Thieves coming after us via e-mail
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Had just one of the many get-rich-quick e-mail offers I've received since Jan. 1 been legitimate, it would have been a profitable first quarter.
But none was.
They never are.
Here's a sampling of the latest scams that crooks are using to enrich themselves at the expense of their victims.
Let's start with "David T," an alleged chief operating officer for a British bank. He said I have the same last name of a recently deceased bank customer who left about $50 million. He wants me to pose as "the bona-fide next of kin to the 'decease.'[sic]"
If I agreed, we would split the estate -- $25 million each. All I had to do was reply to his e-mail and he would provide more details. Then, of course, he'd want some details from me, such as bank account information he would use to drain my account.
No thanks.
I received an e-mail from "John H.," a self-described London barrister. He said he represented the estate of "E.J. Gold." He said the dearly departed Mr. Gold left me $25.5 million in his will.
"This may sound unbelievable to you, [he was right about that] but it is true," he wrote. "He must have been in contact with you in the past [no, he wasn't] or you were recommended to him by one of his numerous friends who wished you good. Get back to me immediately."
No, I won't.
"Lori S.," who said she was acting on behalf of Gustavus M, got right to the point. She wanted my help for the "urgent transfer" of $6.5 million into my account. She didn't say why I had been selected to receive this largesse. She asked me to respond to her personal e-mail address for more information.
Sure.
"Linda H." said I won an ATM card valued at $6.8 million. She said I'd receive it as soon as I provided my name, address, telephone number, age, sex, country, ZIP code and occupation."
First Published April 15, 2010 12:00 am
