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Top 5 scams of 2005

Thread title: Top 5 scams of 2005
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03-15-2005, 12:05 PM
#1
DateinaDash is offline DateinaDash
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  Old  Top 5 scams of 2005


1. Auction Fraud

The setup: Online auction fraud accounts for three-quarters of all complaints registered with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (formerly the Internet Fraud Complaint Center). There are many types of eBay chicanery, but the most common one is where you send in your money and get nothing but grief in return.


What actually happens: You never get the product promised, or the promises don't match the product. The descriptions may be vague, incomplete, or completely fake. One scammer accepted bids for Louis Vuitton bags that she didn't own, and then scoured the Internet looking for cheap knockoffs that cost less than the winning bid. She managed to collect at least $18,000 from bidders before she got nailed. A buyer thought he'd purchased a portable DVD player for $100, but what he got instead was a Web address for a site where he could buy a player for a $200 discount. The stories are virtually endless.


The risk: You get ripped off, losing time and money. If you spill the beans about the scam, the seller may retaliate by posting negative eBay reports about you using phony names.


The question you've gotta ask yourself: Who in their right mind would sell a $200 bag for $20?



2. Phishing Scams

The setup: You receive an e-mail that looks like it came from your bank, warning you about identity theft and asking that you log in and verify your account information. The message says that if you don't take action immediately, your account will be terminated.


What actually happens: Even though the e-mail looks like the real deal, complete with authentic logos and working Web links, it's a clever fake. The Web site where you're told to enter your account information is also bogus. In some instances, really smart phishers direct you to the genuine Web site, then pop up a window over the site that captures your personal information.


The risk: Your account information will be sold to criminals, who'll use it to ruin your credit and drain your account. According to Gartner, phishing scammers took consumers (and their banks, who had to cover the charges) for $1.2 billion in 2003.


The question you've gotta ask yourself: If this matter is so urgent, why isn't my bank calling me instead of sending e-mail?



3. Nigerian 419 Letter

The setup: You receive an e-mail, usually written in screaming capital letters, that starts out like this:

"DEAR SIR/MADAM: I REPRESENT THE RECENTLY DEPOSED MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE FOR NODAMBIZIA, WHO HAS EMBEZZLED 30 MILLION DOLLARS FROM HIS STARVING COUNTRYMEN AND NOW NEEDS TO GET IT OUT OF THE COUNTRY..."

The letter says the scammers are seeking an accomplice who will transfer the funds into their account for a cut of the total--usually around 30 percent. You'll be asked to travel overseas to meet with the scammers and complete the necessary paperwork. But before the transaction can be finalized, you must pay thousands of dollars in "taxes," "attorney costs," "bribes," or other advance fees.

What actually happens: There's no minister and no money--except for the money you put up in advance. Victims who travel overseas may find themselves physically threatened and not allowed to leave until they cough up the cash. (FYI, "419" is named for the section of Nigeria's penal code that the scam violates.)

The risk: Serious financial loss--or worse. Victims of Nigerian letter fraud lose $3000 on average, according to the FBI. Several victims have been killed or gone missing while chasing a 419 scheme.

The question you've gotta ask yourself: Of all the people in the world, why would a corrupt African bureaucrat pick me to be his accomplice?


4. Postal Forwarding/Reshipping Scam
The setup: You answer an online ad looking for a "correspondence manager." An offshore corporation that lacks a U.S. address or bank account needs someone to take goods sent to their address and reship them overseas. You may also be asked to accept wire transfers into your bank account, then transfer the money to your new boss's account. In each case, you collect a percentage of the goods or amount transferred.

What actually happens: Products are purchased online using stolen credit cards--often with identities that have been purloined by phishers--and shipped to your address. You then reship them to the thieves, who will fence them overseas. Or you're transferring stolen funds from one account to another to obscure the money trail.

The risk: Sure, you can make big bucks for a while. But after a few months, you're going to look inside your bank account and find it cleaned out. Worse, when the feds come looking for the scammers, you're the one they're going to nail.

The question you've gotta ask yourself: Why can't these people receive their own darn mail?


