A crudely written email that claims to come from the American first lady invites recipients to collect their supposed shares from a “scam victims’ compensation fund, ” but only if each one ponies up his email address, phone number and $260.
“I am Mrs. Michelle Obama and I am here to inform you that your SCAM VICTIMS COMPENSATION FUNDS from white house here in Washington DC is the sum of $20.000.000 twenty million us dollars,” the email says. “Bear in mind that i am the only one that has your funds in regard to my husband Mr Barack Obama and you will have to pay the sum of $260.00 before your funds will be delivered to you today so get back to me with your home address.”
Of course, the email isn’t from Michelle Obama, or from anyone affiliated with the government at all. Instead, it’s the work of scammers, possibly from Nigeria, who invoke the names of celebrities to try to make their scams more appealing and believable, Kaspersky Lab’s SecureList blog reported.
To anyone with an eye for detail, this is not believable. A quick look at the sender’s email address shows that the message actually comes from “World Wide Web Owner” with a Russian “.ru” email domain suffix, and “missnadia” with a Chinese “yahoo.cn” email address.
Although this particular scam may not be disguised very well, that may be by design. The sheer stupidity of such obvious scams ensures only the truly gullible respond.
As Softpedia points out, getting duped into sending money or accepting payments from dubious sources could lead to significant financial losses or even charges of fraud and money laundering.
Fake Michelle Obama Sends Out Mass Scam Email
Saturday, October 27, 2012
There is no such organization as the Canadian Cyber Police
Online scams are a constant feature of the Internet. From Phishing scams that attempt to get you to click a link in an email or on a website to gather your personal information, to the virus threats, it is important for you to keep your computer safe. The Thunder Bay Police Cyber Crime Unit have received calls from a number of concerned citizens about a computer virus that seems to be infecting computers.
Officers have been advised that a large pop up screen with a Canadian flag and the words Canadian Cyber Police has been appearing when people try to access their computer. The information on the pop up states that this computer has bee detected as engaging in illegal downloads and it that the computer owner could face criminal charges, a large fine and their computer will be locked within 72 hours. An option exist with a link for the computer owner to pay $100.00 out of court to get their name off the list so they will not be prosecuted and their computer will not be locked.
The police are warning the public that there is no such organization as the Canadian Cyber Police nor do any police agencies monitor internet usage. If this pop up occurs on your computer you should NOT purchase the option to have your name removed. By offering to pay for this service, the computer owner is giving their credit card information to an unknown organization.
Over the past months, some of the scams being attempted include the New York parking or speeding ticket email. It offers a link to plead your case. It is a phishing attempt.
Michael Nitz from the RBC shares, “Hey everyone! Wanted to warn you about a phishing email scam that is circulating. The email appears to be from RBC asking you to provide your personal account information and a request to click-through to an activation link. Please DO NOT CLICK on any links and please delete the message right away. RBC will never ask you for such information through email.
Nitz adds, “For more information on how to protect yourself and how to report phishing messages, please visit our Privacy and Security site.”
Having a good anti-virus program, removing malware on a regular basis and using common sense will go a long way to ensuring that your online time will be safer.
A good tip is to hover your mouse over a link in an email before clicking. While the message might appear to be from who it says, in email programs like Microsoft Outlook the actual address will be in the bottom left of the screen. A little less speed and more common sense, as stated, will help protect your from a scam.
If you would like more help, visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Thunder Bay Police Service - There is no such organization as the Canadian Cyber Police
Officers have been advised that a large pop up screen with a Canadian flag and the words Canadian Cyber Police has been appearing when people try to access their computer. The information on the pop up states that this computer has bee detected as engaging in illegal downloads and it that the computer owner could face criminal charges, a large fine and their computer will be locked within 72 hours. An option exist with a link for the computer owner to pay $100.00 out of court to get their name off the list so they will not be prosecuted and their computer will not be locked.
The police are warning the public that there is no such organization as the Canadian Cyber Police nor do any police agencies monitor internet usage. If this pop up occurs on your computer you should NOT purchase the option to have your name removed. By offering to pay for this service, the computer owner is giving their credit card information to an unknown organization.
Over the past months, some of the scams being attempted include the New York parking or speeding ticket email. It offers a link to plead your case. It is a phishing attempt.
Michael Nitz from the RBC shares, “Hey everyone! Wanted to warn you about a phishing email scam that is circulating. The email appears to be from RBC asking you to provide your personal account information and a request to click-through to an activation link. Please DO NOT CLICK on any links and please delete the message right away. RBC will never ask you for such information through email.
Nitz adds, “For more information on how to protect yourself and how to report phishing messages, please visit our Privacy and Security site.”
Having a good anti-virus program, removing malware on a regular basis and using common sense will go a long way to ensuring that your online time will be safer.
A good tip is to hover your mouse over a link in an email before clicking. While the message might appear to be from who it says, in email programs like Microsoft Outlook the actual address will be in the bottom left of the screen. A little less speed and more common sense, as stated, will help protect your from a scam.
