Ah, Scam Emails. Where Would We Be Without Them?

Nil_IQNil_IQ Join Date: 2003-04-15 Member: 15520Members
edited August 2003 in Off-Topic
<div class="IPBDescription">Um... a happier place?</div> I just recieved this email (actually, this is the 2nd time it has come):

From:****************.
Email:******************
Tel: ***************

Dear Friend,

I know this letter might be a suprise to you as we don't know ourselves before but be sure it is real and a genuine business.I'm Mr Thomson Kudoh, a Sierra-Leonian born 25 years ago Presently seeking political Asylum in Spain as (REFUGEE).I got your contact while seriously browsing through internet in search of a trustworthy person, I want to take you into confidence because of your position. I'm counting on your honesty, trustworthiness and reliability on this issue I am about to disclose to you.

My father (Late) Dr. ******** was a wealthy International Businessman(THE C.E.O OF A.W.K IMPORTS/EXPORTS LIMITED etc in Sierra Leone ,he was assassinated by the rebels during the civil war in my country, but I narrowly escaped with the help of some(ECOMOG)soldiers.

Before his sudden death, He deposited a Consignment containing sum of($US15.500,000.00) Fifteen Million,Five Hundred Thousand U.S Dollars with a security and finance company in Spain as family treasure using my name as next of kin.

When I called on the security and finance company for claims, I was told by the Manager of the Company that my late father attached a clause to his file the day the consignment were deposited with them stating that *I MUST SEEK FOREIGN PARTNER ASSISTANCES IN MOVING THIS CONSIGNMENT*.

The above reasons is why I want you to assist me with your influence to facilitate the removal of the Consignment as the beneficiary so that you will make an arrangement for me to re-settle in your country. Once we are there you will help to invest the fund on any profitable business for me.

I feel confident therefore, to introduce this offer to you. For your participation and assistances regarding this transaction,I have decided to give you 25percent(%) of the total money,and 5percent(%) mapped out for any miscelleneous expenses that may occurred during the transaction and the remaining for me which you will use to invest any profitable business for me.

Conclusively,If accepted by you, I will send you the certificate of deposit issued to my father by the security company as an evidences.Therefore, you will be requested to furnish me immediately your FULL NAMES and CONTACTS(Telephone/Fax) to institute the necessary documents making you the legal beneficiary to the stated funds.With your immediate compliance this transaction will take 14 working days to accomplished.
Note that this transaction is 100% risk free and will not negatively in anyway affects your status in the society.

Treat as urgent because I'm in a very desperate situation, I have seen too much agony in my life in the on going crisis in that nation of mine call Sierra Leone. My late father's villa was burnt down, I lost my mother and my two younger sisters. Please I don't want to go back to that, I need your help to get back to life.

Awaiting your earnest response via this email: ************* OR Telephone: 0034 ************

With Regards,

*************


Note that I removed the email and telephone number. If the admins clear it, I will put the name, tel# and email back in.

Now then. For the slow amongst you, why do I think this is a scam? Well lets go through step-by-step shall we?

<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I got your contact while seriously browsing through internet in search of a trustworthy person <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

So.... you got my details from the web. O....k... and what would lead you to think I am a trustworthy person based on these details? And if you were "seriously" browsing the internet looking for a trustworthy person, why would you choose some of the sites i'm registered to??? (i mean like NS.org and Newgrounds, not anything like that you dirty forumites...)

<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I want to take you into confidence because of your position.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

My position? My position as a college (high school) student? I'm sure he could find people with better "positions" than me, even if he WAS looking on NS.org <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/confused.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused.gif'><!--endemo-->

<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I'm counting on your honesty, trustworthiness and reliability on this issue I am about to disclose to you. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Ooops, I broke your "trust" and posted this on a public forum. Oh dear. I feel so bad, really I do. Maybe you should have thought about that whole "I want to take you into confidence because of your position" thing.