5. "Congratulations, You've Won an Xbox (news - web sites) (IPod, plasma TV, etc.)"
The setup: You get an e-mail telling you that you've won something cool--usually the hot gadget du jour, such as an Xbox or an IPod. All you need to do is visit a Web site and provide your debit card number and PIN to cover "shipping and handling" costs.

What actually happens: The item never arrives. A few months later, mystery charges start showing up on your bank account. The only thing that gets shipped and handled is your identity. (A more benign variation on this scam drives you to a site where you're asked to cough up your contact info and agree to receive spam from advertisers until unwanted e-mail is coming out of your ears.)

The risk: Identity theft, as well as lost money if you don't dispute the charges.

The question you've gotta ask yourself: When did I enter a contest to win an Xbox (iPod, plasma TV, etc.)?
Anyone been scammed by these?

03-15-2005, 01:24 PM
#2
TheWebJunkie is offline TheWebJunkie
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  Old

If you have common sense you wont be fooled by any of these stupid scams.

03-15-2005, 06:16 PM
#3
Bazza` is offline Bazza`
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  Old

never been scammed but i get those Nigerian ones ALL the time. . . remember when WebHostingTalk almost fell for one? lol

03-15-2005, 07:17 PM
#4
FiveInteractive is offline FiveInteractive
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  Old

I havent been affected by any of those scams at all.

03-15-2005, 10:06 PM
#5
I:E is offline I:E
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  Old

I've got several of the '419' e-mails. I like toying with them, endless fun.

03-15-2005, 11:28 PM
#6
seen.to is offline seen.to
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  Old

Never been stupid enough to get taken but have received all of them and then some.

03-16-2005, 02:04 PM
#7
Adam is offline Adam
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  Old

ive had a couple of emails from a bank thats american and im english of course im going to fall for that one :/ retards

03-16-2005, 09:23 PM
#8
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I was scammed about 3 weeks ago by a Nigerian guy on an auction.

I held an auction for an XBOX plus plenty of games. He "paid" through BidPay. I got a confirmation e-mail from BidPay saying that his order went through, and I proceeded to ship out the item.

It costed me $61.29 to ship the item out, only to find out the e-mail was a fake. Somehow, he changed his e-mail address to make it seem like it came from account@bidpay.com, which is illegal. I got scammed bigtime, and am out $361.29.

He actually had the nerve to contact me via Yahoo Instant messenger on SEVERAL occasions. Here are the actual chat logs-

03-16-2005, 09:26 PM
#9
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  Old