If you would like more help, visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Thunder Bay Police Service - There is no such organization as the Canadian Cyber Police
Friday, October 26, 2012
Scam Alert -- More Americans Harassed Over Fake Payday Loans
More people than
ever are being harassed by collection calls at home and work about
payday loans they either never received or already repaid. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center recently released a new alert about the disturbing rise in these scams.
How the Scam Works:
You answer the phone.
The person the other end claims you are delinquent on a payday loan and
must pay up to avoid legal consequences. You think the caller must be
mistaken. You've either never taken out a loan or you've already repaid
it. You hang up and probably think that's the end of the trouble.
But the phone calls don't stop. You start receiving more calls at work and home. Callers make threats and/or claim to be representatives of government agencies and law firms. The scammers also have your personal information, such as your Social Security/Social Insurance number, date of birth and address. They may even contact your friends, relatives and employer.
In a new twist on the scam, you may also begin receiving emails. These messages are official-looking and purport to be from a federal agency. They accuse you of violating banking regulations and reference law enforcement agencies like the FBI. To fight the charges, the emails say, you need to contact the sender within 48 hours.
I'm a Victim of This Scam. What Should I Do?
- Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) and request an alert be put on your file
- If you have received a legitimate loan, verify that you do not have any outstanding payments by contacting the loan company directly
- File a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center
- If you feel you are in immediate danger, do not hesitate to contact local law enforcement
For More Information
Check out the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center's Public Service Announcement for more information about the scam.
To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.
Top six scams to avoid
VIN cloning scams- According to Consumer Reports.. this is when crooks steal a car then copy the vehicle identification number from another car that is the same make, model, color and year. they forge the registration documents then sell the car to you at a great price. when your insurance company or the state motor vehicle department discovers the car is stolen... you end up without your car and the money you paid for it. if something is too good to be true... walk away...
Bogus tech support scams- You may get a phone call or email claiming that you have a virus... the crook may even install software.. but instead of fixing the fake problem, your personal information is stolen.
Store Gift Card scams- Criminals claim to be calling from a local store to say you've won a one hundred dollar gift card that you have to go to the store to pick up... the trick is to get you out of the house long enough so that robbers can get your goods while you are gone.
Online survey scams- the goal is to get you to give out personal information. use caution when granting access to your profile.... and consumer reports says think before you hit the like button.
Medical discount plan scams- Its really a discount card that costs an enrollment fee plus monthly fees... the FTC has taken action against more than 50 of them because when sick patients try to use the card many places do not accept it.
Tax return scams- Crooks use your identity to claim a tax refund and you don't have money coming to you they lie on your return to get a refund. if you think that you could be a victim contact the irs identity protection specialized unit at 1-800-908-4490. you may want to also contact the social security administration to protect your benefits.
There are a number of organizations you can contact if you have questions about scams: the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov), the FBI (www.fbi.gov), the IRS (www.irs.gov) even the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).
On Your Side: Top six scams to avoid
Bogus tech support scams- You may get a phone call or email claiming that you have a virus... the crook may even install software.. but instead of fixing the fake problem, your personal information is stolen.
Store Gift Card scams- Criminals claim to be calling from a local store to say you've won a one hundred dollar gift card that you have to go to the store to pick up... the trick is to get you out of the house long enough so that robbers can get your goods while you are gone.
Online survey scams- the goal is to get you to give out personal information. use caution when granting access to your profile.... and consumer reports says think before you hit the like button.
Medical discount plan scams- Its really a discount card that costs an enrollment fee plus monthly fees... the FTC has taken action against more than 50 of them because when sick patients try to use the card many places do not accept it.
Tax return scams- Crooks use your identity to claim a tax refund and you don't have money coming to you they lie on your return to get a refund. if you think that you could be a victim contact the irs identity protection specialized unit at 1-800-908-4490. you may want to also contact the social security administration to protect your benefits.
There are a number of organizations you can contact if you have questions about scams: the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov), the FBI (www.fbi.gov), the IRS (www.irs.gov) even the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).
On Your Side: Top six scams to avoid
Lebanon arrests Shiite for attack hoax
Beirut: The Lebanese army said on Thursday that it has arrested a Shiite man for falsely reporting he had been attacked by Sunnis who cut off several of his fingers with a sword.
Lebanon arrests Shiite for attack hoax | GulfNews.com
“As a result of media reports concerning a man named Ehab Al Azzi, 23, who claimed that he was the victim of a sectarian attack, the military intelligence interrogated him and it became clear he fabricated the story,” the army said.
“In fact, during a fight after an accident with two other bikers on the road to the airport, one of them severed several of his fingers with a switchblade,” it said.
Al Azzi, who will remain in custody until he is brought before a judge, had told media outlets that he was the victim of an attack on Sunday by Sunnis armed with a sword.
Lebanon arrests Shiite for attack hoax | GulfNews.com
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Officials warn veterans about scams offering assistance
The N.C. Division of Veterans Affairs is warning veterans about a scam that promises help with pensions and other benefits, but for a high price.
