Accommodation overpayment scam

I think this is a scam. There is no mention of where the accommodation is. Every place shows the cost so why is he asking? Generic subject rentals.

Hello

Kindly get back to me with the available spaces you
have capacity and the costing weekly.

As l will be coming with my wife from 15th November
so that we can get this concluded while booking is
made as soon as possible.
Regards
Robert

Nigerian email scam

Another Nigerian scam from Lagos, Nigeria this time. Lots of imaginary reference numbers. Huge amounts of dollars mentioned. And why would they need to know your professions, marital status?

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
THE PRESIDENCY APPROVED
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
TINUBU SQUARE,VICTORIA ISLAND,LAGOS-NIGERIA
[OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR]
CONTRACT #: MAV/NNPC/FGN/MIN/009,
Swift Code: BPH KPL PK,
A/C#: 329606=101244=169=678
FOREIGN REMITTANCE DEPARTMENT
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
Our Ref: CBN/IRD/CBX/021/06

Attn : Honorable Contractor

CONTRACT PAYMENT NOTIFICATION MAV/NNPC/FGN/MIN/009

With reference to the new fiscal policy of this new Goverment of
Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Dua We apologise, for the delay of your
contract part payment and all the inconvenience and inflict that
we might have indulge you through.However, we were having some
minor problems with our payment system, which is inexplicable, and
have held us stranded and indolent, not having the aspiration to
devote our 100% assiduity in accrediting foreign contract
payments. We apologize once again.

From the records of the outstanding contractors due for payment
with the Federal Government of Nigeria your name and address is on
the list major contractors who have not received their payments
for the Federal Plateau Project. I wish to inform you that your
payment is being processed and will be deliver to your door step
as soon as you respond to this letter.

Also note that from the record in my file your outstanding
contract payment is 65.7 Millions DOLLARS but we have been
directed and mandated to pay to you 12.7 Million DOLLARS the rest
Payable accordingly in last fiscal quarter.

Please re-confirm to me what you have in your record and also
re-confirm to me the following.

1) Your full name.
2) Phone, fax and mobile #.
3) Position and address.
4) Profession, age and marital status.
5) Identification/Nationality

As soon as this information is received and confirmed, your bank
draft will be deliver to you through diplomatic means in your
country from Central Bank of Nigeria, Get back to me immediately.

As a result of the on-going drive of the Government to update its
books and clear payment to contractors, I strongly recommend that
you promptly start your clearance as soon as possible for more
clarification and for immediate delivery of your bank draft to
your door step.

YOURS SINCERELY,

DR JEFF CHARLES

CASHIER, CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA (CBN).

Accommodation overpayment scam

Another accommodation overpayment scam using a Church as some kind of indication of virtue. No mention of the destination or specific acccommodation type requirements. I've noticed they often add in a 'hurry up' type clause so the owner is inclined to answer quickly without thinking it through so they don't lose the booking. It also uses a premium pay phone number. Ignore.

St. Etheldreda's Catholic Church
70 Elthorne Avenue
London W7 2JW
Tel/fax: +44-7numbers


I am Rev. Fr. Augustine Gowell the president Christian foundation inc London England I need to book reservation in your apartment/hotel for A team members of our church coming to your country for a Christian meeting from UK. I want to know if there are free spaces for their accommodation. The meeting is schedule to last for 10 days and will commence on the 15th of November 2007 and end on the 25th of November 2007. We need spaces for about 7 adults in your hotel possible one room per person. Please give us your rates and the total cost for the accommodation all prices in euro currency .Please do get back to me quickly as we don't have much time at our disposal. Thank you and have a nice day.


Kind Regards

Rev. Fr. Augustine Gowell

Nigerian Partnership offer

Another one from somewhere Chinese sounding. Avoid.

Dear Sir/Madam

It is my pleasure to write you in respect of our Company
Wujiang Wanlida Textile Co., Ltd.We export into Canada/America and
parts Europe.We are searching for representatives who can help us
establish a medium of getting our funds from our costumers in these
areas as well as making payments through you to us.
If interested forward information below to us .

1.FULL NAMES:
2.RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS:
3.SEX:
4.AGE:
5.PHONE NUMBER:
6.FAX NUMBER(IF ANY):
7.OCCUPATION:
8.COMPANY NAME:
9.COMPANY ADDRESS:
10.NATIONALITY:
11.PRESENT COUNTRY:
12.STATE/PROVINCE:
13.Zip Code:

I look forward to your prompt response via: shaowanlidafang@wellknown mailserver

Note that no form of payment will be requested upfront in this
endeavor.On our receipt of the above details we shall forward to our
customer/clients to immediately contact you with the mode of payment.

Kindest Regards,
Mr.Shao Fang
Company Directors.CEO

Paraguian version of Nigerian Scam

A version of the Nigerian scam, this time in Paraguay and implying the recipient has already become involved in some transaction. Huge sums of money, but not as huge as usual.

Dear Friend

It is my pleasure to reach you after our unsuccessful attempt on our business transaction Well I just want to use this medium to thank you very much for your earlier assistance to help me in receiving the funds without any positive outcome.

I am obliged to inform you that I have succeeded in receiving the funds with the help of a new partner from Paraguay Mr Fernando Alvaro Gomez, Everything was perfectly done because we strike a deal with one of the Lady Accountant who works with the Federal Ministry of Finance (F.M.F) and she rendered a tremendous help to us My new partner initiated this idea and everything worked out successfully In appreciation of your earlier assistance to me in receiving the funds I have decided to compensate you with the sum of $850,000,00. Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars in a Cashier's cheque. This is from my own share I did this simply to show appreciation to you for your kind support and assistance even though we could not succeed due to some unforseen circumstances and reason.

Presently I am in Paraguay for investment project with my own share under the advice of my partner Meanwhile I didn't forget your past efforts and attempts to assist me in transferring this funds despite the fact that we could not succeed I will be sending you e-mail from time to time to know if you have received your share or not. In the light of the above you are therefore to contact my lawyer Barrister JOHN ATUGA, and do send him your contact address where you want the cheque to be sent to you, His e-mail johnatuga88@wellknown mailserver
Please do let me know immediately you receive it so that we can share the joy together after all the suffering at that time In the moment I am very busy here in Asuncion the capital city of Paraguay because of the investment projects which the new partner and I are having at hand.

