Gariell’s Weblog

Spam, Scams and Lambs

Identifying Scams

This section offers some helpful hints or clues which can be used in the identification of various types of scams which invade millions of people’s mail boxes every day. Regardless, it should be noted that the best rule will always be if you have any doubt about the legitimacy of any correspondence just delete it. No legitimate financial institution will ever contact a client by email.

You will find a list of helpful sites dealing with the subject here.However, read this first and then take the time to visit this site.

GENERAL RULES

  • Any Email sent to “undisclosed-recipients” offering you employment or funds of any kind, be they an inheritance, loan or Bank Draft. Forget it it’s a scam. Do not respond!
  • Most of these letters are written by people who have a poor command of the English language and numerous spelling or grammatical errors can be found. Often the scammer will type the entire email in uppercase or capital letters.
  • Reply addresses to these scams are usually either to a Yahoo.com or gmail.com or any other public email provider, scammers like to use these free services. Remember if some huge financial institution or legal firm wants you to contact them, well you would think they would at least have the funds to purchase a private domain.
  • You won the lotto but you never bought a ticket? Why do they want your age, marital status, employment information and sex? What does any of this have to due with your “winnings?
  • The often quoted saying “If it sounds too good to be true it probably is”
  • If you receive an email which appears to be from a legitimate financial institution, Bank or Ebay among others; if a hyperlink is provided, it more than likely leads to a Spoofed site since most legitimate institutions will not contact you via email if it concerns your personal information.
  • Whether the scam concerns a lottery winning, inheritance, funds from some foreign government or bank, a loan or an employment opportunity; the same rules will always apply. 

    Now visit Scamcops and see what they have to say.

    57 Comments »

    1. Thank you so much for giving this web of identifying scams.As i got one email from The National Lottery,and even used the Camelot Group lottery.And saying i was one of the winner of that email add worlwide.All the information i have read and detailed by your web,I have understood that the letter i got was absolutelty a scam

      Why cant anyone try to stop this,so that people will stop believing this.Think about us that was so innocent,we dont even realize it really put us into so much trouble.So please help us innocent and more innocent people around the world will get trapped into this scam.

      Comment by Sosima Barlolong De Vera | May 7, 2008

    2. Sosima,
      Thank you for your comment and I hope the post is helpful.
      Gariell

      Comment by gariell | May 10, 2008

    3. I have recieved several notifications of inheritance and of lottery winnings for lottery that I know nothing of or even bought . I must say I was tempted by the Church of Christ loan email , and chose to check it out , but the truth is out and its disgraceful to know that people are willing to stoop so low as to use the Lords name to steal , but the Lord will have the last word . Thanks for the alert that I found when I decided to research the Church of Christ loan set up .

      Comment by Michael | May 13, 2008

    4. Michael,
      Thanks for the thumbs up and I am always glad to hear that a post may have saved a fellow webber from being scamed.
      Cheers

      Comment by gariell | May 14, 2008

    5. Thank you so much for your identifying scam weblog. Is it possible to learn more about you, how you are able to discover that these are scams, because this is a great service that you are providing.

      We need a way to block these scams from our email. Do you have info on legitimate deals, especially legit work-at-home w/o paying for it, employment.

      Thanks Again,
      Mayme

      Comment by Mayme Smith | May 25, 2008

    6. Mayme,

      It is always nice to get positive feedback from readers and I thank you for yours.
      Curiosity and a certain amount of scepticism are all it takes to identify a scam. Another great friend is “Google”, I imagine that is how you found this site.
      There are a number of anti spam programs available that can block a lot of the scam mail; however, there will always be a few that slip through.
      I do not endorse any type of work- at- home employment, but due diligence is always the best policy. Research the offers, don’t take anything for granted.

      Cheers,
      Gariell

      Comment by gariell | May 25, 2008

    7. i recieved a scam email from the secretary of the UN
      Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, i checked this and she is the sec gen. Offereing me 9mil to open a research facility somewhere in Africa. It gave the solicitors address and when i checked this site came very intresting and humerous. Needless to say i did not reply
      Cheers paul Liverpool Uk

      Comment by Paul | June 2, 2008

    8. Paul,
      Jolly good for you. These idiots will try to sell ice cubes and freezer pacs to Eskimos.
      Cheers

      Comment by gariell | June 2, 2008

    9. Sir:
      This is the first e-mail i received.

      NOKIA NIGERIA ON-LINE PROMOTION.
      14Th Floor 51/55 Broad Street,
      P. M.B 12147 Lagos – Nigeria.

      Tel: +2348072495177

      Attn: Winner Jona Lyn G. Serante,

      This letter acknowledges the receipt of your email. We the entire staff of NOKIA ON-LINE PROMOTION BOARD congratulates you once again for being one of our lucky winners in this lottery promotion stake.

      Please be advised that this winning is a measure of universal development,So you are advised to use this winnings for an investment that you know will bring long lasting wealth to you and your family.

      Your winning numbers have been entered into our computer system. It has been determined that you are a true beneficiary of the lottery on-line sweepstakes.

      You are to immediately proceed with the process of collecting of the funds.

      Kindly note that your Winning cheques of £170,000.00 Pounds Sterling (One Hundred and Seventy Thousand Pounds Sterling) has been issued in your name.

      Below you will find a Winner Documentation Form, requesting your required particulars. You are to immediately fill the form and return as soon as possible.

