Spot Phoney Emails

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Most people are familiar enough with spam that they treat most incoming email and various Web sites with some degree of suspicion.

But take a look at these examples.

To:  "undisclosed recipient" Date: January 22, 2008 RE:  Special offer - ACT NOW!!!   Dear Ms. Quick,                     Account number:   07-0004623                  What if I told you that you can get 35% off toner? Take advantage now of our special offer!   You are selected to receive this special offer.  Download our order form and remit it asap by e-mail to ensure rapid delivery. Please note: you will need to provide us with your name, shipping address, and credit card number (with expiry date) and we will send you your toner. Order now!   Supplies are limited. Yours truly, Edward Mitchum Excell Business Solutions Download a copy of this order form

Is it legitimate? Be careful because there are signs that suggest it is a scam:

• There are few details here on what product is being offered and whether or not this company even offers toner made for your office equipment.



• The toner is being offered at a rebate, but what is the price? A 35% reduction sounds like a good deal, but 35% off what amount? Be sure to find out before you order.



• There are more details here about what you need to provide than about what they are providing you. They want your coordinates and credit card number, but what are they promising in return?



• Many scams give a very professional appearance and are well presented. This, however, does not mean that all scams are slick. The spelling and grammatical errors are a tip-off that this message might not be from a credible and legitimate company.

TO: "undisclosed recipients" DATE: Nov 10. 2007 Re: Letter of intent                 Hello, I am a Civil Lawyer. I have a Client that has Interest in Investing in Your Company, can You be of Assistance? I shall give Details when You reply. Your's Faithfully, Barr. Joel Kazeel. Cell Phone:234-82-72783469 Telephone:234-1-8879801.

Is it legitimate? There are many features to this e-mail to suggest it is not. Please note:

• This e-mail is not personally addressed to you. It is sent to "Undisclosed recipients", which suggests it is likely been sent to hundreds, not just you.



• There are spelling, grammar and punctuation errors, all which are common on scam e-mails targeting organizations.



• The contact number is an international phone number, also common on scams based in other countries.



• The e-mail is short on details. How did this person get your name? What do they know about your business? Why have they not called you first?

Treat these messages with a skeptical eye.