So feel free to get in touch with him to send the cheque to you without
any delay.

With My Best Regards,
Mr.OBASEKI DAVE

Accommodation overpayment scam

Note the distinctive signs. No mention of where your apartment is. Flight details. And an emphasis on the cost. Bad grammar. Avoid

NELSON THOMAS
Email: NELSONTHOMAS101@well known mailserver
Phone: +44expensive phone number
Message: HELLO , HERE IS TO INFORM YOU THAT AN APARTMENT IS NEEDED FOR MY 3 WEEKS HOLIDAY STARTING FROM 01/12/2007 TO 21/12/2007. THAT IS WHY, I DECIDED TO CONTACT YOU DIRECTLY FROM MY BASE HERE IN UNITED KINGDOM, SO THAT YOU CAN GET BACK TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE OF THE TOTAL COST FOR THIS SHORT TIME IN ORDER TO MAKE ARRANGEMENT FOR THE PAYMENTS ONTIME BECAUSE THAT WAS THE ONLY THING THAT IS DELAYING ME FROM BOOKING MY HOLIDAY TICKET FOR NOW.. SO THAT IS WHY YOU NEED TO GET BACK TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR THE PAYMENTS TO BE MADE ON TIME. LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU AND PLEASE DONT HESITATE TO CALL ME AT ANY TIME IF THERE IS ANY INFORMATION PLEASE. +44expensive phone number. CHEERS....... NELSON THOMAS.....

A Classic Nigerian scam from Ivory Coast

Bad spelling, sob story, dead rich guy, huge sums of money. The classic signs.

MRS..VIVBIAN ABU
RUE 26 HB5
KUMASSI RAMBLEAU
ABIDJAN,IVORY COASTWEST AFRICA.

Dearest in heart,

I really dont mean to bother you.But it is urgent and very important at this point that I contact you.It is my wish to introduce myself to you
I am princess vivian abu.The former wife to late prince Anthony Abu .I am 26 years old and I have a daughter who is 5 years old.
My late husband was the prince of Buake,a town in Ivory Coast where I lived with him until his death in February 13th 2006.My late husband was a carefree,open-minded and considerate person which I believed contributed largely to his death.He never withheld these qualities from his subjects.The people he ruled.This is why it was easy for him to be poisoned.His death was suspected to have been carried out by one of his subjects..

My husband called me in his palace one faithful Friday afternoon.He told me of the money
( 8. 5 million us dollars) he deposited in one of the prime Bank here in Abidjan Cote D'Ivoire.

The capital city of Ivory Coast West Africa.He told me this exactly 3 months before his death.As if he knew he was going to die..

He also explained to me that it was because of this wealth that he was poisoned

That I should seek for a good foreign partner in a country of my choice where I will transfer this money to and use it for investment purposes. that the person will help me to transfer the money into his or her person's account and the person will help me to invest the money in his or her country

Now after my husband's death.His kinsmen and his immediate familly are after my life.They want to kill me and inherit my husband wealth.Since I dont have a male child who will succeed my husband and ascend to the throne.

No one knows about this deposit except the personal advicer to the prince.And I suspect he has something to do with his death.He is the one that told the kinsmen that i knew about the money in deposit and also i have the documents.That is why they are looking for me to get this documents.

I succeeded in sneaking out of the palace at night.I abandoned every thing I labouerd with my late husband in the palace but I only made away with all the documents that covered the deposite.

All the relevant documents of the (8.5 Million dollars) that was deposited in one of the prime Bank here are intact with me now.

i am confused and i dont know what to do,I am hiding in a local guest house here in Abidjan.i want you to help me out of this then tranfer the fund into your account in overseas as a beneficiary of the fund, and also use it for an investment purpose. and i will come over to your country to begin a new life,away from this wicked people that killed my husband,immediately you have received the money under your custody.I want you also to help me and invest this money in a good business over there,get back to me as soon as you read this.

I will give you 15% of the money for your help.

can i strongly trust you

Can I rely on you to help me?

I am waiting to hear from you

Yours sincerely,
mrs vivian abu

Cote d'Ivoire Nigerian Scam

Another one with bad spelling, only 10 million this time and Abidjan. Avoid

From: Yousif and Mariam Yamani
Abidjan, Cote D' Ivoire,
in west Africa.

Dear Respectful One,

My name is Yousif Yamani, the son of late Mr. Mohamed Yamani who was a very great farmer in Zimbabwe. it might be a surprise to you where we got your contact address,we got it from Abidjan information bureau. Please before going through our message we will like you to know that you are the only one we have sent this project to, since this is not the type of proposal we should send to any body that we see. we want you to assist us so that we can been able to invest in your country as soon as the project is successfuly done.

During the current crises against the farmers of Zimbabwe by the supporters of our president robert mugabe to claim all the white owner farms in the country, he ordered all the white farmers to surrender their farms to his party members and their follower, my father was one of the best farmers in the country and knowing that he did not support the president's political ideology,the president's supporters invaded our father's farm burnt down everything,shot him and as a result of the wounds sustained,he became sick and died after two days.and after his death,me and my sister decided to move out of Zimbabwe for the safety of our lives to (Abidjan-Cote D' Ivoire).

But before he died he wrote his will, which reads my beloved son, i wish to draw your attention to the sum of ($10 ,000,000) ten million United State Dollars which i deposited with a box in a security company in (Abidjan-Cote D' Ivoire) in case of my absence on earth caused by death only you should solicit for a reliable foreign partner to assist you to claim the box of money and transfer it into his account for investment purposes, i deposited the money in my name and as a belonging to my foreign business partner it can be claimed by you and a reliable foreigner of your choice alone with the deposit code.i have all the documents with me here. take good care of your self and your sister, from the above,you will understand that the lives and future of me and my younger sister depends on this money.