      FULL NAME: _____________________
      LAST NAME: _____________________
      HOUSE ADDRESS: _____________________
      CITY: _____________________
      STATE: _____________________ ZIP: _____________________
      COUNTRY: _____________________
      SEX: _____________________
      AGE: _____________________
      MARITAL STATUS: _____________________
      OCCUPATION: _____________________
      TELEPHONE NUMBER: _____________________
      E-MAIL ADDRESS: _____________________
      HOW DO YOU FEEL AS OUR WINNER: _____________________

      Upon receipt of this information’s, I will begin the processing of all the documents

      that will facilitate the clearance of your cheque. All information is strictly confidential and will only be used for the purpose to which it is been requested.

      Mr. Jack Howard
      Information Department,
      NOKIA ON-LINE PROMOTION.
      DIRECT TEL: +2348072495177

      ______________________________________________________________
      The information in this e-mail, and any attachment therein, is confidential and

      for use by the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, please

      return the e-mail to the sender and delete it from your computer.

      _______________________________________________________________

      Comment by jona lyn serante | June 2, 2008

    10. Sir:

      This is the second…

      14th Floor 51/55 Broad Street , P. M.B 12147 Lagos –
      Nigeria.

      Attn: Beneficiary MRS. JONA LYN G. SERANTE,

      This is to acknowledge the receipt of the order from, in respect with the provision OF NOKIA ON-LINE PROMOTION act of decree 114 of the 1999 constitution; I am directed to inform you that your payment verification and confirmations is correct. Therefore, we are happy to inform you that arrangements have been concluded to effect your payment as soon as possible and in our bid to transparency.

      Hence you are therefore cleared, All necessary documents that will facilitate the clearance of your Winning Cheque of £172,000 Pounds Sterlings in your name has been processed. Your parcel contains the following documents:

      1.WINNING CHEQUE VALUED THE SUM OF £170,000 Pounds Sterlings
      2.WINNING CERTIFICATE FROM THE NOKIA ON-LINE PROMOTION.
      3.CLEAR SOURCE OF FUNDS CERTIFICATES(C.S.F..C.)
      4.ANTI-TERRORISM CERTIFICATES(A.T.C)
      5.CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN OF FUNDS(C.O.F).

      Note: These documents has been securely sealed and packed for security reasons which makes it impossible for anyone to view it until its been delivered to you.

      Have it in mind that your parcel with identification number NKA/234/20082 is ready to be delivered to you at your home address:

      Receiver Name: MRS. JONA LYN G. SERANTE
      Receiver Address: VIA GIOVANNI PAISIELLO 40, ROMA, 00198, ITALY
      Tel: +393270822450
      Next Of Kinds: My Father Marlo M. Serante

      We have concluded delivery arrangement with all COURIER SERVICES, In view of this development, you are requested to choose from the options listed below your choice and cost of delivery

      Mailing: ₤50.00 Euro
      Insurance: ₤200.00 Euro
      Handling charges: ₤30.00 Euro
      Vat: ₤20.00 Euro
      TOTAL: ₤300 Euro

      UPS

      Mailing: ₤100.00 Euro
      Insurance: ₤200..00 Euro
      Handling charges: ₤30.00 Euro
      Vat: ₤20.00 Euro
      TOTAL: ₤350 Euro

      Mailing: ₤150.00 Euro
      Insurance: ₤200.00 Euro
      Handling charges: ₤30.00 Euro
      Vat: ₤20.00 Euro
      TOTAL: ₤400 Euro

      DOCUMENT INSURANCE: ₤ 200 Euro (THIS IS ABSOLUTELY COMPULSORY, AS IT IS TO BE ADDED TO THE FEE OF ANY COURIER OPTION YOU DECIDE TO CHOOSE). Due to the diplomatic content of your parcel, it will be illegal to ship it without being insured.

      Please confirm if you can be able to take this cost so that I can know how to proceed, and please be informed that delivery will be made to your address in 48 hours (2 days) after our confirmation of this payment for delivery, as you know that the delivery fee receipt will be used to attach on your payment delivery documents to avoid being delayed by customs.

      Treat very urgently as we also remind you that your Winning Cheque is ready.

      Congratulations.
      Thank you.

      Mr. Jack Howard
      Manageing Director Information Department,
      Online Nokia Promotion Nigeria P L C.

      DIRECT TEL: +2347031639072

      The information in this e-mail, and any attachment therein, is confidential and for use by the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, please return the e-mail to the sender and delete it from your computer.

      Comment by jona lyn serante | June 2, 2008

    11. Sir:

      This is the last e-mail i received. Hope you will response. Thank you and God bless.

      14th Floor 51/55 Broad Street , P.. M.B 12147 Lagos –
      Nigeria.

      Attn: Beneficiary Mrs. Jons Lyn G. Serante,

      I thank you for your quick response. Please do know that i have acknowledged your e-mail.

      Be advise that as soon as your Winning Cheque of £170,000 Pounds Sterlings issued in your Name: Mrs. Jons Lyn G. Serante is delivered to you by DHL Delivery Agent, You are to deposit the Cheque with your Bank in ROMA, ITALY to be Cleared.

      Have it in mind that your DHL Delivery Payment of €300 Euro should be paid to our Accountant officer whose details i stated below Via Western Union Money Transfer.

      Name: Mr Uyi James
      Address: 14th Floor 51/55 Broad Street,
      Country: Nigeria

      You are to forward payment details to this office which must include the following.

      1. Full names of sender
      2. Address Of Sender
      3. MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number)
      4. Amount sent
      5. Text Question
      6. Answer

      Have it in mind that as soon as your payment is received, Your Winning Cheque will be delivered to you by DHL Delivery Agent at your home address.

