Email Safety Blog

Mar 01 2011

The Minute I Hit Post…

Category: Uncategorized — admin @ 5:17 am

I realized that I could not function without the internet and I am not just saying that because of this blog. I need access to information and I need it now! And, because I want this I am willing to put up with the occasional scam or scammer.

Really, have you ever thought about it this way? For the “luxury” of working, playing, and living online we have to be on guard and watch out for those who want to harm us. We can share scams, tell you what to watch out for, but when it comes down to it you have to safeguard all of your own personal information.

I guess it has always been this way. You have to protect your personal information on paper. That is why the shredder was made and of course, why scammers used to jump in the dumpster for social security numbers and bank account information. Now they jump into your computer and find out all they need to know. So, with all the luxuries of online life I guess in the end we all choose to take the risk, do the best we can to protect ourselves, and hope for the best.

Tags: email scam, scams, spam

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Jan 31 2011

Example of an Scam

Category: Uncategorized — admin @ 10:15 pm

Below is an example of a email scam.

MRS. GHAYTH FAIZA.
23, Hawley Crescent,
Camden Town, London,
NW1 8NP, England.

Dear Beloved,

Here writes Mrs. Ghayth Faiza, suffering from cancerous ailment. I am married to Watson Ghayth an Arabian who is dead. My husband was into private practice all his life before his death. Our life together as man and wife lasted for three decades without a child. My husband died after a protracted illness. My husband and I made a vow to uplift the down-trodden and the less-privileged individuals as he had passion for persons who can not help themselves due to physical disability or financial predicament. I can adduce this to the fact that he needed a Child from this relationship, which never came.

When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of Two Million Great Britain Pound Sterling which were derived from his vast estates and investment in capital market with his bank here in UK. Presently, this money is still with the Bank. Recently, my Doctor told me that I have limited days to live due to the cancerous problems I am suffering from.

Though what bothers me most is the stroke that I have in addition to the cancer. With this hard reality that has befallen my family and I, I have decided to donate this fund to you and want you to use this gift which comes from my husbands effort to fund the upkeep of widows, widowers, orphans, destitute, the down-trodden, physically challenged children, barren-women and persons who prove to be genuinely handicapped financially.

It is often said that blessed is the hand that giveth. I took this decision because I do not have any child that will inherit this money and my husband’s relatives are bourgeois and very wealthy persons and I do not want my husband’s hard earned money to be misused or invested into ill perceived ventures. I donot want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly manner, hence the reason for taking this bold decision. I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know that I am going to be with the Almighty when I eventually pass on.

The Almighty will fight my case and I shall hold my peace. I do not need anytelephone communication in this regard due to my deteriorating health and because of the presence of my husband’s relatives around me, I do not want them to know about this development. With God all things are possible. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Bank in UK. I will also issue you a Letter of Authority that will empower you as the original beneficiary of this fund. My happiness is that I lived a life worthy of emulation. Please always be prayerful all through your life.

Please assure me that you will act just as I have stated herein. Hope to hear from you soon and God bless you and members of your family.

Reply to my mail through my email address: mrs_faizawatson@hotmail.co.uk

Yours Faithfully in Christ,

Mrs. Ghayth Faiza.
mrs_faizawatson@hotmail.co.uk

Tags: money, new scam, Nigerian scam, religion, spam

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Jan 31 2011

Pets and Other Random Angels

Category: Uncategorized — admin @ 6:53 pm

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

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Jan 25 2011

Example of a Scam

Category: Uncategorized — admin @ 3:04 am

Hello Dear Beneficiary,

It is my pleasure to inform you that I have Paid the cost fee for your Cheque Draft.but the manager of Jp Morgan Chase Bank Of Benin Republic told me that before the check will get to you that it will expire. So i told him to cash $950,000.00 from the cheque,
Right now all the necessary arrangement of delivering the $950,000.00 in cash was made with UPS SHIPPING COMPANY.

Here is their complete information below.
Contact Person,
DR.BENJAMIN CHINEDU.
TEl:+229-9943-4140.
EMAIL:(upsshippingservices@globomail.com)

Please, Send them your contacts information to enable them locate you immediately they arrived in your country with your BOX .This is what they need from you.