I will be very very grateful if you can assist us we are now living in abidjan as political asylum seekers and the financial law of (Abidjan-Cote D' Ivoire) does not allow asylum seekers such huge amount of money. in view of this we can not invest this money here in Abidjan, hence we are asking you to assist us to claime this money and put it into your foreign bank account in your country for investment purposes, for your effotrs we prepared to offer you 15% of the total fund,while 5% will be set aside for any expenses made. then the rest will be kept for me and my younger sister for investment and our education.

Finally, modlities on how the transection will be done conveyed to you once we establish trust and confidence between ourselves, your phone and fax number is also needed. as soon as you reply us the deposit documents and contact of the security company here in abidjan where the money was deposited will be giveing to you immediately for your conformation and more trust building, then after the transaction we will be comeing over to your country for investment and the continuation of our studies when the money must have been transferred into your bank account.

Note: that the key word to this transaction is 100% risk free,

Your urgent response will be highly appreciated please.
looking forward to your urgent reply for details information.

Thanks.

Yours Sincerely,

Yousif and Mariam Yamani.

Another Lottery scam

This one's from Canary Wharf. Wasn't that destroyed in Dr Who? And why would they need your occupation?

I've found out that the numbers in these type of email scams are often premium rate phone numbers. You haven't won anything. In order to find that out, you have to call a number that pays the scammers. Avoid.

FROM: THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR

INTERNATIONAL PROMOTIONS / PRIZE AWARD DEPARTMENT.

HEADQUARTERS: 1A, CANADA SQUARE, CANARY WHARF, LONDON E14 5DT, UNITED KINGDOM

REFERENCE Nº: EGS/2251256003/03
BATCH Nº: 14/0017/1PD

AWARD NOTIFICATION

Flash Budget Finance Lottery of British International Lottery Program wishes to inform you the results of the E-mail address ballot lottery program by the British International Lottery Program held on September 20th, 2007. Your email account was selected as a winner of Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Pounds Only.

This result is now made available to you and your email address attached in the Category A bonus ball 02, 03, 21, 24, 38, 44, and bonus ball 47. Participants were selected through a computerized ballot system drawn from company and individual email addresses users.

We advice that you keep your winning information confidential until your claims has been processed and your money released to you. This is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program. For the release of your winnings, kindly contact your claims agent with the following details to expedite the processing of your prize winning.

1. Full name and address.

2. Country of Residence

3. Tel and fax number.

4. Occupation.

To begin your claim, please contact our Claim Manager at the Claim Department immediately with the following email address; nationallotto2006uk@wellknown mailserver OR call on telephone number +44 703 184 xxxx. All winning must be claimed not later than two weeks from the date of receipt of this email. After this date all prize winning will treated as Unclaimed

Note in order to avoid unnecessary delays; remember to quote your Reference and Batch numbers in all correspondence. Congratulations once again from all our staff and thank you for being part of our special quarterly promotional Lottery program.

Yours Sincerely,

Mr. Harry Wilson

(Information and Promotion Manager)

Accommodation overpayment scam

Another one with no mention of where the accommodation is. Is an 0703 number a landline or mobile phone number? Avoid.

Subject: FAMILY RESERVATION

Hello
I like to make a reservation in your facility for 2 double rooms for my
family.we are coming for our Family vacation.Me and my wife,with our kids
Arrival date: 20th Oct 2007 Departure date : 2th Nov 2007
Number of nights:13 nights Number of Guest:4
pls get back to me if the rooms are available and the total cost.Deposit
payment is by credit card.
Best Regards,
Dr. Daniel Rowlande
#24 Queens Ave
Carnoustie,CM15 8TG
Scotland
+44703184xxxx

University degree with no study

So you can pay for a piece of paper to prove you went to the University of Life?! And I wonder how much it costs to ring the number provided. I think it's a US number. Who would put any store on a degree that required no study. No one. That's who.

Sorry to drop in on you, but you were referred to us by a friend / working associate.

As of January 2006 our University has started a work experience degree program.
We can offer you 3 of the following choices:

- Associate Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree

Our work experience / life experience degrees are the same degrees we give our full time students,
but we base them upon your past knowledge and therefore require no studying.

Due to back logs we will need 1-2 weeks to verify your information and send your degree with transcripts in the mail.

Our Education office has someone available 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week.

If you are still interested then call us at:
1-270-xxx-xxxx

Accommodation overpayment scam

Another with no mention of where the accommodation is and what type. Then the emphasis on the payment. And this one is a director. Of what? The scam? Steer clear.

Hello,

Could you please confirm availability and total cost for the dates stated below for 5 guests from the Dubai. I am Murphy Richards of Murphy Richards Travel &Tours.

Arrival Date: 10th November, 2007
Departure Date: 24th November, 2007
Room Type: Standard single Room
Number Of Rooms: 5
Length of Stay: 2 weeks

Please advise availabilty,and the TOTAL COST in EURO or USD for the entire period? and the total cost however should reflect government taxes. As our policy, my agency will make a deposit for this booking via certified cheque, once availability and total cost is confirmed. If this is okay, Your prompt response will be appreciated and hoping that we could partner in the hospitality business.

Sincerely yours,
Murphy Richards.
Director

Scam accommodation email

Note the terrible spelling, use of doctor title and emphasis on payment. Actually they often use the term delegates and conference too. No mention of exactly where your accommodation is too. Avoid.

Hello,

It is my pleasure to inquire for accomodation in your facility, I want to book reservation for a researc h orgainsed by our group of medical experts,t h at will commence on t h e 10t h of NOVEMBER 2007 and end on t h e 18t h of NOVEMBER 2007 . Please get back to me wit h your rates and t h e total cost for 4 delegates w h o will stay for t h e duration of 8 days
. If t h ese dates are free and if you can accomodate us kindly send me a response so t h at i will book . I expect your urgent response, I will be glad if you can tell us t h e cost of:

(1) . 2 rooms t h at can sleep 4guests for 8 nig h ts .

(2) . Your rates per nig h t include all taxes

(3) . Its subtotal for t h e 8 nig h ts .

Give t h e total cost for 2 a/c suit rooms t h at can sleep 4guests for 8 nig h ts immediately.

T h e payment will made in form of a certified C h eck,if not do not reply.
Best Regards,
DR . Edward .

Nigerian email scam

All in capital letters is like shouting, no country mentioned, nor physical contact details. Avoid.