      Receiver Name: MRS. JONA LYN G. SERANTE
      Receiver Address: VIA GIOVANNI PAISIELLO 40, ROMA, 00198, ITALY
      Tel: +393270822450
      Next Of Kinds: MY FATHER MARLO M. SERANTE

      Treat very urgently as we also remind you that your Winning Cheque is ready.

      God Bless You MRS. JONA LYN G. SERANTE.

      Congratulations.
      Thank you.

      Mr. Jack Howard
      Manageing Director Information Department,
      Online Nokia Promotion Nigeria P L C..

      DIRECT TEL: +2348072495177

      The information in this e-mail, and any attachment therein, is confidential and for use by the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, please return the e-mail to the sender and delete it from your computer.

      Comment by jona lyn serante | June 2, 2008

    12. Jona Lyn,

      Thanks for the fine examples.

      Cheers

      Comment by gariell | June 15, 2008

    13. Hi i recieved this mail this morning, stupidly i responded!!

      just need some advise as will these scammers be able to do anything with my info?

      REFERENCE #: UKL/478593G9/19EMAIL TICKET #: 112-4540-525-106 This e-mail is to congratulate you as your email address have won you a cash prize of £715,000.00 in our Online Lottery Sweepstakes Promotion held in London July 2008. To file your claims, contact; Agent: Mr. Adams BradfordE-mail: mr.adams.bradford@hotmail.comTel: (+44)703-590-1588 Note: You are required to tender your Full Name(s) & Reference # (same as above) Full Address, Country Of Residence, Occupation, Age, Sex, Telephone Number to the claims agent, via email for a valid response. Congratulations from all members and staffs of this program. Thank you for being a part of this online lottery promotion.

      Comment by Joe Jenkins | July 21, 2008

    14. Joe Jenkins,
      You will probably be receiving correspondence from the bottom feeder shortly either by phone or email. Ignore any emails and hang-up the phone. Take a look at the Reporting Scams section on the site for more details.
      Cheers

      Comment by gariell | July 21, 2008

    15. It is bad if poeple will have to implicate innocent people.May god forgive them.

      Comment by Tayo Oluwasina | August 19, 2008

    16. CONTACT AFFILIATE COURIER COMPANY IMMEDIATELY(info_elitecourierservices@yahoo.co.uk)Wednesday, August 20, 2008 9:59 PM
      From: This sender is DomainKeys verified “FREE LOTTO CLAIM OFFICER” Add sender to Contacts To: syedkhursheedalam786@yahoo.com
      —–Inline Attachment Follows—–

      Attn: SYED KHURSHEED ALAM,
      The notification mail sent to you is to inform you that you emerged as our lucky winner.and this explains how you became a winner,The online cyber lotto draws was conducted from an exclusive list of 21,000 e-mail addresses of individual and corporate bodies picked by an advanced automated random computer search from the internet, no tickets were sold. After this automated computer ballot, your e-mail address emerged as one of two winners in the category \\”B\\” You are therefore been approved to claim the sum of $2,000,000 (Two million United State Dollars Only).
      You are required to make contact with the courier company with all the details written below
      ===========================================================================================================================================
      CONTACT INFORMATION:
      Handling Agent: Mr. Brian Cox
      EliteXpress Courier Services
      Unit 11, Ashford Industrial Estate,
      Shield Road, Ashford, Middx,
      TW15 1AU, london.
      United Kingdom
      E-mail: info_elitecourierservices@yahoo.co.uk Tel: +44-703-191-6926
      Tel : + 44- 704- 570 – 4168
      Fax:+44-700-605-3849 =========================================================================================================================================== With this you are required to fill the form below to enable you recieve your cheque at your residence without further delays.
      PAYMENT PROCESSING FORM
      (1.) FULL NAME
      (2.) FULL ADDRESS
      (3).NATIONALITY.
      (4) DATE OF BIRTH
      (5) OCCUPATION
      (6 )WINNING EMAIL
      (7 )TELEPHONE NUMBER
      (8) SEX
      (9) MARITAL STATUE

      You are to respond to this mail by sending the above informations needed to the Courier company so that your cheque can be delivered to your residence without delays.=========================================================================================================================================== Have it in mind that your winning prize can not be deduct from, this is because the total amount has been insured to the real value . This is in accordance with section 13(1)(n) of the national gambling act as adopted in 1993 and amended on 3RD July 1996 by the constitutional assembly.
      This is to protect winners and to avoid misappropriation of funds. Its is imperative that you add your IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS{CPEL/OWN/9876 as the subject of any correspondence with the courier company to ensure they respond in a timely manner.===========================================================================================================================================Yours Faithfully, Richard SmithFiduciary Agent for Free Lotto International Email PromoSweepstakes International Program

      Comment by SYED KHURSHEED ALAM | August 21, 2008

    17. i have same like. thanks for infromation.

      Comment by durga | August 23, 2008

    18. i have recieved an e-mail from a guy by the name of great elivs chambers saying i had inherited over a million dollars american money and wanted me to send money to help pay for the documents. but i never sent any because i thought that was very funny. he called me twice and i sent several e-mails but haven’t heard anything the last time i heard anything he was still working on getting the money beware of this scam also

      Comment by barbara peeler | August 26, 2008

    19. Comment posted by Brat:

      Ha, ha! I beat all of you! I was offered $19.5 million. I think I’ll buy a house and move to Hawaii with some of it.