Session Start (kingjusticei:mauriceplace2000): Mon Feb 28 16:15:27 2005
[16:15] mauriceplace2000: hello
[16:15] kingjusticei: man it is about time
[16:15] mauriceplace2000: u there
[16:15] kingjusticei: of course i m here!
[16:16] mauriceplace2000: how are u
[16:16] kingjusticei: :_\
[16:16] mauriceplace2000: am just back from office rigth now
[16:16] kingjusticei: * :-\
[16:16] kingjusticei: why you play me ?
[16:16] mauriceplace2000: u mean?
[16:16] kingjusticei: you never dispatched a money order :-\
[16:17] mauriceplace2000: ok
[16:17] mauriceplace2000: about your money
[16:17] mauriceplace2000: u will surely have ur money
[16:17] mauriceplace2000: i saw ur e mail
[16:17] mauriceplace2000: and ur mail
[16:17] kingjusticei: why was it not sent out etc ?
[16:17] kingjusticei: i sent your package out a few days ago
[16:17] kingjusticei: and it costed me QUITE a bit
[16:17] mauriceplace2000: it has been on it way to u
[16:17] kingjusticei: i don't want to be scammed!!
[16:18] mauriceplace2000: u will not
[16:18] kingjusticei: you are good guy ^^
[16:18] mauriceplace2000: u call me a guy
[16:18] mauriceplace2000: why?
[16:18] kingjusticei: ?
[16:18] mauriceplace2000: how did u know am a guy
[16:18] mauriceplace2000: ?
[16:18] kingjusticei: it's quite easy
[16:18] kingjusticei: also i know that the name i sent the package to u is wrong :-P
[16:19] kingjusticei: but hey it's all good
[16:19] mauriceplace2000: which address
[16:19] mauriceplace2000: did u send the package to
[16:19] mauriceplace2000: ?
[16:19] kingjusticei: the one you told me to
[16:19] mauriceplace2000: remind me
[16:19] kingjusticei: by the way your english is very good !
[16:19] kingjusticei: remind you! lol
[16:19] mauriceplace2000: thanks
[16:20] mauriceplace2000: shipping address
[16:20] mauriceplace2000: k
[16:20] mauriceplace2000: ?
[16:20] kingjusticei: i can barely read this from the reciept
[16:20] kingjusticei: so here it goes
[16:20] kingjusticei: NO. 13 Oyo Road Oronoji?
[16:21] kingjusticei: Makola Hondan Oya State 20001
[16:21] kingjusticei: Nigeria
[16:21] mauriceplace2000: yeah fine
[16:21] kingjusticei: Shipping was $61.29 so please don't scam me!!!
[16:21] kingjusticei: i work here!
[16:21] kingjusticei: (Link: http://www.chick-fil-a.com)http://www.chick-fil-a.com
[16:21] mauriceplace2000: ok
[16:21] kingjusticei: i barely have any money as it is!!!
[16:21] mauriceplace2000: i wilol not
[16:22] kingjusticei: fast food is bad business
[16:22] mauriceplace2000: but which date will my son get the package
[16:22] kingjusticei: is it you or your son who will actually get it ?
[16:22] mauriceplace2000: no
[16:22] kingjusticei: because last time i held the auction for the item
[16:22] kingjusticei: someone gave me the same thing you did
[16:22] mauriceplace2000: my son that needs it
[16:22] kingjusticei: the 'my son is having a birthday'
[16:23] kingjusticei: is it really your son or did you want it hehe
[16:23] mauriceplace2000: it is me myself
[16:23] mauriceplace2000: what ur real name
[16:23] mauriceplace2000: we can be friend
[16:23] kingjusticei: my real name is Justice
[16:23] kingjusticei: yes
[16:23] kingjusticei: i gave you my real details
[16:23] kingjusticei: but please do not scam me
[16:24] kingjusticei: because i sent it out and it costed a lot
[16:24] kingjusticei: i am sure you know what being broke feels like
