (tan083w@hotmail.com.hk) which is my confidential email address.
Kind Regards,
Mr.Tan Wong
Tags: new scam, scam, scammer
A new way to look at the word “scam”.
S – SAY NO! When you first encounter a scam in your inbox be prepared to be skeptical of the details and remember you don’t have to respond. In many cases, hitting delete will help you avoid falling for or becoming involved with any strange details or requests.
C – CLAIMS! The false claims and details are the small pieces of information a scammer uses to try and get your attention. Remember, you could be reading a scam and there is no reason to share your personal information with a scammer. Most legitimate companies will have your phone number or address and will reach out to you directly.
A – Ah ha! Be ready to have that “ah-ha” moment when you realize, this email may not seem 100% right. Regardless which detail strikes you as odd, feel good about the fact that you can spot a scam and protect your personal information.
M – Maintain! The goal is to protect and maintain your identity. Sharing your name, address, social security number, occupation, and other details can jeopardize your well-being and your money. Maintain all of your personal information and protect it from scammers!
Tags: email scam, scam
When you see as many scams as I do there is a point when you become desensitized by the details. They all seem to come with some type of “hook” that plays on the victims personal feelings our experiences. By that, I mean the dialog about the death of a family member, being stranded without assistance, offering large sums of money, and apparently pets. Yes that is right, I said pets.
I have yet to see one myself, but supposedly there are several emails sent in which the scammer claims to need information on your pet. That information, of course, involves some of your personal information too. Again, I have yet to see one in print, but I am now searching for any documentation on this kind of pet scam. This just leads me to wonder, what will be next?! At some point the scammer has to evolve and consider other angels to try and get your information or money. What will it be next?!
As always, be careful what you read and what you respond to. In general you should never share your personal information with a stranger. Don’t email, don’t call! Just play it safe and it delete!
Tags: computer, email scam, pets, scam, spam, unread messages
Below is the second half of the letter…
We are seeking your assistance to enable us claim the money since as civil servant we are not allowed to operate foreign accounts. Details shall be worked out in line with this to enable us claim the money without the slightest problem. I have the authority of my partners involved to propose that should you be willing to assist us in this transaction your share as compensation will be US$5.125m (25%), while my colleagues and I receive US$13.325m (65%) and the balance of US$2.5m (10%) for miscellaneous expenses that may be incurred by either party.
The business is completely safe and secure, provided you treat it with utmost confidentiality. It does not matter whether you / your Company does contracts, as transfer of powers will be secured in favour of you / your Company. Also, your area of specialization is not a hindrance to the successful execution of this transaction.
We have reposed confidence in you and hope that you will not disappoint us. Kindly notify me by fax or call me on my telephone number. Endeavour to send your secured telephone and fax numbers for further details upon your acceptance of this proposal.
Thank you in anticipation of your co-operation.
Regards,
Engr. Mark Pearson
Email Address: markpearson@yahoo.cn
Ministry of Mineral and Energy Resources
Tags: email scam, expenses, foreign accounts, scam
Many of us that reside in the United States of America play the lottery. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose, but it is fun to tempt fate and see if some “good luck” is on your side.
This simple tempt of fate is what some scammers across the globe depend on. The UK lottery scams emerged several years ago and are still hitting inboxes today. The scam is simple, yet extremely dangerous for any victims that decide to correspond. Some think of it like the popular 419 Nigerian email scam and others consider it a breed of its own. No matter what category you put the UK lottery scam under, you still don’t want to be a victim.
Most of the UK lottery scams will inform the victim that they have won a large sum of money in the UK lottery. Sound fishy? Don’t remember playing the UK lottery? Well, you probably didn’t. These emails are simply intended to start a dialogue between the victim and the scammer.
Almost every version of the scam will request that some sort of fee must be paid in order for the supposed UK lottery to then send over the winnings. This is how the scammer profits. If you send the fee to receive your winnings that is probably the last time you will have communication with the scammer. Once they receive your money, there is no need for them to answer any more of your emails.
Furthermore, it is not uncommon for the scammer to also offer a website for you to visit. Although the website looks legitimate it is a simple tool used to make you believe the email is valid. Logos and other official looking images may be used in a further attempt to trick you.
As always, we can not stress enough that you read these emails with the understanding that many of them are fake. Although most Americans always hope to win the lottery at some point, it’s best to understand exactly what game you are playing.
Our goal is to locate a current version of the UK lottery scam and post it for your review. Stay tuned and stay aware of what emails fall into your inbox and your spam.
Tags: lottery, scam, UK lottery scams