      Just so everyone knows, one way to spot a scam is the greeting. If it was legitimate, they would greet you by name. Another way is the email carrier. No legitimate person would use a free website like Yahoo!.

      A third thing to look out for is their requirement. No legitimate company or representative would EVER ask you to submit personal info by email or phone. If they want you to verify your info, it’s a scam. Your credit card or bank already has your info, and if they need you to verify, they would ask you to come in to do it in person. Call your credit card company or bank directly rather than “clicking a link” or calling a number they supply you.

      If they have money for you, then say they need some FROM you, think scam. If there were any fees, they would take it out of your “winnings” and send the rest to you.

      If you get a job offer, and they say you will process checks and send it Western Union/MoneyGram, think scam. No legitimate company will use personal bank accounts to conduct business, nor will they use Western Union/MoneyGram. If they need money wired, the company will use their own bank to do the wiring, or have you go to your bank to wire it to their account–they provide the number. They’re worried about fees and waiting time? Tough! If they want to do business, they HAVE to pay fees, and all people have to do is say the payment is on its way, and they will wait for it to clear.

      If you think you’ve been compromised, call the bank, the Social Security office and the three major credit reporting agencies. Two are Experian and Equifax. I forgot the name of the third. Tell them your info may have been compromised, and they should put an alert on your identity, so if someone tries to open a credit card or something, the company will see the alert and will need to contact you directly befor proceeding further.

      Comment by gariell | September 10, 2008

    20. Thanks for advice and i will be grade if you email everybody about this it will help more people

      Comment by Emmanuel | September 17, 2008

    21. I recieved a mail in my yahoo account inviting me for a conference.
      whats really happening,how do you invite people for such conferences?
      Thanks Douglas

      Comment by douglas yaw | September 25, 2008

    22. Douglas,

      Very simple, it is a scam. They send you some bogus invitation to some conference, sometimes an actual conference. They will then perhaps ask for some advanced fees to cover the paperwork or various other costs. Send a penny to the bottom feeder and you just lost your penny. The unfortunate thing is that that penny is usually in the hundreds and I know of cases where it is thousands.
      Glad you visited the site and hope you take the time, as everyone should to do a little research before they answer these invitations.

      Cheers

      Comment by gariell | September 25, 2008

    23. hey on these scams mention the banks. police. and F.B.I. or tell them to type there names and they will see it for there selves peggy

      Comment by peggy | October 3, 2008

    24. [...] Identifying Scams [...]

      Pingback by Mr. Ahmed Tutu, Hi I am a Scammer, Send Me Your Money « Gariell’s Weblog | November 8, 2008

    25. Look at the one i got these guys are just too smart if one is neto very careful then you might end up in the trap. Please let us stop these crooks. Thanks for this website it helps alot and let us inform our friends as well atleast if we can copy this Url to them it will help

      Shell Home Office.

      We have been waiting for you to contact us
      for your Confirmable Bank Draft of $250,000.00
      United States Dollars Won at the Shell Promo Sept. 2008
      but we did not hear from you for claims. Then we
      went and deposited the Cheque with FEDEX
      COURIER SERVICE, West Africa.

      What you have to do now is to contact the
      FEDEX COURIER SERVICE as soon as possible
      to know when they will deliver your package to
      you because of the expiring date. For your
      information, We have paid for the delivering
      Charge, Insurance premium and Clearance
      Certificate Fee of the Cheque showing that it is
      Legitimate and not meant to sponsor Terrorist
      attack in your Country or Drugs.

      The only money you will send to the FEDEX
      COURIER SERVICE to deliver your Draft direct to
      your postal Address in your country is ($250.00
      US) Dollars only being Security Keeping Fee of
      the Courier Company so far. Again, don’t be
      deceived by anybody to pay any other money
      except $250.00US Dollars.

      Our company would have paid that but they said
      no because they don’t know when you will contact
      them and in case of demurrage.You have to contact
      the FEDEX COURIER SERVICE now for the delivery of
      your Draft with this information below and
      reconfirm your Delivery address;

      Contact Person: Mr. Allen Davidson
      Email Address: fedex-delivery-ng@live.com
      Office Telephone: +2347039797619

      Your Full Name:
      Delivery Address:
      Telephone:

      Finally, make sure that you reconfirm your
      Postal address() and Direct telephone number
      to them again to avoid any mistake on the
      Delivery and ask them to give you the tracking
      number to enable you track your package over
      there and know when it will get to your address.

      Let me repeat again, try to contact them as
      soon as you receive this mail to avoid any
      further delay and remember to pay them their
      Security Keeping fee of $250.00 US Dollars for
      their immediate Dispatch/shipment. You should
      also let me know through email as soon as you
      receive your Draft.

      Yours Faithfully,

      Mr. Terry Charles.
      Office Tel: +447024046760
      Shell Oil and Petroleum United Kingdom.
      Public Relations Officer. (P.R.O)

      Comment by Paul Pablo | November 17, 2008

    26. OUR REF:UK/CL2
      DATE: 16th November 2008
      ATTN: Alexander Nikolaev,

      This is to inform you that you have been officially cleared for payment by the Verifications Dept. at the headquarters of the Freelotto National Lottery.The original copy of this certificate, together with a covering document (Money Laundering protection and Letter of Affidavit for Claims) from the British Government stating that the money was obtained legally through their National Lotto will be sent to you as soon as you meet with any of the option selected and your winnings will be couriered to you, now begin the final step of the claims process, which is the delivery of your cash prize to you. You are to please confirm your alternative mailing address to enable us dispatch your parcel immediately. Note that the parcel will not be delivered to P.O.Box address or street corners but to your residence With regards to this, there are three options open to you, you are required to select the most convenient of the three. The options, together with their associated conditions are presented below:

      PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR MAILING ADDRESS BELOW
      Receiver’s Names:
      Receiver’s Address:

      Receiver’s Phone Number

      Note:In our company we do not deliver before payment,and we don’t deduct, you are to make payment before delivery.
      Below are our mandatory charges. You are required to choose one of our three specified shipment options to enable us courier your certified bank cheque to you. Kindly note that we rate our postage charge depending on the high sensitivity of the package to be delivered.

