New Email Scam Hacks User’s Account, Sends Frantic Message to Contacts
by Nick LaFleur on Feb. 11, 2010, under Life, phishing, scam, TipsK.C. Collins, a Texas resident, has been answering phone calls all morning. People are calling and asking if she is OK. Even people she doesn’t know from college admissions offices are calling to check.
Apparently, they all received an email early this morning, from K.C.’s email, claiming she was in London, had been mugged at gunpoint, and needed money to get back home.
Her contacts took it seriously because it came from her own email and it seems so believable. The end of the email even says, “Sent via Blackberry from T-Mobile”. Currently, her Gmail account is locked and she is not able to reply to those emailed to tell them it is a hoax.
The email is below:
I’m writing this with tears in my eyes, we came down here to
> London, England for a short vacation and i was mugged at gun point last
> night, at the park of the hotel where we lodged all cash, creditcards
> and cell were stolen off me, thank God we have our life and passport.
>
> I’ve been to the US embassy and the Police here but they’re not
> helping issues at all,they asked us to wait for 3weeks but we can’t
> wait till then.
>
> our flight leaves in less than 3hrs from now and we are having
> problems settling the hotel bills.
>
> The hotel manager won’t let us leave until we settle the hotel bills.
> you can speak with him through this number +447024074948,we are
> freaked out at the moment
>
> you can wire the money to me through westernunion all you need is Name
> on my passport and location below.
>
> Name:K.C. Collins
> Location:125 Kentish Town Road London NW5 2TJ United Kingdom
> Amount: $1,450
>
> I’ll def refund your cash as soon as i get home.
>
> Reply
>
>
> Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona offers the following tips to help consumers avoid falling victim to this or similar scams:
- Never respond to emails that claim they need your email password and username. No matter what email service you use, they will never reset your password automatically, and they will never ask for your account information via email.
- Do whatever is necessary to confirm your friend or relative’s whereabouts. Call their home, school or work to verify what you’ve been told.
- Don’t wire money. If you’re asked for your bank account number or are urged to wire money for any reason, it’s likely a scam. Cons prefer wire transfers because they are fast, and funds can be picked up easily and just about anywhere.
If you are a victim of this scam BBB at (520) 888-5353 in Tucson, or visit www.tucson.bbb.org for more information.
