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Anatomy of an Internet Scam |
Ever wondered what would happen if you replied to an email offering you millions of dollars? The offers sound almost too good to pass up, right?
To give SecurePCNews readers an idea of what really happens when you respond to email scams I went 'undercover' with one set of fraudsters. Following is the account of what happened.
Exchange One: I received a email offering to give me 30% of $5,500,000 if I would help a woman, Rebecca Clarkson, get two boxes from the UK to the US. The email said the woman is from Ohio but because she was the victim of her ex-spouse's 'misbehavior' she is trying to get back to the US from London. The $5.5 million is stored in the boxes and she just needs someone to receive and hold the boxes until she arrives in the US. She also needs a place to stay for a while.
Here's the first email in full. Click Here
After reading this email how would you know this was a scam? For starters, I don't know Rebecca and she doesn't know me. Second, a person has $5.5 million dollars but can't get from London to Ohio without a complete stranger's help? Third, couldn't she just get to the US first then have the boxes delivered to her here? We find out later why the 3rd option won't work.
Exchange Two: I responded to the fraudster (AKA Rebecca) saying that I would be happy to help. She just needs to let me know what to do. I of course use a fictitious name, Charlie Williams, and a throw away email address. To the fraudster I have just taken the bait; hook, line and sinker.
Here's Charlie's first response to Rebecca. Click Here
Exchange Three: Rebecca quickly responds. In this email she let's me know what I need to do for her. I'll need to pose as her fiancée and send an email to the 'Security Company' where the boxes are stored. She provides me with all the details including things like the reference number, clearance code and deposit certificate. All quite 'official' looking. She also gives me the email contact information for two people at the "European Trust Disborsement Company." And, she also includes the first request for money. "Please you will help pay them the clearance fee... I don't have any money on me aside from the money in the boxes." Also she indicates that she'll give me the code to the boxes so I can 'send to me to get my ticket.' Oh, yeah. This time she was kind enough to include a picture of herself and I guess since we're on such close terms now she's begun using her nickname,' Becca.
(This
definitely looks like Rebecca from Ohio to me)
Here's Rebecca's email with instructions: Click Here
Any tale-tale signs in this email? Let's see: What started as an offer to give me money just turned into a request for me to give (loan?) her money. Also, there is an indication that I will be asked to send money for a plane ticket soon. Remember that Rebecca claims to have $5.5 million. And she didn't hold out enough to ship 2 boxes and purchase a one-way ticket? Further, notice the contact info for the 'Disborsement' company. Disbursement in the email address is miss-spelled (even in UK English). Also, how many international security companies use free Google an Yahoo email accounts to conduct business? I'd say none.
Exchange Four:
I decided to make sure this wasn't a scam. She, of course assured me it wasn't. Besides, she points out, she doesn't need my money since she has 'a lot right in that bag.' She just needs me to 'trust' her. And to wrap it all up she asked me to send a picture of me to her. I think there may be a romantic connection brewing :>)
Here's my email asking if this is a scam: Click Here
Here's her assurance that it's not a scam: Click Here
Exchange Five:
I respond again, this time including 'my' picture. Here I assure her I'll continue to help her. I also continue the 'chatter' asking her about her Ohio hometown and a second picture of her.
Here's my follow-up email: Click HereOh, yeah. Here's 'my' webcam picture I sent:
(Anyone else notice this is really Stephen King?)
After a second follow-up from me to Becca I did receive a response, and a new picture. Best of all there definitely is a romantic connection because now she closes the email with 'kisses.' I wasn't surprised to see that she ignored my questions about her Ohio hometown. Any chance she's ever even been to Ohio? I think not. Also, she has now asked for my full name and address.
Here's Becca's follow-up and my second follow-up: Click Here
(Becca's hair is short here. I think Charlie would like it
better long.)
Exchange Six: (aka - "The Money Shot")
I now email the 'Security' company to request delivery of the boxes.
Here's my 'fiancée' email to the security company: Click Here
The 'Security Company' responds to me with delivery instructions. And, here it is.... "the money shot. " I'll need to take care of the 'Clearance/Deliver Handling Charges' of $850. I'm provided with a London address and asked to send payment via Western Union Money Transfer. For some reason the amount goes up to $950 before the email ends.
Here's the 'Security' company's email: Click Here
So, anything stand-out as wrong here? Well, as a start they didn't even ask for my address. Difficult to deliver something 'door-to-door' without my door's address. But wait, there's more. Some quick research reveals that the recipient address given in London belongs to a Citibox postal service. So we now need to not only trust Becca but also believe that a Security Company that stores and handles international shipments has to rent a mail box from a postal service?
Here's a picture of 2 Old Brompton Road:
And here's a link to the Citibox website with more information: Click Here
End of the Game: Since I'd now demonstrated this is a scam, this is where I ended the exchanges with the fraudsters.
Had I actually sent the $850 dollars to the security company it's extremely unlikely that any boxes would arrive. Some fraudsters are sophisticated enough to continue scams like this even to the point of actually delivering packages or forged checks to continue the scam. Since they didn't even bother to ask for my address it is doubtful they were planning on going this route. I also can assure you that the attractive 'Becca' from Ohio wouldn't arrive at my doorstep. But, if she did, it's most likely that Becca is actually a European man.
I certainly would have continued to receive requests for money, particularly once I was found to be susceptible to their scam. For instance, Becca had already alluded to the fact that she'd need an airline ticket. Likely the next request would be to send her money for the ticket.
Lesson Learned: If it seems too good to be true it is. No stranger is going to give you large amounts of money except maybe Oprah Winfrey. The reality is that those unsolicited emails you receive are simply attempts to take money from you, or worse, steal your financial identity. Now you know.
BIG, BIG DISCLAIMER AND WARNING:
Don't try this at home. Any contact with criminals like this is risky and dangerous. They are very adept at getting money and information from victims. Even if you didn't directly send money you could inadvertently provide enough information to become a victim of identity theft. Remember that these people are indeed criminals.
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