[16:24] kingjusticei: and the shipping price totally emptied out my wallet
[16:24] kingjusticei:
[16:24] mauriceplace2000: God will reward you justice
[16:25] kingjusticei: ...
[16:25] kingjusticei: Why do you scam people ?
[16:25] kingjusticei: This is a serious question...
[16:25] mauriceplace2000: am 21 yrs old here in nigeria
[16:25] mauriceplace2000: because here in nigeria no money
[16:26] kingjusticei: But XBOX isn't money! It is wrong ...
[16:26] mauriceplace2000: have finish my secondary school since 2000
[16:26] kingjusticei: You could ask for a price drop
[16:26] kingjusticei: Because I do not have money either! If i was rich
[16:26] kingjusticei: i would keep everything
[16:26] kingjusticei: and not sell
[16:26] mauriceplace2000: and i look to be in university
[16:26] kingjusticei: But why scam ?
[16:26] mauriceplace2000: but no money
[16:27] kingjusticei: why scam me ?
[16:27] mauriceplace2000: to further my education here
[16:27] kingjusticei: i know you have no money i do not have money either
[16:27] mauriceplace2000: that is why
[16:27] kingjusticei: but how can you scam someone who is at your level!
[16:27] mauriceplace2000: can you meet here tommorow
[16:27] kingjusticei: i am WITH you
[16:27] mauriceplace2000: am about to live
[16:28] mauriceplace2000: U will be rewarded good
[16:28] mauriceplace2000: am sorry
[16:28] kingjusticei: how?
[16:28] mauriceplace2000: not my fault
[16:28] kingjusticei: i can not be rewarded
[16:28] mauriceplace2000: is the situation here
[16:28] kingjusticei: i LOST money
[16:28] kingjusticei: if you wanted it for FREE
[16:28] kingjusticei: you should have paid for shipping at least
[16:28] mauriceplace2000: yeah i know
[16:28] kingjusticei: this is easily called THEFT man
[16:29] mauriceplace2000: pls forgive me
[16:29] mauriceplace2000: am sorry
[16:29] mauriceplace2000: i know am soorry
[16:29] kingjusticei: i can not forgive you until you at least pay the shipping bill!
[16:29] mauriceplace2000: u gain alot there in the stae
[16:29] kingjusticei: i got you one of hte FASTEST and most EXPENSIVE shipping fees
[16:29] kingjusticei: for your son's birthday!
[16:29] kingjusticei: and you don't have a son! :'(
[16:30] mauriceplace2000: God knows all
[16:30] kingjusticei: God sees what you are doing!
[16:30] kingjusticei: He cries for you...
[16:30] mauriceplace2000: yeah but i will someday
[16:30] kingjusticei: No son
[16:30] mauriceplace2000: yeah really
[16:30] mauriceplace2000: beleive me man am sorry
[16:31] kingjusticei: You will not have a son until you get the best education you can get
[16:31] mauriceplace2000: am not married yet
[16:31] kingjusticei: But you don't have to scam
[16:31] mauriceplace2000: am 21 yrs old guy
[16:31] kingjusticei: There are stable jobs out there
[16:31] kingjusticei: You have to find a part time job
[16:31] kingjusticei: THat is what i do to pay for everything
[16:31] kingjusticei: I work my ass off
[16:31] kingjusticei: To pay the shipping bill for YOU, i had to work 13 hours
[16:31] kingjusticei: 13 hours of PHYSICAL labor
[16:31] kingjusticei: for NOTHING but loss
[16:32] mauriceplace2000: i know no any other way
[16:32] mauriceplace2000: sorry pls
[16:32] mauriceplace2000: am pleding
[16:32] kingjusticei: Do you realize
[16:32] mauriceplace2000: it shall be well with u