      ELITXPRES COURIER DELIVERY OPTIONS

      ELITEXPRES WITHIN {24 HRS}

      Courier Charges £100. 00 00.00
      Administrative £280. 00 00.00
      Insurance £400. 00 00.00
      TOTAL £780. 00 00.00

      ELITEXPRES WITHIN {48 HRS}
      Courier Charges £80. 00 00.00
      Administrative £190. 00 00.00
      Insurance £340. 00 00.00
      TOTAL £610. 00 00.00

      ELITEXPRES WITHIN {72 HRS}
      Courier Charges £60. 00 00.00
      Administrative £140. 00 00.00
      Insurance £320. 00 00.00
      TOTAL £520. 00 00.00

      IMPORTANT: You are to choose from the options above the most suitable for you, once this payment is made, you will be given a tracking number to track your consignment.We have undertaken a Hardcover Insurance Policy incase of loss, damage or theft of your highly sensitive document. We assume all responsibilities incase of any eventualities.

      As soon as we receive confirmation and evidence of payment of the above charges, we will dispatch your parcel immediately. The date and time of departure and expected date of delivery will be sent to you. It will depend on the type of delivery you choose. You will be required to sign for the parcel and to do this, you will need either your international passport as identification or your driver’s license.

      All orders not delivered within Seven (7) working days from this communication will be returned. Please ensure that you confirm your delivery address.

      Note: That your prize is protected by a Hardcover Insurance Policy, which makes it impossible to deduct any amount from the money before it has been remitted to you. This means that the above charges cannot be deducted from the prize and hence must be provided by you before your package deliver to you.

      Thanks for your anticipated coorporation.

      BRIAN COX,
      ELITEXPRES COURIER SERVICES.
      Tel: +44-703-191-6926
      Tel : + 44- 704- 570 – 4168
      Fax:+44- 707- 505-5189

      ELITEXPRES COURIER DELIVERY SERVICES

      Domestic roadfreight service
      International Courier
      Seafreight and European.

      Comment by Alexandr Nikolaev | November 18, 2008

    27. Alexandr

      Thanks for your addition to the site.

      Gariell

      Comment by gariell | November 20, 2008

    28. what is the end of this, the scamers take some money from your accounts o what

      Comment by claudia | January 13, 2009

    29. Claudia,
      The scammers will not only take a few bucks from your account. Many victims of identity theft have their credit records ruined. There are cases of scammers making huge purchases on victims credit cards; draining victims credit margins and leaving the victims with bounced checks in their name and huge headaches trying to prove that they are not the ones who made all the purchases.
      In many cases it can take years to clear one’s name! Just a few bucks? So what?

      Gariell

      Comment by gariell | January 14, 2009

    30. I have posted the above two letters. unfortunately I have already given them some info. name age address etc. what can happen? I have not made any financial commitments nor given any financial info.

      Comment by Marc | February 20, 2009

    31. Marc
      You will probably start receiving all kinds of scap. Just be vigilant and don’t reply to the bottom feeders. If you gave personnel information such as banking info, contact your financial institution as soon as possible and let them know.
      Sorry for the delay in responding.

      Cheers

      Comment by gariell | March 20, 2009

    32. From: info@nationallottery.com
      > Subject: NATIONAL STATE LOTTERY ORGANIZATION
      > Date: Sun, 29 Mar 2009 09:29:21 -0400
      >
      > NATIONAL STATE LOTTERY ORGANIZATION
      > UNITED KINGDOM -LONDON-UK
      > RE:YOUR PAYMENT NOTIFICATION
      > MR.TIMOTHY HORNSBY
      > REMITTANCE MANAGER
      > OFFSHORE FINANCIAL CLEARING HOUSE
      > PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL BANK.
      >
      >
      >
      > Attention: Beneficiary
      >
      > This is to officially inform you that we have verified your lottery file presently on my desk, and I found out that you have not received your payment due to your lack of co-operation and not fulfilling the obligations giving to you in respect to your state lottery award winnings of Ј 14,000,000.00 Million Pounds.
      >
      > Secondly, you are hereby advice to stop dealing with some non-officials in the bank as this is an illegal act and will have to stop if you so wish to receive your payment immediately. After the board meeting held at our headquarters, we have resolved in finding a solution to your problem, and as you may know, we have arranged your payment through our SWIFT CARD PAYMENT CENTRE in Europe, America and Asia Pacific Amsterdam, So if you are dealing with any of the official forward all details that you have been used in reply them to further investigation of the release of your fund.
      >
      > This card centre will send you an ATM CARD which you will use to withdraw your money in an ATM MACHINE in any part of the world, but the maximum is (Ј7,500.00) Seven Thousand Five hundred per transaction. So, if you like to receive your fund this way,Ј 7,500.00 Pounds for you to withdraw for a day and each transaction is Ј 2,500 Pounds minimum which you have to withdraw Ј7,000.00 Pounds for one working day also be informed that the total amount in the SWIFT ATM CARD is Ј 14 Million Pounds.
      >
      > Your payment will be release to you by the Offshore Financial Clearing House in United Kingdom Uk.
      >
      > Fill out this details to enable payment to be confirm with your information for easy payment.
      >
      > (1)Your Full Name :
      > (2)Your Address where you want the payment centre to send your ATM CARD.:
      > (3)Phone And Fax Number :
      > (4)Age :
      > (5)Occupation :
      > (6)Your Nearest International Air Port in your City of residence:
      > (7)Company Name:
      > (8)Country :
      >
      > We shall be expecting to receive your informations from you to verify and commence delivery of your awarded ATM card, you have stop any further communication with anybody or office. On this regards, do not hesitate to contact me for more details and direction, and also please do update me with any new development.
      >
      > Thanks for your co-operation.
      >
      > Best Regards,
      > Mr.TIMOTHY HORNSBY
      > CHAIRMAN
      > NATIONAL STATE INTERNATIONAL COMPANY
      > © 2008 National State Lottery Company (Offshore Financial Clearing House. All rights reserved