ATTN: DEAR, I AM MISS JEN CHARLES TAYLOR 25YRS,THE DAUGHTER OF THE FORMER PRESIDENT,I HAVE IN MY POSSESSION THE SUM OF NINE MILLION UNITED STATE DOLLARS{$9,000,000.00},AND THE TOP LIST OF MY PRIORITY IS WHERE TO INVEST THIS MONEY OUTSIDE MY COUNTRY. "REASON BEST KNOWN TO ME".I URGENTLY NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE IN PROVIDING A RELIABLE GENUINE TRADE OR COMPANY WHERE I CAN INVEST THE FUND AND IMMEDIATELY MEET YOU IN YOUR COUNTRY FOR SETTLEMENT.PLEASE I WILL KINDLY WELCOME YOUR ADVICE TOO. I AM EXPECTING YOUR URGENT MAIL RESPONSE. I NEED YOUR SUPPORT AND SERIOUSNESS.I AM PRESENTLY ON EXILE NOW WITH MY BROTHER CHOKRI TAYLOR. YOUR URGENT RESPONSE IS EXPECTED. SEND YOUR CONFIDENTIAL PHONE NUMBER SO THAT I CAN REACH YOU WHEN NECCESSARY. MISS JEN CHARLES TAYLOR

Accommodation overpayment scam

Note the bad grammar, repetition and pressuring about payment. Steer clear and don't waste your time.

HELLO ,
HERE IS TO INFORM YOU THAT AN APARTMENT IS NEEDED FOR MY 3 WEEKS HOLIDAY STARTING FROM 01/12/2007 TO 21/12/2007. THAT IS WHY, I DECIDED TO CONTACT YOU DIRECTLY FROM MY BASE HERE IN UNITED KINGDOM, SO THAT YOU CAN GET BACK TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE OF THE TOTAL COST FOR THIS SHORT TIME IN ORDER TO MAKE ARRANGEMENT FOR THE PAYMENTS ONTIME BECAUSE THAT WAS THE ONLY THING THAT IS DELAYING ME FROM BOOKING MY HOLIDAY TICKET FOR NOW..
SO THAT IS WHY YOU NEED TO GET BACK TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR THE PAYMENTS TO BE MADE ON TIME.
LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU AND PLEASE DONT HESITATE TO CALL ME AT ANY TIME IF THERE IS ANY INFORMATION PLEASE.
+447024016440 OR
+442074741892.
CHEERS.......
NELSON THOMAS.....

Dormant Account Nigerian Spam

The clever thing with this phishing spam is that it is asking you to join them in something illegal so you would be less likely to go to the authorities. No country is mentioned. Bad spelling too. Avoid.

Hello Dear,

Do accept my sincere apologies if my mail does not meet your personal ethics. I will introduce myself as Mr. Sandler, Director of Foreign Operations of a well-known bank here in the United Kingdom. One of our accounts with holding balance of 15 M (Fifteen Million British Pounds) has been dormant and has not been operated for the past 4 years.

From my investigations and confirmations, the owner of this account a foreigner by name Gerald Stone died in 4th of January 2002 and since then nobody has done anything as regards the claiming of this money because he has no family members who are aware of the existence of neither
the account nor the funds. Also Information from the National Immigration states that he was also single on entry into the UK.

I have secretly discussed this matter with some of the bank officials and we have agreed to find a reliable foreign partner to deal with. We thus propose to do business with you, standing in as the next of kin of these funds from the deceased and funds released to you after due processes have been followed.
BELLOW IS THE REQUIRED INFORMATIONS YOU WILL SEND TO MY
SECRETARY.

(1) YOUR FULL NAMES
(2) YOUR HOUSE ADDRESS
(3) YOUR DIRECT CELPHONE NUMBER AND HOUSE PHONE WITH FAX IF ANY.
This transaction is totally free of risk and troubles as the fund is a legitimate and does not originate from drug, money laundry, terrorism or any other illegal act. On your interest, let me hear from you.

You are advised to call the under sign on the direct TEL: +447024030692.
Regards,
Mr.Sandler.

Another Lottery scam

This one from Holland. Avoid.

AWARD WON PRIZE NOTIFICATION
Ref Number: NL/331/027
Batch Number: NL-476-809
DRAWS FOR CATEGORY “A”
Website: www.powerball.com

Dear Lucky Winner,

Congratulations to you as we bring to your notice, the results of the second Category POWERBALL LOTTERY DRAW, the draws were officially released on the 8th of September, 2007.

Your email ID was selected by Electronic Random Selection System (ERSS) from the internet around the world, your e-mail with the following: Ticket Number: 4416273 with serial Number: 00510423 drew lucky Number: 9-13-24-27-30-38 as your address emerged as one of the 10 winners in the category "A"

The Free Lotto Awards is organized to encourage the use of the internet and promote computer literacy worldwide as part of our International Promotions Program, so therefore no ticket was sold. You as well as the other winner are therefore to receive a cheque prize of $450,000.00 (FOUR HUNDRED & FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ONLY) each from the total payout of $4,500, 000.00.

Your prize awards issuance CHEQUE will be issued to you upon endorsement of the WINNERS CERTIFICATE & ALL OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS relating to your won prize as a precautionary measure to ensure that payment are been paid to the rightful winner.

Please contact our accredited processing agency (VESTING FINANCE AGENCY) on the following contact details below: Pls note, as all unclaimed prize are nullified and cancelled after 10 days from the date of this notice:

**************************************************************************************************
Contact person: Mr. Marcel Houten.
Tel: +31-642-874-665
Fax: +31-847-560-407
Email: vesfinance@wellknown mailserver
**************************************************************************************************
As part of our security measure in your best interest to avoid mix up of numbers and names of any kind, we request that you keep the entire details of your award strictly from public notice until the processing of your claims has been completed preventing people applying for your winning fund as we have had cases like this before, because no ticket was sold.

Yours Sincerely,
Mrs. Julian De Vaart.
(Lottery Coordinator).