<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> When I called on the security and finance company for claims, I was told by the Manager of the Company that my? late father attached a clause to his file the day the consignment were deposited with them stating that *I MUST SEEK FOREIGN PARTNER ASSISTANCES IN MOVING THIS CONSIGNMENT*.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Ooh! The plot thickens! Will our hero find a "FOREIGN PARTNER ASSISTANCE"? Will he get asylum in Spain? And who is this "Dr. **********" anyway? Tune in next time! DUN DUN DUUUUUN!!!!

Oh wait this isn't a soap opera. Could have fooled me.

<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->The above reasons is why I want you to assist me with your influence to facilitate the removal of the Consignment as the beneficiary so that you will make an arrangement for me to re-settle in your country. Once we are there you will help to invest the fund on any profitable business for me.? <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Well for starters, i'm under 18 (though only just), so I'm not really in any position to " facilitate the removal of the Consignment as the beneficiary". He likes big words, doesn't he? Makes him sound more intellegent and therefore believeable.

And interesting how he said "your country" and not "Britain". I thought you found my contact on the web, how much do you really know about me? Really?

<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I feel confident therefore, to introduce this offer to you. For your participation and assistances regarding this transaction,I have decided to give you 25percent(%) of the total money,and 5percent(%) mapped out for any miscelleneous expenses that may occurred during the transaction and the remaining for me which you will use to invest any profitable business for me. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

And there's the hook! 25% of "Fifteen Million,Five Hundred Thousand U.S Dollars" is still... um... wait a minute, I am the average net user! I am stupid! I don't care what 25% of $15500000, it's still lots of money!

"Dear Mr X, here is my bank deetails, gimmie munny!"

You want me to help you invest in a "profitable business"? Well how about Natural-Selection.org? I'm sure with $3875000 (yes, I used a calculator), i'm sure Flayra could make Natural Selection 3, on half-life 2, with ports for PS2 and X-Box. And a single player mode. And be able to retire to the caribbean. Oh wait a minute, this is a scam isn't it? Shame.

<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Conclusively,If accepted by you, I will send you the certificate of deposit issued to my father by the security company as an evidences.Therefore, you will be requested to furnish me immediately your FULL NAMES and CONTACTS(Telephone/Fax) to institute the necessary documents making you the legal beneficiary to the stated funds.With your immediate compliance this transaction will take 14 working days to accomplished.
Note that this transaction is 100% risk free and will not negatively in anyway affects your status in the society.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Oh no! Big words! I r confused! Do I get my money now?

Ah yes, you are obviously using a previously unknown meaning of "Risk free" which I hadn't heard of before. You could, of course, come to my address and rob my house. Or more likely, ask for my bank details, and then being the gullible net-user I (supposedy) am I would give you my PIN. (yes, I said PIN, not PIN number Mart, score one convert for the hate list <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo--> ) You wouldn't dream of using this to take all the money from my account, oh no, because you are also a "trustworthy person" and are going to give me lots of money.

<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Treat as urgent because I'm in a very desperate situation, I have seen too much agony in my life in the on going crisis in that nation of mine call Sierra Leone. My late father's villa was burnt down, I lost my mother and my two younger sisters. Please I don't want to go back to that, I need your help to get back to life. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Ah yes, we met the hook earlier on, and this is the line and the sinker. The sympathy factor.

It was a bit thoughtless of your father to leave that clause in there so that you couldn't just take the money yourself, wasn't it? I mean, what if no-one believed your story? But fear not! I am Captain Gullible! I believe your tale, and will send you my bank details, car keys, and the deed to my house immediatly, just so you know I trust you.


Nooo! Sarcasm overload!!!

Does anyone remember the site someone posted ages ago where they screw with scammers like this? This guy deserves a good screwing with.

Finally, a life-form lower than script kiddies!

*edit* Got error, didn't repost! GG common sense! *edit*
*edit* removed the name of the father too, to avoid the wrath of the admins *edit*

Comments

  • Sniper_ChanceSniper_Chance Join Date: 2002-12-11 Member: 10549Members
    I got one of those.. in the mail. It was from some "Nigerian governor" and was EXACTLY the same as yours.
  • Mr-StabbyMr-Stabby Join Date: 2003-03-11 Member: 14401Banned
    i love those emails.