      Comment by julie | March 29, 2009

    33. I received this (above)today, sounds to good to be true what can happen if I sent the info and why would they what to no airport ect.
      Thanks julie

      Comment by julie | March 29, 2009

    34. Your Website is really a service to humanity in these days of Fraud Masters roaming down every where.

      Comment by Nandkumar | May 20, 2009

    35. Julie,

      Ignore the email it is simply another way that the bottom feeders try to hook innocent people into there web of deception. They want to make sure that should you send them any funds that these funds cann’t be traced afterwards.

      Cheers

      Comment by gariell | May 20, 2009

    36. Nandkumar,

      Thanks for your comment and let all your friends know about these bottom feeder’s scams.

      Cheers

      Comment by gariell | May 20, 2009

    37. Hey Guys,

      Received the following mail today and thought i’ll share it:

      Shell Petroleum Development Company of England.
      ==============================================
      Shell Center, London, DN3 5UG – United Kingdom Tel:+447031858878

      Your Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Great British Pounds (GBP-250,000.00) has been deposited in our bank here for security, and you are to fill and forward this application below to the paying bank with this e-mail; natwestbankpls0011@cooltoad.com
      This is to make your claims totally legal also to enable the bank release the fund and this process will not be acceptable after eight banking days.

      (Contact: Mr. Johnbosco Emegine)
      THE DIRECTOR OPERATIONS AND FINANCE
      NATWEST BANK.
      124 London Road
      GB – Liverpool l3 5nl.
      EMAIL; natwestliverpoolbank@cooltoad.com
      Tel: +447031899579
      Fax: +447031899510

      I write to lay claims over my winnings as was announced by the SPDC Mobile Center. I was made to understand that this fund was deposited in a temporary account at your Bank by the above mentioned Organization.

      Below are my Personal Information;

      My full name………………………………….
      My Address……………………………………
      My Mobile Telephone #………………….
      My Work Telephone #……………………
      My E-mail address………………………..
      My Date of birth……………………………..
      Marital Status………………………………..
      Occupation…………………………………….

      Payment Option/Preferred mode of payment:

      1. Courier Delivery System of Payment…………………………
      2. Bank Telegraphic Wire Transfer………………………………..

      For option 1. [Courier Delivery of Payment], Provide your full home/office address below;
      Receiver Name…………………………………..
      Address……………………………………………
      Postal Code……………………………………….
      City……………………………………………………..
      State/Province…………………………………….
      Country……………………………………………..

      For option 2. [Bank Telegraphic Wire Transfer], Provide your Banking details below with the bank
      Your bank name……………………………………………….
      Your bank address……………………………………………
      Your bank account #…………………………………………
      Your swift code; ………………………………………………..
      Amount to be transferred……………………………….

      I hope my application will be favorable granted by your reputable office.

      Try to call the director of the bank as soon as you have submitted your application with them for quick guideline on your payment.

      Note: Any unclaimed prize will be returned to the treasury of SPDC Mobile Lottery Services. You are advised to keep your winning details strictly to yourself and not share it with any individual or firm to avoid confiscation of your prize.

      Yours Faithfully,

      National Lottery.
      (a subsidiary of British-lottery Services)
      Signature of Robert S. Mueller, III

      Yours in service,
      Dr.Mike.Davis

      Comment by Sruthi John | June 8, 2009

    38. I have during last six months received n number of mails from unidentified sites. It is really a headache. Cannot help for the time being as advantages with the system of Email communication is more than the disadvantages. What do u say?

      Comment by Nandkumar | June 9, 2009

    39. Nandkumar

      You got that right. Sometimes we have to ignore the bad and take advantage of the good.

      Cheers

      Comment by gariell | June 11, 2009

    40. You helped me to Identifying Scams. Thank you very much.

      Comment by el gordo | July 23, 2009

    41. can you tell me if maurice tyson loan firm is a scam company or not

      Comment by doreen | July 30, 2009

    42. hi got such scam emai

      Comment by sandy | August 10, 2009

    43. I recieved a message from the fbi with the name of the chiefs name Robbert Mueller from something of terrorists and they said for me to make a 500 payment so that way it can be delievered to me or transfered to an account by Bank of America what do you think about that??? Is this another scam its for 800,000so i can get it as soon as i make some payment of 500 bucks for the fees that are being charged in order for me to get the check…. Is this another scam??