**************************************************************************************************
NOTE: Do not respond back to this email address, do make contact with your claim agent on the above given email address
**************************************************************************************************

Lottery Scam emails

Another lottery scam email. Note they try and get around the inevitable question of 'why me when I didn't buy a ticket?' by saying it's PR and the address was given by microsoft. I bet microsoft would be surprised to read that. They start phishing low key. Why do they need to know your occupation? And they have the nerve to say the co-ordinator has a knighthood!

"BRITISH NATIONAL LOTTERY HEADQUARTERS:
28 TAN FIELD ROAD,
CROYDON, LONDON.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Ref: UK/9420X2/68

Dear Selected Winner,
We are pleased to inform you of the final announcement of the
UK National Lottery Online Promo Programme held on the 31st of August, 2007.
We have been sending this notice to you but this is the last as we are about distributing winnings to winners.
The draw was done electronically with several email addresses provided
to this office by microsoft to enhance the utilization of the internet.

Your email address was attached to Reference Number UK/9420X2/68 and was
picked as one of the ten winning email addresses.
This has qualified you to claim the total cash prize Of £753,437(Seven
Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty Seven Pound Sterling) in cash
credited to file KTU/9023118308/03.

This is from a total cash prize of £7,534,370.00 shared amongst the first ten (10) lucky winners in this category B.
Your winnings will be issued to you as soon as our claims
department verify your winning after you might have filled the payment
processing form below.


Payment Processing Form for filing of claims.

1.Name in full.
2.Address in full.
3.Age.
4.Phone No.
5.Occupation
6.Winning Email Address

This will enable us process your payment processing form. You are advised to contact
our claims department via these details:

ASSIGNED CLAIMS AGENT:Neville Paul.
EMAIL:neville4paul@wellknown mailserver
TEL.: :+44 704 570 7811.

Quote Your Reference Number as UK/9420X2/68 when
you are filing your claims.

Yours Faithfully,
Sir Steven Smith
Online Co-ordinator"

another phishing job offer email scam

Same as before. Who are these people? Why are they emailing you? Why can't they spell if they are located in United Kingdom (sic)?

International corporation is looking for talented people. No investment reqired.

Hello,
First and foremost, we would kindly like to express our deep greetings to you and your relatives and hope you all good health and happiness and more success in dealing. Our International Corporation is looking for new employees on various vacancies. We are by now for a long time in the market and now we employ human resources to work from home.

Our Company Head Office is located in United Kingdom with branches all over the world. Our supreme desire now is to enlarge our business scale to more countries, so we are advertising here in hope of cooperating with you all. We be grateful for sincere and ingenious employers. You do not need to invest any sum of money and we do not ask you to provide us with your bank account requisites! We are occupied in totally officially authorized activity and working in our corporation you can achieve career growth at a permanent job.

We are seeking a highly motivated professional, with skill of working with people. The position is home-based. We offer a part-time position with flexible working hours. And we would be happy to consider a full-time job share candidate.

The right person will have good communication and interpersonal skills and some knowledge of advertising. Candidates must be able to keep on focused and motivated when working alone.

Thank you and we are looking forward to cooperate in long term base with you all.
If you are interested in our vacancies, please feel free to contact us for further information.
The preference is given to people with knowledge of foreign languages. If you are interested please send next information to: KayHodgeZT@wellknown mailserver
1) Full name
2) Contact phone numbers
3) Languages
4) Part time job/Full time

We are looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best Regards,
elmo burne

job phishing scam

Here's a phishing scam in the form of a job offer. They want your personal details, eventually your banking details so they will rip you off. There is no job. Why would a company who you have never heard of, to whom you have never applied for a job, send you a speculative email? Note the mode of payment mentioned. This should always set off a warning light. Interestingly, it comes from a German based mailserver.
Again the golden rule, if it seems to good to be true, it is.

Hisense Import & Export Company. Ltd
Hisense Malaysia Bhd Sdn
No.45, Tengkat Tong Shin,
Bukit Bintang,50200
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Dear Friend,


I represent Hisense Import & Export Co., Ltd based in Malaysia with
Headquarters in china, and we have a marketing quota for the year to
meet,for this we are recruiting representatives who can help us
establish a
medium of getting to our customers in Europe and North America as well
as making payments through you as our payment officer. It is upon this
note that we seek your assistance to stand as our representative in
your country.

We have set a marketing quota for this year. For this reason we are
recruiting representatives who can help us establish a medium of
getting
to our customers in Europe and America. we are interested in employing
your services to work with us as a private payment agent that can help
us establish a means of receiving payment for goods that was supplied
to
our customers in your location, as the company is already experiencing
difficulties in receiving payments from them.Most of our customers pay
out in cheques,credit card and money orders and we do not have an
account in your country that will clear this money.It is upon this
note
that we seek your assistance to stand in as our representative in your
country.

MODE OF PAYMENT.
It is important to let you know that, as our representative, you will
receive 10% as commission on whatever amount you receive on the
company's behalf. And you will be paid $3,000 United stated dollars
monthly for
your services which would amounts to $36,000
USD annually as our representative.if you work diligently with
instructions and guidelines, your Monthly and Annual income will
increase with
25% increase.

Please if you are interested in working with us in good faith and
honesty, send your information in the below form
to:email:hiseense@well known mailserver, with the basic requirements provided
underneath to commence
registration processes:

(1) Your Full Name ......................
(2)Contact Address .....................
(3) Phone Number ........................
(4) Fax Number ..........................
(5) Age...................................
(6) Sex...................................
(7)Occupation.............................
(8)Nationality............................
(9)Company................................
(10)Work Experience.......................

Thank you for your time. Please forward to us completed details through
the email: hiseense@well known mailserver,

Warm Regards,

Mr. F Hashim
Hisense Import & Export Co., Ltd
Freight Fwdg. Svcs.
Hisence Company Plc

Wang HongZhang.phishing scam

Avoid this one. It comes from a hotmail account. I'll report it to abuse@hotmail.com and see if they nix the account. I reported a fraudulent yahoo account yesterday and they replied that they had taken action, though they're not allowed to say exactly what action.