1.YOUR FULL NAME:
2.YOUR HOME ADDRESS.
3.YOUR CURRENT HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER.
4.YOUR CURRENT OFFICE TELEPHONE.
5.A COPY OF YOUR ID CARD FOR RECOGNITION.

Make sure you send this needed info’s to the Director general of UPS SHIPPING Company Dr. Benjamin Chinedu with the address given to you.

Note. The Global Max courier company don’t know the contents of the Box. I registered it as a Box of an Africa cloths.

They don’t know it contains money. this is to avoid them delaying with the Box.don’t let them know that is money in that Box.I am waiting for your urgent response. You can even call the Director of UPS SHIPPING company with this line +229-9943-4140

Thanks and Remain Blessed
Mr.Douglas Maicon
Capital OiL Limited.

Tags: email scam, emails, new scam, personal email address, scams, spam

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Nov 30 2010

Short Scam Attack!

Category: Uncategorized — admin @ 1:57 am

I want to discuss an important issue with you. I write to know if this is your valid email. Please, let me know if this email is valid. email me via bkimjir@9.cn
Kim.

Above is an email we recently received. Short, sweet, and to the point. This scammer is not trying to spin any type of story. They just want you (the victim) to take the time to confirm they used the right email address and that you are willing to talk. At first glance this could be the beginning of a “love scam.” We call any type of Nigerian email scam that includes some type of potential romantic relationship or friendship a love scam. In these scenerios, the victim will reply to the scammer in hope of some type of connection. The scammer usually plays on the victim’s emotions in order to get personal information or even money.

On the other hand, this could just be a typical everyday Nigerian scam. ”Kim” just wants to start a connection and then will most likely tell you some story that require you sending her a large amount of money. In either case, this email is absolutely a scam.

Short, sweet, scam.

Tags: email scam, emails, love scam, scams, spam

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Nov 15 2010

Sick of Pharmaceutical Emails?

Category: Uncategorized — admin @ 12:44 am

Alright, let’s be honest… how many pharmaceutical scam emails are really in your spam or inbox? I will tell you that lately I am getting more pharmaceutical scam emails than anything else.

Take this to cure “BLANK” and try this to cure your “BLANK.” (I will leave it up to you to fill in the blanks.) The truth is that these forms of email scams are becoming more and more apparent. In addition, they can become more and more annoying. I refuse to click on any links involved with these emails for several reasons.

First, I really do not want anything they are offering. Second, I am afraid that the simple link will result in malware, spyware, or something else. Tell us, do you click on any of these links and why? Are you afraid that you will end up with an infected computer or worse?

I treat all spam the same regardless of who it is from and what is offered. Spam and email scams do not last long in my inbox or even in my spam. I tend to hit delete just as fast as I see the annoying subject title. Should your “BLANK” need some “BLANK?” DELETE!

Tags: email scam, emails, new scam, personal email address, pharmaceutical email scams, scam introductions, spam, unread messages

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Sep 30 2010

Odd Twists and Turns

Category: Uncategorized — admin @ 11:37 pm

This blog might be a little longer than you might expect, but it is well worth the read. At first glance, this might look like a classic Nigerian email scam. After closer review you will notice the many twists and turns this scammer puts in place. For example, the scammer is not asking you to retrieve your money. The scammer wants to know if you sent Mr. Daniel Ndidi to retrieve your “money.” Below is an excerpt for your review.

…But yesterday at about 10:am Benin time, One Mr. Daniel Ndidi, happened to appear before me in person from the United States Of America claiming that you have sent him to withdrawn the ATM MASTER CARD and it has to be released to him personally.

He has as well submitted to me the certificate of funds transfer written in your name that you have approved him as the beneficiary to your funds of which I believed that was not really the truth.

He has then tried to pay for the activation fee of the ATM MASTER CARD of $450 which is the only required fee to be paid to enable the activation of the ATM CARD at the activation department office as well as to allow him withdraw the funds at once immediately he returned back to United States.

I have then instructed the police Inspector General here in Benin to keep two of his men as the monitoring officer to monitor his movement.

This mail is to ask if you have really sent him on your behalf to receive your ATM MASTER CARD which the delivery fee has been paid by the Central Bank of West African States, Benin to the delivery company….

Tags: ATM, email scam, Nigerian email scams, scams, spam

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Sep 27 2010

The Trunk Box

Category: Uncategorized — admin @ 7:31 pm

Below is an excerpt from a newer lottery scam. The scammer tries to grab your attention with a “trunk box” work of money.