      Comment by steve | August 20, 2009

    44. Steve
      Run for cover before you get scammed! Reread the identifying scams and I am sure you will come to the same conclusion.

      Gariell

      Comment by gariell | August 22, 2009

    45. l7HgpJ qwswftdplxvv, [url=http://wkpnhswzhibp.com/]wkpnhswzhibp[/url], [link=http://fwguhuxomsnn.com/]fwguhuxomsnn[/link], http://latwgqadrreq.com/

      Comment by diuxsy | August 27, 2009

    46. Hi,

      I received an email from MR.AHMED KURU, the Remittance Manager from Platinum Habib Bank Plc Of Nigeria saying that I received an inheritance. See letter below.

      Attention: Beneficiary

      THIS IS THE LAST NOTIFICATED TO YOUR WINNERS.
      This is to officially inform you that we have verified your contract inheritance file presently on my desk, and I found out that you have not received your payment due to your lack of co-operation and not fulfilling the obligations giving to you in respect to your state lottery award winnings of $15 Million United State of America dollars.

      Secondly, you are hereby advice to stop dealing with some non-officials in the bank as this is an illegal act and will have to stop if you so wish to receive your payment immediately. After the board meeting held at our headquarters, we have resolved in finding a solution to your problem, and as you may know, we have arranged your payment through our SWIFT CARD PAYMENT CENTRE in Europe, America and Asia Pacific Amsterdam, which is then instruction given by our president, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar Adua (GCFR) Federal Republic of Nigeria.

      This card centre will send you an ATM CARD which you will use to withdraw your money in an ATM MACHINE in any part of the world, but the maximum is ($15,000.00) Five Thousand Us Dollars per transaction. So, if you like to receive your fund this way, $15,000 usd for you to withdraw for a day and each transaction is $ 5,000 usd minimum which you have to withdraw $15,000 usd for one working day also be informed that the total amount in the SWIFT ATM CARD is $15,000,000.00 Million United State of America Dollars.

      (1)Your Full Name:
      (2)Your Address where you want the payment centre to send your ATM CARD.:
      (3)Phone and Fax Number
      (4)Age:
      (5)Occupation:
      (6)Your Nearest International Air Port in your City of residence:
      (7)Company Name:

      We shall be expecting to receive your information’s from you to verify and commence delivery of your awarded ATM card, you have stop any further communication with anybody or office. On this regards, do not hesitate to contact me for more details and direction, and also please do update me with any new development.

      Thanks for your co-operation.

      Best Regards,

      MR.AHMED KURU
      Remittance Manager
      Platinum Habib Bank Plc of Nigeria.
      PHONE NUMBER: +2348071313691

      (Trade Syndication, Resources Management & Payment Verification)

      The arrangement have been placed and also your funds have been transfered to the Offshore Financial Clearing House (Commercial private banking )

      Our Bank have resolved to conclude your transaction through our Correspondent Bankers in United Kingdom – COMMERCIAL PRIVATE BANK PLC and the transaction is to be co-ordinated by OFFSHORE FINANCIAL CLEARING HOUSE for documentation reasons.

      You are advised to on receipt of this message to contact Offshore Financial Clearing House for receipt of your payment clearance in your country.
      Name of Company: Offshore Financial Clearing House (Commercial private banking )
      Address: Oakhill House 130, Tonbridge Road, Hilden borough, Tonbridge,
      Kent TN11 9DZ London, United Kingdom.
      London Branch : +447024018504
      Fax Number: +442076813109
      E-mail Address : E-mail Address : customerservice@ofchonline.com
      Web Site : http://www.ofchonline.com/uk
      Manager Name : Mr.Morgan Hills

      Comment by Lavaughn | August 31, 2009

    47. [...] Identifying Scams [...]

      Pingback by Sunday Boni (ESQ) International Monetary Fund Scam « Gariell’s Weblog | September 13, 2009

    48. So, now that we’ve identified them as scams, how do I get them to STOP sending them? I get a letter every day, even after I label it as spam. I’m sick of them.

      Comment by Sandi | September 17, 2009

    49. Sandi,
      As long as we can identify these scams and not fall for them, there is not much else we can do. The bottom feeders are always finding new ways to pollute our mail.
      Unfortunately, for all the good the internet has to offer, there will always be the criminal element present. Personally, I have been on the net since 1982 and spam is simply something we have had to live with.

      Gariell

      Comment by gariell | September 17, 2009

    50. I have received this email. I want to confirm to the Bank. But how i can please help me sending me email. I ll be thankfull.

      > Date: Sun, 6 Sep 2009 14:15:11 -0700
      > From: tundeoni@zenithbankservices.com
      > To:
      > Subject: Attn : Beneficiary:Goodnews on Your Unpaid Funds!!
      >
      > Attn : Beneficiary,
      >
      > I have received instructions to remit your funds to you
      > immediately,but without
      > wasting time, I want you to know that the easiest and fastest way for you to
      > receive your funds is to open an ON-LINE/DOMICILIARY BANK ACCOUNT with our
      > corresponding bank here in Nigeria which is Zenith Bank Plc. This online
      > account will enable you transfer this funds yourself.
      >
      > Is that not great?All I need is your full name, contact address, company’s
      > name,occupation, telephone and fax numbers with a scanned copy of your
      > identity. Provide a valid phone number for we shall call you.
      >
      > We await your response as soon as possible.
      >
      > Mr. Babatunde Oni
      > Foreign Operations Manager
      > Zenith Bank Plc
      > +234-1-820-7165

      Comment by Yousaf | September 17, 2009

    51. I sent my resume to a job posting on craigslist (ITT Systems) for overseas work. I then recieved an email telling me the company is interested and I should then send them a scanned copy of my DMV record and date of birth. The email also directed me to a link to obtain a credit report for acquiring a security clearance. The email came from a gmail account. Look below an tell me if this is legit.