FROM: Wang HongZhang.
I am Mr. Wang HongZhang, Chief Disciplinary Officer, Peoples Bank of China (PBC), Beijing. I have an obscured business proposal of US$24.5million for you.
Please get back at me if you are interested.
Email:hongzhangwang002@well known mailserver
Your earliest response to this letter will be appreciated.
Kind regards,
WANG HONGZHANG

Accommodation overpayment scam

This one had me taken in for a while. This nasty scammer used the name of a real soldier in Iraq. He then held off for days before he answered so the date was getting closer. Then he talked about a bank draft as banking facilities are hard to come by in Iraq. If I;m not sure if an enquiry is genuine or not, I mention that I have to protect myself from internet fraud and I never hear from them again. (Except once when it was a genuine guy!)

Aloha,
My Name is Sgt. Frank Alensonorin of United States marine, 227th Engineer
Company currently in Iraq. It`s in respect of your vacation listing,I am
planning a surprise vacation gift package for my Godson and his newly wedded
wife alone with treat while currently on an active duty,please check
availability and get back to me immediately,the scheduled date will be 1st
thru 22nd Sept. 2007,(22 Days)if this has already been booked please advice
on the nearest date you have available,include cost for the period, Security
Deposit, Cleaning fees, Tax and any order major services to be rendered,for
the couple alone,no pets,they don't smoke either.l will need to conclude
this booking early enough for them to avoid any inconvenience during there
stay.
Mahola

Nigerian Partnership offer

Nigerian scam version offering to go into partnership and using Standard Life as a known financial name. Ask yourself, why would Charles Coldwell want to go into partnership with you, someone he's never met and never heard of? He wouldn't. He's after your banking details.

From: Mr.Charles Coldwell
Head of Investments,
Standard Life International.
Re: Investment with S. L. International.
I send you greetings. I have found your contact email
address listed on an Internet Business Directory and
it is my wish to do business with you, hence your
receipt of this letter.
The purpose of this letter is to introduce myself to
you. I am Mr.Charles Coldwell, Managing Partner,
Standard Life International. Standard Life
International is a business consulting firm, offering
business advisor services worldwide. We are not a very
big company but we have recently been confronted with
the task of investing funds exceeding our capacity and
have decided to seek partners to cooperate with us in
investing the available funds because we have never
done business of this nature.
We are brokering an investment venture on behalf of a
client of our firm. This venture will involve the
investment of Twenty Five Million British Pounds. We
are by this letter considering entering into a
partnership with you so as to allow us invest the
available funds in your country and to appoint you as
representatives and co-managers of the investment
funds. We are ready to give you a commission of 10% of
the available capital as soon as the proposed
partnership between us is started.
Since we cannot determine if this email is still
functional and also your willingness to cooperate with
us, we have kept this proposal brief. If you are
interested in this offer of partnership, please
respond to enable us give further information about
the proposed partnership. If you have any questions
please do not hesitate to contact me.
Your expedient response will be appreciated as we look
forward to hearing from you soon.
Please send all email correspondence to personal email
add.
Thank you.
Mr.Charles Coldwell.

Nigerian Scam invoking a born again

Here's one invoking God and trying to get your personal details off you. I don't know what God would think about this but I think it's pretty tasteless. No phone and no address.

From . Mr. Richard Smith.
Email : contactrichardsmith0001@well known mailserver
My name is Mr. Richard Smith. I am from Portugal . I have
been diagnosed with Esophageal cancer. It has defiled all
forms of medical treatment, and right now I have only
about a few months to live, according to medical experts.
I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never
really cared for anyone (not even myself)but my business.
Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always
hostile to people and only focused on my business as that
was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this
as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting
to have or make all the money in the world. I believe when
God gives me a second chance to come to this world I would
live my life a different way from how I have lived it.
Now that God has called me, I have willed and given most
of my property and assets to my immediate and extended
family members as well as few close friends .I want God to
be merciful to me and accept my soul so, I have decided to
give alms to charity organizations and those in Need, as I
want this to be one of the last good deeds I do on earth.
So far, I have Distributed money to some charity
organizations when I was well. Now that my health has
deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this myself anymore. I
once asked members of my family to close one of my
accounts and distribute the money which I have there to
charity organization in United States, Asia, Middle East &
Europe, they refused and kept the money to themselves.
Hence, I do not trust them anymore, as they seem not to be
contended with what I have left for them. The last of my
money which no one knows of is the huge cash deposit of
thirty Million United States Dollars ($30, 000, 000.00)
that I have with an Asset Management / Vaulting Company
Abroad. I will want you to help me collect this deposit
and dispatch it to charity organizations and use it to
help those in Need.
N/B:Kindly note that 40% of this funds must go to
victims of Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina , Hurricane Wilma
and South Asia Earthquake , 55% to other Charity
Organizations around the World and 5% for your effort and
time.
I cannot talk with you on the phone due to my health
situation, as I am using my Lap Top Computer to
communicate with you. You should respond to this e-mail if
you are interested in carrying out this assignment on my
behalf.Please for the sake of confidentiality, only reply
via my private email address
contactrichardsmith0001@well known mailserver
God be with you.
Mr. Richard Smith.
+From Portugal & Urgent Reply Needed.

Ebay scam email

Many people have an ebay account, an ebay life. These are aimed at you, to make you panic into clicking a link in an email and entering personal information. Don't do it. Where does the link point? Not to ebay, despite what the text says. If you are worried, type ebay.com directly as a web address and continue from there.

Please Pay Your eBay Fees Account Today

We are writing to alert you that your monthly eBay fees account have not been paid because credit/debit card declined ebay's attempt to automatically deduct the amount due. This require you to update billing information as soon as possible. This billing update is also a new eBay security statement which goes according to the established norms on the eBay User Agreement. Please be advised that your eBay fees of $12,50 are now due. These fees result from listing item on eBay, purchasing item on eBay or using related services (ID verify, Stores, etc). Also, this is a courtesy reminder that the following credit/debit card on file for your eBay account will expire soon.
Please pay your eBay fees records on or before September 5, 2007. A failure to update your records may result on a suspension of your account.

To update your eBay records click on the following link:
https://signin.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?SignIn&ssPageName=h

If, after reviewing your account information, you seek further clarification regarding your account access, please contact eBay by visiting the Help Center and clicking "Contact Us". This new security statement will helps us continue to offer eBay as a secure and cost-effective service.

