Nigerian scams and responses...

[Genenco]

So I keep getting these emails about "Business Proposal enclosed" or "Urget to need your help" (They usually are in all caps) and was wondering how others deal with them (Except deletion, that's too easy) and what else has come your way?

Oh, ever wonder how anyone could scam a scammer? One guy was VERY successful and it would make a hilarious movie. Read about it here and wear something tight as you may bust a gut laughing as I almost did!

http://www.zug.com/pranks/powerbook/

(NOTE: I am VERY bored as all the wash is done and I cleaned (Ralph!) the washroom)

[StaciMM]

One I get, as I posted my resume at Careerbuilder. (Not complaining though, because a legit. staffing agency also contacted me thru there, and that led to the job I'm working now.)

It goes something like this:

We're filling a part time work at home position for a payment processor. You'll receive payments for us, cash them, and send 90-95% to us by Western Union.

I've gotten several, some have claimed they are a company selling web & design services, that they are from France (or somewhere else) and it takes too long for their customers to send payments to them. So, they need people in the US w/ US Bank accounts to process payments and then WU the $$ to them. The last 'payment processer' email I got was regarding donations to a charity.

I looked 'em up-found some things about the scheme online. The payments are bogus. There are online bill pay services you can use to print out checks, it looks like a real check except that the service doesn't back the check. They just print & mail what you tell them to. If you put in bogus account #'s, it isn't their problem. So, you cash it at your bank. By the time they get back the info that the account is no good, you've already sent most of the money off and you're responsible to your bank to cover it.

[tinroofrusted]

One I get, as I posted my resume at Careerbuilder. (Not complaining though, because a legit. staffing agency also contacted me thru there, and that led to the job I'm working now.)

It goes something like this:

We're filling a part time work at home position for a payment processor. You'll receive payments for us, cash them, and send 90-95% to us by Western Union.

I've gotten several, some have claimed they are a company selling web & design services, that they are from France (or somewhere else) and it takes too long for their customers to send payments to them. So, they need people in the US w/ US Bank accounts to process payments and then WU the $$ to them. The last 'payment processer' email I got was regarding donations to a charity.

I looked 'em up-found some things about the scheme online. The payments are bogus. There are online bill pay services you can use to print out checks, it looks like a real check except that the service doesn't back the check. They just print & mail what you tell them to. If you put in bogus account #'s, it isn't their problem. So, you cash it at your bank. By the time they get back the info that the account is no good, you've already sent most of the money off and you're responsible to your bank to cover it.

A guy in my office did this, and is now being investigated by the FBI, and is possibly going to jail!

[StaciMM]

Wow! My initial thought was 'MONEY' but when the emotions returned to normal and common sense kicked in, common sense won out.

I did 'signup' with one and turned in the info I got from them. (Thru an internet scam site, don't recall if it was FBI related but it had some government affiliation.) The 'check' that I got in the mail looked like it was drawn on a Bank of America account. I took it to a BofA, and the customer service rep looked it up. The account # was not valid.

Anytime I get something odd, I look up the WhoIs info on the website. These scams tend to have a brand new web presence. A big redflag: the domains are always brand new, registered in the past week or 2. (It takes next to nothing to buy & host a domain name & put content on it to make it look like a reputable business. I imagine these people don't use one website or email address for more than a few weeks before they move on to another.)

A guy in my office did this, and is now being investigated by the FBI, and is possibly going to jail!

[robivi3]

Gen, I would like to know what happened to Jeff.

[robivi3]

p-p-p-powerbook.com is up and running. Great story!!!!!!!!!!!LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AMISLANDER]

P-P-P-powerbook!!!!

I read the whole thing! What a riot! I had to go to that sight & see what else was on there...love the gunpoint/O game, ha! ha! I had to subcribe...since I'm the only one in my office at the beach, it when it's quiet, it's quiet and just the thought that goes into those pranks is hilarious...I loved it! Thank you!

[Genenco]

Gen, I would like to know what happened to Jeff.

Don't know, but he sure did himself proud