      Re: Resume for job posted on craigs list
      Monday, September 21, 2009 6:45:01 AMFrom: ITTsystems View Contact
      To: joseph gregory

      ——————————————————————————–

      Dear Applicant:

      You applied to our ad regarding Overseas Deployment to Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Bahrain and the UAE. You are receiving this e-mail because our company is interested in your services and are looking to obtain more information from you within the next few weeks.

      As a leader in its industry, ITT systems has a proven track record of excellence for over fourteen years providing specialized expertise and multi-tiered support on-site at various Government locations throughout the country and overseas deployment.

      The job requisition you applied for is for a contract that is currently being finalized. Once activated, we will contact you immediately for processing.

      We expect this in the next couple of weeks, but could be as soon as the end of this week.

      All applicants must be able to obtain a security clearance.

      To expedite this process we ask you email the following information promptly:

      1. Date of birth:

      2. Current Health Condition:

      3. Scanned copy of 10 year MVR (motor vehicle record):

      4. Scanned copy of your current credit history (mandatory that all

      applicants use our current provider: http://www.smartcreditclearance.com)

      Please let us know if you would be available immediately or how much notice you need before traveling/deploying, one week, two weeks or one month.

      Thank you,

      ITT systems Recruiting Department

      NOTE: This position is salaried, including insurance benefits and overseas transportation and living costs.

      Comment by concerned | September 21, 2009

    52. Concerned,

      Sorry for the late response to your comment. I would not respond to this inquire! Take the time to check out the real ITT systems site and you will realize that this is not the way they operate! Google “ITT systems Recruiting Department”. Contact them directly, and ask for the reasons why they want to know your MVR record for the last 10 years? You may be suprised at the answer you will receive.
      Craigslist has become a great breeding ground for bottom feeders, but they do their best to keep them away and are prompt at illuminating them in a prompt matter.

      Gariell

      Comment by gariell | September 24, 2009

    53. hey Gariell thank for the wonderful work you are doing to warn us the innocent ones..heads up for you ..
      mean while i was kindly requesting you to start offering recommendations the sites you use, or rather good scam free home based business opportunities

      aim really fed up with a lot of scam garbage that i have personally fallen prey of..

      help me out on this my friend, i want to earn decent income on line!!!
      ashuwu

      Uganda East Africa

      Comment by shuwu Alex | September 29, 2009

    54. Ashuwu

      Thanks for the thumbs up but this site will never recommend any business opts.
      All I can say is make sure you research any business you are interested in. You would be suprised at how useful a Google search can be. Good luck.

      Cheers

      Comment by gariell | September 29, 2009

    55. I almost got scam by a gentle men by the name Juius Baker wanted me to do payroll check business. I answer him by e-mail well to make it short. I receive a check in the mail that was bugus. He wanted me to use money gram to send the money back after it is cash and in my account. Well I ask the credit union to check the check out. She had cash it. Well I gotten a E-mail from Juius Banker to send him some money for shiping my office supply. I went back in to my Credit union about this mailing him money. I took the copy of the e-mail into the credit union. The lady said it is a scam.I took it in to see if it was. I was right. I had $3000.00 in my saving account to be safe. After the notice came back from the federal Bank they said the check was bougas. Since them I gotten ohters like that one but through regualur mail. I took it to the untied state post office and handed in the scam letter. I will be doing segment on scam on youtube in a few days. Be watching for it.

      Comment by Eva Elizabeth Wood | October 22, 2009

    56. seau y have my email theu message ; send mister britishlott.lawrence@gmail.com end the mi ticket number b9564 7560 and serial number o46540 and file number :E AAL/9080118308/08 SEND TICKET 6/7/14/16/17/27 BONUS 32 BAT MY APINNION THE MY RELEASE ANNACOMPTE ;IBAN:0010 0000 2519986640170 (BPI.NET) NOT HAVE MESSAGE TRANSACTION ,SEAU Y RELEASE UNE MESSAGE THE YOU MORGAN HILLS SEND THE MI UNE ATM CARD $7.000 DAY DEPENSING AUTORISATION ;SEND YOU FILLING WORKI TE MI APPINNION GOOD FUTUR,THANKS ,ENDRECE ;COOP:HAB: RUA FRUTO NOSSO TRABALHO N 10 FARALHAO 2910-157 SETUBAL ,PORTUGAL,AURREVUOIR

      Comment by carlos manuel correia | October 26, 2009

    57. i got an email regarding the fund is it true

      This is to acknowledge the receipt of the requested data and the confirmation of your reliability in this universal programme. You should count yourself extremely lucky to have emerged as one of this year’s lucky donation recipient. You have been selected amongst the lucky recipients to receive the award sum of US$850,000.00 (Eight hundred and Fifty thousand United states dollars) as donations aid from the Église Catholique en France, ECOWAS, EU and the UNDP in accordance with the enabling act of Parliament. Your email address was selected randomly from over 100,000 internet websites or a shop’s cash invoice around your area in which you might have purchased something from.

      Comment by jestin.c | December 16, 2009


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