In the Greed category the most common attempts either involve winning a bazillion dollars in a lottery that I've never entered or helping a Nigerian businessman set up shop in my country by helping him bring in his gazillion dollars in exchange for a bazillion dollars. All I need to do to claim my fortune is send money and all my banking information, including password.
In the Fear category, you have the phone call from a Microsoft "technician" telling you that your computer is "infected" and sent them a warning. Of course they can help you out and fix the problem but they need information to "verify" who you are. Of course that information involved either banking or credit card information. There's also a "fee" for their service. Personally I love to talk to these characters as I own an Apple Mac and they get quite frustrated and occasionally angry when I attempt to convince them that I don't have Windows. Waisting their time is the best best payback.
Another Fear related one involves a phone call or email from your countries tax agency telling you that either you or your legal representative must call immediately or they will begin some form of legal action. In this case you own taxes and must pay immediately to avoid legal action.
Both of the above are happening more all the time as they have a good chance of success. The typical person really doesn't understand how computers and the net work and have a fear of being "hacked". Most of us also have a fear of the "Tax Man" the legal system and will do almost anything to avoid both.
In the Curiosity category, which is relatively new as scams go, you'll receive an email informing you that FedEx or UPS attempted to deliver a package and that it will be sent back unless you set up a delivery time. Information on your package can be found in the attachment included in the email. Well you have a package and it's a mystery because you weren't expecting a package so the urge to click on the attachment to find out what it is strong. Unfortunately the attachment is usually a malicious program designed to take your computer "hostage", including all you data, and it will be released for a fee. Simple, subtle and unfortunately effective.
One of my favorite scams actually happened to me this week. At least the attempt was made. I recently listed one of my motorcycles for sale on a Canada wide listing website and the next morning I received a text form someone wondering if it was still available. They wanted to buy it "immediately" if it still was and the included their email. Red Flag #1.
I noticed the area code of the text was unfamiliar and a quick search indicated that it likely originated from the Boston area, a different country and on the other side of the continent. Red Flag #2.
I did reply to his email address and told him my motorcycle was still available and that I was aware he wasn't from British Columbia. He replied with an offer that was $800.00 more then what I was asking and that one of his "agents" would be arranging shipping and payment. Red Flag #3.
In this type of scam, the offer of more money is the "hook" and if you take the hook you'll either lose your item or be asked to pay for shipping up front and what you pay will be added to the sale price of the item. Either way you'll lose something. My reply to his offer was "That's an interesting offer. I'm surprised you've not been able to find a similar motorcycle near you for a similar price." So far I've not received another email.
I still have it and my money. By the way it's still for sale...
The "moral" here is to be curious about everything and avoid giving in to Greed, Fear and in the case of Curiosity be aware and avoid being "played".
Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker
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