As a reminder, past due accounts may be restricted from buying or selling until payment received. We appreciate your cooperation and assistance.

Sincerely,

www.ebay.com

Thank you,
eBay Inc
This administrative email was sent and originally from eBay, based on your account at www.ebay.com.

As outlined in our User Agreement, eBay will periodically send you information about site changes & enhancements. Visit our Privacy Policy and User Agreement if you have any questions.

eBay will request personal data (password, credit card/bank numbers) in an email.
Learn More.

Copyright 2007 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.
eBay and the eBay logo are trademarks of eBay Inc.
eBay is located at 2145 Hamilton Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125.

Lottery Scam emails

I didn't enter a lottery. The biggest warning sign for me is that the prizes are so vast. They throw around lots of reference and tickets numbers, which is a nice touch. The phone number is British, the email is German, the surname is Asian and there's no bricks and mortar address. Steer clear.

UNITED KINGDOM/FRANCE FOUNDATION
PRIZE AWARD DEPARTMENT,
REF: NBM44125677
BATCH NO: 31/107/AY.

Sir/Madam,

We are pleased to inform you of the announcement on the 27TH OF AUGUST 2007,of winners of the UNITED KINGDOM/FRANCE FOUNDATION LOTTERY WIN/INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM held on 19TH March 2007 as part of our yearly bonanza. You or your company, attached to

Ticket number: 1416-4612-750
Serial number: 3187-17
Lucky numbers: 31-17-8-28-55

and consequently won the lottery in the "A" category. You have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of Ј500,000.00 British Pound Sterlings in cash credited to file REF NO. REF: NBM44125677. This is from the total prize money of 15,000,000.00 British Pounds Sterlings shared among the Thirty (30) international winners in this category. All selected persons were selected through a computer balloting system drawn from 250,000 names/email addresses from Middle East, Asia, Africa, Canada, Europe and North America and Oceania as part our International Promotions Program, which is conducted annually. Note, no tickets were sold but all names/email addresses were assigned to different ticket numbers for representation and privacy. The selection process was carried out through random selection in our computerized names/email addresses selection machine (TOPAZ) from a database of over 250,000 email names/email addresses drawn from Middle East, Asia, Africa, Canada, Europe and North Am
erica and Oceania.

CONGRATULATIONS! To begin your claim, confirm receipt of this mail to the lotto co-ordinator Mr. Wilson Bruce Zheng, for due processing and remittance of your prize money.

Mr. Mr. Wilson Bruce Zheng
Tel: +44 703 195 9418
E-mail: wilsonz1hengclaimsofficer@well known mail server

Congratulations once again from all our staff.

Sincerely,
Ms. Gloria Dillion
Secretary.
UNITED KINGDOM/FRANCE FOUNDATION.

Please read my ecard scam

I am not about to test this out. I'm not sure what's there. Even if it's not porn or viagra adverts, there may be adverts on it and why should I let some spammer get revenue from my clicks?

Please go to our viewing center to recieve your Labor Day greeting: http://greatcards.com/ec1/holidaygreetings?lots of numbers

Larry Scott Overpayment scam

Another typical accommodation overpayment scam email. We have an apartment, not a hotel. Note again the spelling, grammar and seemingly real address. Checking this address shows it is a Lloyds NHS optician.

Hello,
I wish to book 4 single rooms in your hotel for 4 members of HEALTH ACTION INTERNATIONAL UK Branch.this is as a result of the healthcare deliveryservice programme they shall be conducting in your country.the period forthe reservation should be between 4th - 10th of July,2007 i.e 6nights period. so confirm
my reservation request and forward to me the rates and total cost for thereservation including the local tax and breakfast.
N:B= 4 rooms x 4 persons x 6 nights between 4 - 10/07/07

best regards and waiting for your confirmation,
Larry Scott
15 Church Street, Oswestry,
Shropshire, SY11 2SZ,
Uk.

Arthur Macarthy overpayment

Here's one that looks pretty legitimate. Except the email properties show it does not come from anyone called Arthur Macarthy.
Things to look out for are ones that don't mention at all where the property is and make a big deal about payment by whatever means.

Hello,

I want to make reservations for a two weeks period for the dates of 10th to 24th October,2007 preferably two double rooms that can accommodate two couples.Do confirm availability of accommodation for this period.

Please, get back to me with the full details, prices, total cost and discount inclusive of the available accommodation.Endeavor to get back to me as soon as possible and I do hope that you have a POS Credit card charging machine and that you accept payment with major credit cards?

Regards,

Arthur Macarthy

stock pump and dump

You get an email from someone you don't know about a stock you've never heard of. Why would you act on it? The spammers want lots of people to buy it (usually a penny stock) pumpng up the price, then they'll dump their stock before everyone realises the price is too high and it crashes and burns.

Good subject title though.

Subject: Please review this before Tuesday
Here comes VGPM with a plan that rocks investors.

Vega Promotional, Inc
V G P M . P K
$0.07

Subscription gaming becomes billion dollar industry. One online game
pulled in over 471 Million in 2006 VGPM is stepping up to take a lion's
share of those profits with a new line of subscription games. Beat the
push and get on VGPM before open, Tuesday.

Invite from unknown person

I'm not sure what this is about except to make you click on the link. But I don't know anyone named jaimy so forget about it.

Hi
Your friend jaimy mathew has send you a invitation to join with website . Please click the below link to subscription
website link

Regrads,
jaimy mathew

Halifax banking. account maintenance and verification

Again with the spelling (submiting) and clumsy grammar. I presume the Halifax has clearer technical writers than this.
If you have concerns about your banking details, always log directly onto the normal baking website. Never follow a link from an email.

Dear Halifax customer,

During our regularly scheduled account maintenance and verification procedures, we have detected a slight error in your billing information.

This might be due to either of the following reasons:

1. A recent change in your personal information (i.e.change of address).
2. Submiting invalid information during the initial sign up process.
3. The online services look that was changed recently

Please update and verify your information by clicking the link below:

link

If your account information is not updated within 48 hours then your ability to access your account will become restricted.