We have been waiting for you to contact me for your Trunk Box worth $1,650,000.00 (One Million, Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars), being compensation fund for 150 scam victims, but I did not hear from you all this while.

I have deposited the Trunk Box with FEDEX COURIER SERVICE, West Africa, I traveled out of the country for a 3 Months Course and I will not be back until completion of my 3 months course. What you have to do now is to contact the U P S COURIER SERVICE immediately to know when they will deliver your consignment to you because of the expiring date.

For your information, I have paid for the delivery Charge, Insurance premium and Clearance Certificate Fee of the consignment showing that it is not a Drug Moneyor meant to sponsor Terrorism attack in your Country. The only money you will send to the U P SCOURIER SERVICE to deliver your Trunk Box direct to your postal Address in your country is US$185 only being Security Keeping Fee of the Courier Company so far. Again, don’t be deceived by anybody to pay any other money except US$185.

Tags: email scam, Fedex, lottery scams, spam, Trunk Box, UPS

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Aug 27 2010

Odd Email from USAA Bank

Category: Uncategorized — admin @ 11:24 pm

Well, these are common, but we wanted to share the latest in the bank scam emails. Most of the bank scams are sent in an attempt to have you log on to a site and update your bank information. The only problem… these are not from your bank! If you ever receive an email that is similar to the example below, it is best to call your bank directly. Don’t click the link!

Dear USAA Savings Bank customer,

We recently reviewed your account, and we are suspecting that your USAA Online Banking account may have been accessed from an unauthorized computer.

This may be due to changes in your IP address or location. Protecting the security of your account and of the USAA Savings Bank network is our primary concern.

We are asking you to immediately login and report any unauthorized withdrawals, and check your account profile to make sure no changes have been made.

To protect your account please follow the instructions below:

* DO NOT SHARE YOUR PASSWORD WITH OTHER USERS

* LOG OFF AFTER USING YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNT

Please click on the following link, to verify your account activity:

https://www.usaa.com/inet/ent_logon/Logon

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and appreciate your support in helping us maintaining the integrity of the entire USAA Savings Bank system. Please login as soon as possible.

Thank you,

USAA Savings Bank Security Advisor.

Tags: bank scam, email scam, spam, USAA Savings Bank

Comments (1)

Jun 30 2010

The Big Question

Category: Uncategorized — admin @ 5:34 pm

Due to a recently influx of scams in our inbox, we really want to spend some time this week sharing those with you. It’s good to understand what scams are out there so you don’t have to question what arrives in your email. Yet, this can pose the big question… “Should I forward any spam emails I get to friends and family”?

Well, our opinion is no! Our reasoning is very simple. Instead of flooding your contact list with more spam and unneccesary forwards, you might want to simply point them in the direction of an informational blog to check in on from time to time. Of course we want you to always visit ours, but we understand that there are plenty of information blogs and sites out there. We don’t expect you to only visit us! Stay aware and avoid the forward button. Just surf the internet and keep on top of all the recent scams.

Read on friends! Below is another lottery based scam we received.

THIS MESSAGE IS FROM THE NATIONAL LOTTERY.WE ARE WRITING YOU TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE ON AN ONLINE BALLOT LOTTERY HELD ON 2nd June, 2010.YOUR E-MAIL WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY WON YOU THE LOTTERY IN SECOND CATEGORY. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO CLAIM £850,000. YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS ATTACHED TO A TICKET NUMBER 56475600545 188 AND SERIAL NUMBER 5368/02 DREW THE LUCKY NUMBERS 26.29.30.42.43.47. {18} DRAW NUMBER {1464} www.nationallottery.co.uk/player/p/results/results.do. ALL PARTICIPANTS FOR THIS ONLINE VERSION WERE SELECTED RANDOMLY FROM WORLD WIDE SITES THROUGH COMPUTER DRAW SYSTEM AND EXTRACTED FROM OVER 100,000 UNIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND CORPORATE BODIES THAT ARE LISTED ONLINE To claim your prize, Please Contact Polintan Olivia E-mail;polintanoliva1@gmail.com Tell: +447024062809
Yours faithfully,
Myers Kathy

Tags: blog, emails, forward, lottery scams, spam

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