    I actually knew an Irish guy who was working where i live. I went to the internet cafe he was at one day and caught him typing his credit card details into an email, and wondered why he was doing it. He actually fell for this almost EXACT same email, and was sending his credit card details thru an email....I mean some ppl actually BELIEVE this rubbish!!!

    Apparently he'd already talked on the phone to this guy, and they'd agreed the funds transfer, GODDAMNIT!
  • GreyPawsGreyPaws Join Date: 2002-11-15 Member: 8659Members
    What you mean those things are a scam? No wonder I havent been getting my checks! <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif'><!--endemo-->





    heheheh they are trying to bust those people, inform your ISP
  • TransmissionTransmission Join Date: 2003-03-12 Member: 14456Members
    I don't recieve much junk mail, so this gave me a good laugh. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • MoquiaoMoquiao Join Date: 2003-05-09 Member: 16168Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--Mr-Stabby+Aug 26 2003, 10:27 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Mr-Stabby @ Aug 26 2003, 10:27 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->

    I actually knew an <b>Irish</b> guy who was working where i live. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    nuff said <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->

    j/k!
  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    there is a webbie out there of a guy who sits down and has LONG drwan out convos with the nigerians <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->

    tis great <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • UnderDOGUnderDOG Join Date: 2003-04-05 Member: 15221Members
    edited August 2003
    respond to him, and try to make him think youll do it, you just need more time, theres a link to some other guy that did that somewhere


    ok here:
    also this: <a href='http://www.bored.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.bored.com/</a> somewhere on this page, just found it, but lost it again, o well
  • ComproxComprox *chortle* Canada Join Date: 2002-01-23 Member: 7Members, Super Administrators, Forum Admins, NS1 Playtester, NS2 Developer, Constellation, NS2 Playtester, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Silver, Subnautica Developer, Subnautica Playtester, Pistachionauts
    yah, play along for a bit. Sound impressed, say you are just getting a credit card, and will have it soon. Ask for information on his side for legal reasons <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • SirusSirus Join Date: 2002-11-13 Member: 8466Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation
    Comprox got rid of the chibi fade, what kind of monster are you ?
  • SinisterSinister Join Date: 2002-04-15 Member: 451Members
    edited August 2003
    I got a mail like that once. Though not the same. They claimed I had an uncle or something in, wherever it was, that had died and had left me that exact amount of money mentioned in your mail.
    Now don't you just wonder how they connected my hotmail account with me? As there is in no way any information in there that could have lead them to that conclusion.
    I tried to send an answer back to pwn them, but that mail adress no longer existed. I also mailed the mail service provider asking some questions about that adress, but got no answer.. bleh.

    (Oh, and by the way. I also got two of those mails. Both at the same time.)
  • NecroticNecrotic Big Girl&#39;s Blouse Join Date: 2002-01-25 Member: 53Members, NS1 Playtester
    These e-mails have led to people being killed I would like to point out. People travel out to sierra leone to "finalise" the deal and they are taken hostage and ransomed back to the family or embassies. There was a documentary on TV about it not so long ago. So feel free to play along...but don't go to sierra leone ;D
  • esunaesuna Rock Bottom Join Date: 2003-04-03 Member: 15175Members, Constellation
    There is a fax number and so on to contact the FBI about such scam emails. They are illegal and they have lead to hostage situations, serious injuries and death. These people are not to be messed with, just delete the emails and leave it be.
  • GrimmGrimm Join Date: 2003-04-13 Member: 15448Members
    There was a report about these e-mails and the hostage situations on TechTV a while back. The internet is becoming more and more dangerous every passing year.
  • RPG_JssmfulhudRPG_Jssmfulhud Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 4006Members
    This has been posted before, but I suggest you look at this place, it's also got links to other anti-scam sites. It provided me some great fun. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->

    <a href='http://www.ebolamonkeyman.com/' target='_blank'>Ebola MonkeyMan</a>
  • LigerLiger Join Date: 2003-07-08 Member: 18026Members
    So, there really is a country with the name of "Seirra Leone"?...

    no wonder it's naitives are **** off, it sounds so compleatly made up...