Thank you

Halifax Plc

Your Account is about to expire scam email

This is designed to worry people that their online banking account won't work unless they follow the link. Throwing intechnical jargon is used to throw untechnical customers into a tizzy. Your online account work if the scammers take all your money.
Note the bad punctuation.

Lloyds TSB
Personal & business account
Online Service alert
Please note that Your Lloyds TSB Online Service Account is about to expire.Due to SSL Database upgrade on our system In order for it to remain active,follow the link below to
proceed and access your account.

link

Another banking spam email from NatWest

This has a good looking NatWest header and Important Information in large friendly letters. Includes links to the NatWest website security information amongst others and the crucial ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT button which points to the scammers website.

Dear Value Client of NatWest,

we recently reviewed your account and suspect that your NatWest Account
may have been accessed be an unauthorized third party.
Procting the security of your account and of the NatWest
Bank network is out primary concern therefore,as a
preventative measure, we have temporarily limited access
to senstive NatWest Bank Account features.

click on below button in order to regain access to your account.



For more information about how to protect your account,
please visit NatWest Security center.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you,
and apriciate your assistance in helping us maintain the integrity of the entire
Wamu System.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter


Sincerely,
The NatWest Security Department Team.


� 2007 Nat West, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Legal | Security | Privacy

Lloyds TSB online security check scam

Typical bank Phish email. Clever in that it has a 'Please do not reply to this email' and other official type language and refers to complaints received. It is designed to worry unsuspecting customers into checking their own security, by giving the bad guys their login and password. If you look at the link to where it says 'Please click here to start' it does not point to a Lloyds TSB website. It's that simple.
Note the bad grammar again.

Dear Customer,

Lloyds TSB has been receiving complaints from our customers for unauthorised use of their Lloyds TSB Online access. As a result we are making an extra security check on all of our Customers account in order to protect their information from theft and fraud.
We're committed to protecting you when you bank with us. Our industry-standard levels of security ensure that you can always access your Lloyds TSB accounts online with confidence
To ensure you are always protected, we are introducing a new programme of security initiatives called BankSecure. Over the next few months, you’ll see a number of initiatives that we'll put in place to make sure you stay secure and to help you protect your Internet banking information

Due to this, you are requested to follow the provided steps and confirm your Online Banking Access for the safety of your Accounts. Please Click Here To Start .

However, Failure to do so may result in temporary account suspension. Please understand that this is a security measure intended to help protect you and your account. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Thanks for your co-operation.

Fraud Prevention Unit
Legal Advisor
Lloyds TSB.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts Management As outlined in our User Agreement, Lloyds TSB (r) will
periodically send you information about site changes and enhancements.

Please do not reply to this e-mail. Mail sent to this address cannot be answered.

Harri Kietta. Moving large sums of money through your bank

'Hello my dear' is a bit of a give away as is the terrible grammar and spelling. And then he/she mentions the Ivory Coast. Steer clear. This is a version of the scam known as the 'Nigeria 419' scam.

Harri Kietta.
Cote D'Ivoire
+22508983453

Hello my dear,

Compliment of the day, I'm Mr.Harri Kietta from sierra-Leone. I picked interest on
you after glancing through your short profile, I deemed it necessary to disclose
this important issue. I lost my father during the rebel attacked.

Before his death, he had an account with a bank here in Cote D'Ivoire, where he made a deposit of US$10.5 Millions Dollars. This money was for the purchase of cocoa procession machines and development of another factory, unfortunately he did not meet his target before his untimely death.

Why I contacted you, due to the agreement he had with the bank during deposit, I?ve
been denied total access to the money, the bank Manager told me precisely that the
money was deposited in a suspense fixed account with a clause attached to it for
onward transfer into a foreign account. That the bank will follow the agreement
written and signed by both (the bank and my husband). I was advised to look for a
foreign account where the money can be transferred before I can have access to it.

Since security here cannot be guaranteed besides,I?ve lost my father,I hereby ask
you to do me a favour by standing as my late father?s foreign business partner and
the beneficiary of the money to enable the bank effect the transfer into your
account.

I have plans to invest this money in continuation with the investment vision of my
late father, but not in this place again rather in your country. I have the vision
of going into real estate and industrial production, please if you are willing to
assist me and my only sister Linda, indicate your interest in replying soonest.

Thanks for your anticipated co-oporation,

Yours,
Harri Kietta.

Dr. Franklin Stokes. Overpaying for accommodation scam.

Spelling is pretty good, but there is no indication where my 'local cuisines' are. The phone number is a nice touch. Is it a valid Edinburgh number?

Good day Sir/Madam,

I am Franklin Stokes, I and my colleaques are currently making a food
documentary of local cuisines and restaurants in your location.

There will be a total number of 8 guests, and we will be coming for
dinner from the 5th,6th,7th,8th and the 9th of November 2007.

Please confirm if your availability for theses period.We do not have any special dietery restrictions.Note that all payment arrangements for our bookings has been finalised by credit card prepayment,so kindly confirm if you accept credit card payments.

I shal be waiting for your prompt response.

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Franklin Stokes
40 Murrayfield Avenue,
Edinburgh, EH12 6 AY, Scotland
+447024062538 , +447024062538 , +447024091908
Fax#: +44-7005-806-775

Introduction

I get a lot of scam emails. Most are obvious. The spelling is rotten, the grammar is worse, they often use God and relgion and titles such as Dr and Professor and Reverend. But they are getting more clever. I thought it would be worth posting scam emails I have received, lotto winning, I want to book your accommodation, please help me move fifteen billion dollars out of my war-torn country. That sort of thing.

Here are some general rules:
If it looks too good to be true, it most likely is.
If you didn't apply for something, why would you get it?
If they offer to pay more than they need too and you have to return the cost, don't touch it.
If they want your personal details, address, bank details, be very wary.
If they want to pay for something only by bank draft, be very wary.

PLEASE NOTE:-

Scammers often use the names and addresses and sometimes phone numbers of real persons and businesses. The appearance of any genuine names of businesses and persons, or phone numbers, on this site does not mean they are implicated in any scam or wrong-doing, it’s just another example of identity theft being used to con hard working folk out of their cash.