Scambusters, Preventing Internet Scams & Phishing Attempts
This blog is dedicated to help preventing internet fraud and internet scams. Scambusters was a radio show I started in Albany Oregon, but due to defaulted payment by the radio station we took the show offline. Regardless of this issue we still wish to help prevent internet fraud and save people from internet loss. I have been interviewed and featured in various publications such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times & Daily News, The London Times & AARP Newsletters. Please watch this blog for latest tips and tricks and scams to avoid.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Bogo International Company / Reshipper Scam
The victim (you) must fill out an employment application that asks for Social Security number and date of birth. Then the victim is told he got the job.
Packages arrive at the victim's home. He is told to repackage the items and ship them overseas, using his own money which will be repaid. Unbeknown to the victim, the packages he's receiving were paid for with fraudulent credit cards.
At stage two of the scam, the victim is told he will be paid by cashier's check. But there's a catch. The check will be written for more than the amount the victim is owed. The victim is told to deposit the check and forward the difference to his employer's overseas bank account. Eventually, the victim's bank informs him that the cashier's check bounced -- and he owes the bank the amount of the check.
At stage three, the victim realizes it's a scam and thinks the ordeal is over -- but it's not. The fraudulent employer has the victim's birth date and SSN. He has applied for several credit cards in the victim's name and has been using them to buy merchandise that is being shipped to other unknowing victims of the scam.
++++++++++++++++++++
COMPANY: Bogo International Company
JOB TITLE: Shipment Inspector
TYPE OF WORK: Tele-commute (availability of work from your residence) EMPLOYEE TYPE: Full-Time/Part-Time
INDUSTRY: E-Commerce
JOB TYPE: Sales
EFFECTIVE DATE: ASAP
REQUIRED EDUCATION: Not specified
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: At least 1 year
REQUIRED TRAVEL: Not specified
REQUIRED RELOCATION: Not specified
SALARY: Negotiable, depends of your personal skills (more detailed in further communication)
SCHEDULE: Flexible
TRAVEL: Unnecessary
CONTACT: Personnel manager Mileva
EMAIL: mileva@bogointernational.cn
We are a supplier to Sellers, meaning that we scour the internet for close-outs that can be bought low and sold high. Our contacts include manufacturers with close out items and distributor overstock. The Sellers purchase products using our service then sell them for a sizeable profit.
JOB DESCRIPTION
What we need are people to act as Shipment Inspectors. You would receive the merchandise, check for quality of packing and make sure the product is in good condition. Then you would reseal the package and send to the seller.
- No overheads
- No hidden fees, upfront payments or Investments
- Free start for employees
Qualifications/Education:
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Relative experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (1 or more years)
- Basic Math, English language skills
- Geographical locations
- Additional languages may be preferred
- Basic computer skills
Ability to operate and maintain equipment including handhelds, computers. Develop, maintain and monitor relationships with store level accounts. Effective oral and written communications, problem-solving skills to reflect level of responsibilities. Able to maintain sensitive and confidential information. Past experience on E-Bay, drop-ship and resellers networks is a plus.
Requirements:
- Basic knowledge of computer and internet
- Sending and Receiving emails
- Fax machine or scanner and printer
- Contact phone (preferably Mobile)
Feel free to email back ONLY at: mileva@bogointernational.cn (manager Mileva) for further communication.
Friday, February 13, 2009
PayQal -- Fake PayPal Authorization Site
Here is the PayQal info:
Domain Name: PAYQAL.COM
Registrar: DOMAINPEOPLE, INC.
Whois Server: whois.domainpeople.com
Referral URL: http://www.domainpeople.com
Name Server: NS1.WTFOWNED.US
Name Server: NS2.WTFOWNED.US
Status: clientTransferProhibited
Updated Date: 04-nov-2008
Creation Date: 04-nov-2008
Hack Anything
Hack Anything Lane
Hack Anything, NEW YORK 11111
United States of America
Registrar: DomainPeople, Inc.