    <!--QuoteBegin--Grimm+Aug 27 2003, 10:31 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Grimm @ Aug 27 2003, 10:31 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->There was a report about these e-mails and the hostage situations on TechTV a while back. The internet is becoming more and more dangerous every passing year.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Only for the gullable, and exceedingly stupid. And since the real natural selection no longer works, its the closest to actual evolution we're going to have for a LONG time...
  • esunaesuna Rock Bottom Join Date: 2003-04-03 Member: 15175Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin--Liger+Aug 27 2003, 06:42 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Liger @ Aug 27 2003, 06:42 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> So, there really is a country with the name of "Seirra Leone"?...

    no wonder it's naitives are **** off, it sounds so compleatly made up...

    <!--QuoteBegin--Grimm+Aug 27 2003, 10:31 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Grimm @ Aug 27 2003, 10:31 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->There was a report about these e-mails and the hostage situations on TechTV a while back. The internet is becoming more and more dangerous every passing year.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Only for the gullable, and exceedingly stupid. And since the real natural selection no longer works, its the closest to actual evolution we're going to have for a LONG time... <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Yup, Sierra Leone exists and i'm currently working for a charity project called the "Sierra Leone Women's Helpline" which supports the women of the country from the hardships they endure. From what i've gathered with my work it's not sounding like too much of a nice place.
  • WitznerWitzner Join Date: 2003-07-23 Member: 18373Members
    I get these a lot. Thing is, usually they're from some supposedly "intelligent" person, such as a rich scientist, or a vice-president of a former government, who happens to know where the royal jewels are stored, and I can have them, and his beautiful daughters, if I give him my credit card number! Sweet! But they're always full of horrible spelling, and total lack of logical sense. If I wasn't so lazy, I'd dig up a scathing reply I wrote to one, making fun of him, because it was kinda funny.

    Every time I receive or read one of these emails, I think "Surely these people are acting this stupid on purpose, no one is really this idiotic." But then I realize that some people fall for these things, and I start to cry.
  • MajinMajin Join Date: 2003-05-29 Member: 16829Members, Constellation
    I say play along, troll for some more info.
    Tell him that the money would be PERFECT because your house just burnt down and your pet Skulk was hit by a truck and you could really use a up-lifter.
    Tell him to send his thumb in the mail, so that he can prove hes a real person.

    Tell him how you will buy guns and bombs to help him free his country!
    In a bloody fight you along with your american partners will free him from slavery and even bring back christ so he has someone to believe in!

    finish it with

    If you want this too all come true send 1 dollar to "happy due" 742 evergreen terrace
  • ElectricSheepElectricSheep Join Date: 2003-04-21 Member: 15716Members
    He probably sent it to a lot of people in the hopes that at least some people will beleive him. Sadly the way things are now he probably will...
  • lolfighterlolfighter Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--Transmission+Aug 26 2003, 11:50 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Transmission @ Aug 26 2003, 11:50 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I don't recieve much junk mail, so this gave me a good laugh.  <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--><!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Divulge your elite spam-avoiding skillz to me, please! <!--emo&:0--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wow.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wow.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • RPG_JssmfulhudRPG_Jssmfulhud Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 4006Members
    I never received <i>any</i> junk mail at all. Honestly. My account was super clean. But then, one day, some script on some damn site tracked down my address and poof. At least 10 e-mails from questionable addresses and with questionable 'ingredients' were in my inbox. Great...

    My other account is free of it, for now. I did start using the Proxomitron a while ago, that would hopefully prevent further issues with e-mail address 'stealing' and as for other sites, you just have to be carefull to whom and where you give out your e-mail address... <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
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