Tim Wipperman, assistant secretary for veterans affairs, said his office has received several reports about people who claim they want to help veterans with the VA benefits process, but veterans end up losing hundreds of dollars.
"We are trying to get a grip on this," Wipperman said. "These folks are good at changing their tactics where they do what they do and stay one millimeter above the law."
The scammers target veterans - mostly those who are older or disabled - through seminars and other outreach programs about VA Aid & Attendance Special Pension, Wipperman said. That is is a special federal veterans' benefit program that provides financial support to veterans who have a limited income and who are considered to be in need of regular in-home or nursing home care.
"Once they get the veterans and their families in the room, they give them a little pitch. They try to sell them questionable insurance or investment products," Wipperman said.
The scammers also promise to file a claim with the VA at a cost, but the claim is not filed, or it is filed incorrectly, he said.
Others targeted by the scammers are homeless veterans. These scam artists charge homeless veterans a fee to prepare or assist in a claim. Their fee is taken from each monthly check, which the scammer has mailed to his home.
The state Division of Veterans Affairs is working with several agencies to try to educate veterans about the scams. The N.C. Department of Justice issued a release in September warning veterans about the problem.
Wipperman is also working with U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan to address the issue.
"We plan to stay on this," said Mary Hanley, Hagan's press secretary. "We are doing our own outreach to veterans and will continue to do so.
"We consider this a serious problem. It is unfortunate that this is going on. It is deplorable."
Veterans should seek any assistance they need from someone who is accredited by the Veterans Administration to represent veterans seeking benefits. Those who are accredited aren't allowed to charge for services.
"If we can get the veterans to come to an accredited service officer, it will help," Wipperman said.
Veterans can search for accredited service officers on the VA's website, www.doa.nc.gov /vets/locations.
FayObserver.com - State officials warn veterans about scams offering assistance
Tim Wipperman, assistant secretary for veterans affairs, said his office has received several reports about people who claim they want to help veterans with the VA benefits process, but veterans end up losing hundreds of dollars.
"We are trying to get a grip on this," Wipperman said. "These folks are good at changing their tactics where they do what they do and stay one millimeter above the law."
The scammers target veterans - mostly those who are older or disabled - through seminars and other outreach programs about VA Aid & Attendance Special Pension, Wipperman said. That is is a special federal veterans' benefit program that provides financial support to veterans who have a limited income and who are considered to be in need of regular in-home or nursing home care.
"Once they get the veterans and their families in the room, they give them a little pitch. They try to sell them questionable insurance or investment products," Wipperman said.
The scammers also promise to file a claim with the VA at a cost, but the claim is not filed, or it is filed incorrectly, he said.
Others targeted by the scammers are homeless veterans. These scam artists charge homeless veterans a fee to prepare or assist in a claim. Their fee is taken from each monthly check, which the scammer has mailed to his home.
The state Division of Veterans Affairs is working with several agencies to try to educate veterans about the scams. The N.C. Department of Justice issued a release in September warning veterans about the problem.
Wipperman is also working with U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan to address the issue.
"We plan to stay on this," said Mary Hanley, Hagan's press secretary. "We are doing our own outreach to veterans and will continue to do so.
"We consider this a serious problem. It is unfortunate that this is going on. It is deplorable."
Veterans should seek any assistance they need from someone who is accredited by the Veterans Administration to represent veterans seeking benefits. Those who are accredited aren't allowed to charge for services.
"If we can get the veterans to come to an accredited service officer, it will help," Wipperman said.
Veterans can search for accredited service officers on the VA's website, www.doa.nc.gov /vets/locations.
FayObserver.com - State officials warn veterans about scams offering assistance
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
ALERT: Phishing Scam Looks Like BBB Email…But It’s Not - BBB News Center
The BBB name and logo are being fraudulently used by criminals in an on-going phishing scam. The emails look very much like notice of a complaint from BBB, but contain links to malware that can infect your computer, steal passwords, etc. BBB is working with law enforcement, as well as with a private deactivation firm (at our own expense), to shut down as many criminal websites as possible. To date, we have shut down well over 100 sites.
If you get an email that looks like it is a BBB complaint, here is what you should do:
1. Do NOT click on any links or attachments.
2. Read the email carefully for signs that it may be fake (for example, misspellings, grammar, generic greetings such as “Dear member” instead of a name, etc.).
3. Be wary of any urgent instructions to take specified action such as “Click on the link or your account will be closed.”
4. Hover your mouse over links without clicking to see if the address is truly from bbb.org. The URL in the text should match the URL that your mouse detects. If the two do not match, it is most likely a scam.
5. Send a copy of the email to phishing@council.bbb.org (Note: This address is only for scams that use the BBB name or logo)
6. Delete the email from your computer completely (be sure to empty your “trash can” or “recycling bin,” as well).
7. Run anti-virus software updates frequently and do a full system scan.
8. Keep a close eye on your bank statements for any unexpected or unexplained transactions.
If you have a business and are not certain whether the complaint is legitimate, contact your local BBB (www.bbb.org/find).
ALERT: Phishing Scam Looks Like BBB Email…But It’s Not - BBB News Center
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