Domain Name: payqal.com
Created on .............Tue Nov 04 14:11:52 2008
Expires on .............Wed Nov 04 14:11:52 2009
Record last updated on .Tue Nov 04 14:57:07 2008
Status .................LOCK,
Administrative Contact:
Hack Anything
Hack Anything
Hack Anything Lane
Hack Anything, NEW YORK
11111, US
(1347)1333337
()
4rmadil0@****yourinter.net
Technical Contact:
SiteProduct Web Services
Administrator DNS
1 N State Street
Chicago, IL
60602, US
(1312)2362132
(131)22361958
administrator@siteprotect.com
Domain servers in listed order:
ns1.wtfowned.us
ns2.wtfowned.us
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Scam Alert: Expect an upsurge in identity theft as the economy weakens
A new report out this week highlights the danger of identity theft - for all of us. The number of identity theft cases increased 22 percent in 2008, affecting nearly 10 million Americans.
Javelin Strategy and Research has been conducting the identity-theft study for the past five years. The most recent statistics show people are doing a better job detecting and responding to fraud more quickly.
Identity theft cost the victim about $496 per incident - down from $718, a 31 percent drop, from a year earlier. Don't brush that number off. According to the study, the identity thief is making off with nearly $5,000 per case. So, follow my train of thought: There's quite a difference between the direct cash out of the victim's pocket and what the thief is stealing. The banks, credit card companies and businesses are making up the difference and must pass that cost on to all of us. The money comes from somewhere, which makes each and every one of us a victim of identity theft, because we're all sharing in the cost.
I could pass on number after number, but I prefer to focus on what we can learn. If you take nothing away from reading the following words, I most want you to grasp the importance of taking opportunity away from the identity thief.
LESSON ONE: IT'S PROBABLY GOING TO GET WORSE
The economy is a big reason for the increase in identity-theft cases. Since we're not going to snap out of the current economic challenges overnight, expect to see more attempts to steal your personal information.
LESSON TWO: VIGILANCE MEANS LOOKING OVER YOUR SHOULDER
The fraudsters are moving faster. The bad guys and girls are more sophisticated and are putting technology to work. Review your bank and credit card statements looking for the slightest irregularities. Be sure to check your credit reports annually. Shred paper that has identifying information.
LESSON THREE: GENDER MATTERS
This year's Javelin Strategy and Research identity fraud report found that women were 26 percent more likely to be victims of identity fraud than men. Why? Fraud attacks involving women occur more often via in-person channels, such as stores and restaurants, where there is less consumer control. There is a greater percentage of women making in-person purchases, and women were almost three times more likely than men to report their information stolen during an in-person purchase.
LESSON FOUR: LOCK IT UP AND KEEP CLOSE WATCH
Lost or stolen wallets, checkbooks and credit cards are still the most likely sources of identity theft. Online access accounted for only 11 percent of the total fraud.
Don't be scared of identity theft. But don't think it can never happen to you. Be vigilant and protect your identity.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Finance Corp International Inc - Job & Money Scam
----------
Good morning !
I'm Oliver Prahm, Manager of Finance Corp International Inc . I have found your resume and want to offer you the vacancy of "Account Manager".
1 - We do not require payment from you for anything, this is a job.
2 - This is a commission based job, you are paid based on performance.
Job description:
The major duty of the "Account Manager" is to process payments between our clients and our company via Direct bank transfer. You will get 7 percent per transfer.
Salary: 500 dollars - 3500 dollars per month.
Benefits of this vacancy:
1. Flexible work schedule, work 3-5 hours per week.
2. Possibility of your career rising.
3. Home-based.
4. Ability to take unlimited vacation (without guaranteed salary).
Minimal requirements:
1. You must have bank account.
2. At least 18 years old.
3. Internet and Email skills.
If you need more information ...
If you want to apply for this job ...
If you’ve got some questions about this vacancy ...
Write here (e-mail) : financecorp@email.su
Best regards
Oliver Pram
Administrative Director
Finance Corp International
Mercado Libre Limited - Wire Transfer Job Scam
Scam
0000000000000
If you have access to a computer, you can get paid.
Would you like to work online from home and get paid weekly? If
yes, Mercado Libre Limited is glad to offer you a job position
in our company,Mercado Libre Limited in conjuction with Ebay as
part of our ongoing Multi Level Marketing Network.
Your tasks are:
===================
1. Receive payment from Customers.
2. Deduct 10% which will be your Commission/pay on Payment processed
and remit our balance to us either via Western Union
Money Transfer or Money Gramme.