03-16-2005, 09:26 PM
#10
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  Old

--- This is a CONTINUATION of the chat above...it was too long to enter all of it ---
[16:32] kingjusticei: How many oppurtunities there are on the internet to make money?
[16:32] mauriceplace2000: yes
[16:32] kingjusticei: (Link: http://www.surfjunky.com)http://www.surfjunky.com
[16:32] kingjusticei: Earn money for being on the internet!
[16:32] kingjusticei: (Link: http://www.clicksor.com)http://www.clicksor.com
[16:32] kingjusticei: Earn money for clicking on ads!
[16:33] mauriceplace2000: how it walks
[16:33] mauriceplace2000: ?
[16:33] kingjusticei: SurfJunky
[16:33] kingjusticei: You sign up
[16:33] kingjusticei: You follow its directions
[16:33] mauriceplace2000: man u registerd there
[16:33] mauriceplace2000: ?
[16:33] mauriceplace2000: hello are old are u pls?
[16:34] mauriceplace2000: about to live pls
[16:34] kingjusticei: I am not old at all
[16:34] kingjusticei: I am younger than you
[16:34] kingjusticei: I am only 15
[16:34] kingjusticei: Shocked ?
[16:34] kingjusticei: I have a JOB
[16:34] mauriceplace2000: am in nigeria waiting for the package
[16:34] kingjusticei: at 15!
[16:34] mauriceplace2000: yes
[16:34] mauriceplace2000: in the state
[16:35] kingjusticei: YOU need to come to the States then!
[16:35] kingjusticei: There is no reason to stay in Nigeria if you do not want to be!
[16:35] mauriceplace2000: yes
[16:35] kingjusticei: Why not come ?
[16:35] mauriceplace2000: guy let do something
[16:35] mauriceplace2000: u will invite me
[16:35] mauriceplace2000: <ding>
[16:36] kingjusticei: I can't afford it!
[16:36] kingjusticei: I am not made of money! NO MONEY!
[16:36] kingjusticei: You look at me only for money! I am EQUAL to you!
[16:36] mauriceplace2000: ok
[16:36] mauriceplace2000: see will can do runs now
[16:36] mauriceplace2000: if you want your money
[16:36] mauriceplace2000: i can only help u out to have your money
[16:36] mauriceplace2000: by
[16:37] mauriceplace2000: i will look for another person to buy item and
[16:37] mauriceplace2000: i will ship it to your address
[16:37] mauriceplace2000: in thje state
[16:37] mauriceplace2000: and u will send half of it to me here in nigeria
[16:37] mauriceplace2000: ok
[16:37] mauriceplace2000: say something
[16:37] mauriceplace2000: now
[16:37] mauriceplace2000: asap
[16:37] mauriceplace2000: <ding>
[16:37] kingjusticei: I am confused...
[16:38] mauriceplace2000: how
[16:38] kingjusticei: Wait I have an idea!
[16:38] mauriceplace2000: i will ship item to your address in the state
[16:38] kingjusticei: Of how you can get $$$
[16:38] kingjusticei: You want $$$ ?
[16:38] kingjusticei: <caching>
[16:38] mauriceplace2000: yeah
[16:38] mauriceplace2000: wait
[16:38] mauriceplace2000: listen to me now
[16:39] mauriceplace2000: i will buy some laptops ship to ur adresss in the state
[16:39] mauriceplace2000: like 5 laptops
[16:39] kingjusticei: that will cost too much wouldn't it ?
[16:39] kingjusticei: you aren't lieing are you -.-
[16:39] mauriceplace2000: and u will ship out 3 to me here
[16:39] mauriceplace2000: no
[16:39] kingjusticei: Listen fool...
[16:39] mauriceplace2000: i will ship it with my fedex account # to nigeria
[16:40] kingjusticei: Tell me what is worth a lot of money ($) in Nigeria that is very inexpensive here
[16:40] mauriceplace2000: hello
[16:40] mauriceplace2000: buy then
[16:40] mauriceplace2000: byu then
[16:40] mauriceplace2000: byuuuuuuuuu
[16:40] kingjusticei: ?
[16:40] kingjusticei: I can get you stuff
[16:40] kingjusticei: YOu sell in NIgeria for lots of $$$
[16:41] mauriceplace2000: which stuff
[16:41] mauriceplace2000: which stuff
[16:41] kingjusticei: You tell me ...
[16:41] mauriceplace2000: tell me i need money
[16:41] kingjusticei: ?
[16:42] mauriceplace2000: send phones to me here
[16:42] mauriceplace2000: and i will sell and wetern some to u there
[16:42] kingjusticei: noooo...can't hehe tooo much $$$
[16:42] mauriceplace2000: let do it like that
[16:42] kingjusticei: can't phone
[16:42] mauriceplace2000: why
[16:42] kingjusticei: i can't afford it
[16:42] mauriceplace2000: costly phones there
[16:42] kingjusticei: yes...costly everything here
[16:42] mauriceplace2000: gold chains
[16:42] kingjusticei: in my opinion
[16:42] mauriceplace2000: gold chains
[16:42] mauriceplace2000: diamond chain
[16:43] kingjusticei: ?
[16:43] kingjusticei: i don't have them.. >.<
[16:43] mauriceplace2000: gold earing
[16:43] kingjusticei: they are WAY too much
[16:43] kingjusticei: nope way too much
[16:43] mauriceplace2000: what did u have then
[16:43] kingjusticei: i have a steel ring
[16:43] kingjusticei: it's worth about
[16:43] kingjusticei: $0.25
[16:43] mauriceplace2000: that u fell it can be money here
[16:43] kingjusticei: dunno what i have
[16:44] kingjusticei: i'm talking about the states in general
[16:44] mauriceplace2000: u with cam
[16:44] mauriceplace2000: i wanna see u now
[16:44] mauriceplace2000: friend
[16:44] kingjusticei: llike you can buy an XBOX here for about $150 i hear that they are about $300 or more in other countries
[16:44] mauriceplace2000: yeah
[16:44] mauriceplace2000: u with cam
[16:44] mauriceplace2000: i wanna see u now
[16:44] kingjusticei: .......
[16:44] kingjusticei: >.<
[16:44] mauriceplace2000: living now ok
[16:45] kingjusticei: ..ok
[16:45] mauriceplace2000: till tommorow friend
[16:45] kingjusticei: ok
[16:45] mauriceplace2000: sweat dreams
[16:45] mauriceplace2000: byuuuuuuuu
[16:45] mauriceplace2000: friend
[16:45] *** "mauriceplace2000" signed off at Mon Feb 28 16:45:27 2005.
Session Close (mauriceplace2000): Mon Feb 28 18:04:45 2005

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