To get started your are to provide the below informations:
First Name:Last Name:Full Address and not P.O. BOX:City:
Zip Code:State:Home Phone:Cell Phone:Age:Gender:Marital Status:
Contact Mr. Claude Jackson
Email: claudejackson27@live.com
nkemdilim ani: Thanks for your Co-operation
Merca doLibre Limited
Condiciones de MercadoLibre S.A.
Copyright © 1999-2008 Mercado Libre S.A
N.B. CONTACT Mr.Claude Jackson{claudejackson27@live.com}IF INTRESTED!
KeyStar Scam, Money Scam, Job Scam
---------
KeyStar (Ltd) currently has an opening for Customer Relationship Manager in the U.S.A and EU.
Responsibilities :
Prompt processing of incoming money transfers in real-time mode.
Education and Experience :
- Bachelor's degree (optional)
- MBA/MS preferred
- Program and Project Management experience preferred
- Strong communication and influence skills
- PMP certification a plus
- 1-3 years financial services preferred
Knowledge and Skills :
- Strong project manager skills with a proven history of estimating and delivering projects on time, on budget, with high quality.
- Ability to establish, maintain, and monitor full project lifecycle plans for mid-scale to complex projects
- Ability to participate in identification of and planning for future resource needs.
- Demonstrated ability to balance priorities and simultaneous projects.
- Knowledgeable in technology, either gained hands on or through exposure to working with technology groups.
- Ability to work well independently and also be a strong team player.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both analysis and technical subjects.
- Strong negotiation and influence skills, particularly within customer interactions.
- Strong judgment, issues management and problem analysis techniques in order to work across the firm with both technical and business organizations to resolve conflicts and deliver functionality.
Requirements :
- US/EU Citizenship
- Valid TAX ID/TIN
- Registered Company (must register upon request)
- Computer with Internet access
- MS Office (MS Word, MS Excel)
- Valid DL or any other ID with photo
- Home phone and mobile phone
ALL RESUMES WILL BE CONFIRMED AND VERIFIED. THE SELECTED CANDIDATE MUST PASS A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK
If you're interested send your full name, phone number, age and RESUME to: edgardomikavmb@gmail.com and I'll redirect it to our HR department.
775240
Friday, May 16, 2008
Scam Email / Fake: Notice From Department of the Treasury
There are so many things wrong with this email to make it obvious that it is a scam, the first one is that the IRS does not email you regarding a refund or claims, you will be contacted by a letter.
Also a 501(c) (3) is not a "refundable issue" but a charity non-profit category for a business / company. You don't get a refund under any section of501(c) (3)
Other obvious facts..
1. Bad Spelling (he maner of section; and the realtionship) to name only two.
2. The fact the email was sent from "thecollegehotel.com" in Amsterdam Holland
3. That the link (removed) takes you to a website called "indopreneur" with a copy of the IRS site. This site is very dangerous as it asks for your SS# as well as Credit Card Number and CVV and your PIN Code. Can red flags be any redder?
4. There is a 4 and a 5 and 6 but why bother, this is enough, totally clear… what a fake!
--- scam email below--- links removed ----
After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity
we have determined that you are eligible to receive
a tax refund under section 501(c) (3) of the
Internal Revenue Code. Tax refund value is $189.60.
Please submit the tax refund request and allow us 6-9 days
in order to IWP the data received.
If u don't receive your refund within 9 business
days from the original IRS mailing date shown,
you can start a refund trace online.
If you distribute funds to other organization, your records must show wether
they are exempt under section 497 (c) (15). In cases where the recipient org.
is not exempt under section 497 (c) (15), you must have evidence the funds will
be used for section 497 (c) (15) purposes.
If you distribute fund to individuals, you should keep case histories showing
the recipient's name and address; the purpose of the award; the maner of
section; and the realtionship of the recipient to any of your officers, directors,
trustees, members, or major contributors.
To access the form for your tax refund, please (click here removed)
This notification has been sent by the Internal Revenue Service,
a bureau of the Department of the Treasury.
Sincerely Yours,
John Stewart
Director, Exempt. Organization
Rulings and Agreements Letter
Internal Revenue Service
