Current Status

This blog is not frequently updated because most case-by-case scam reports are now listed in subordinate blogs. At this point in time, most of my efforts are targeted at documenting employment scams in the Suckers Wanted blog.

2007-08-22

News: Monster.com data compromised

Here's an important heads-up for people with personal details on Monster.com. According to Symantec, a new piece of malware has been sucking out the personal details of job-seekers from that site, via compromised recruiter accounts. Consequently, we can expect some very targeted job scams aiming at monster.com users.

2007-08-02

Advance Fee Fraud: Fondation de France

This is really just a variation on the "you won a lottery you didn't enter" scam. Only the cover story is different: you've been given a grant for which you didn't apply. This is typically advance fee fraud: they want money up front for some fee or other before you get to see any of your promised wealth. Sometimes they send a fake cheque or money order. Basically, don't get involved. Note that the FDF is a real organisation -- it's just that these scammers have nothing to do with it.

In addition to the contact address given in this spam, " fdf_org07@yahoo.fr", a correspondent reports one which uses "fdfgrantoffice967@atmail.org ". These are freemail addresses which anyone could register, anywhere, anytime, and they're probably not the only ones in use for this particular scam.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: THE FONDATION DE FRANCE(FDF) <[random address]>
Date: 02-Aug-2007 22:08
Subject: THE FONDATION DE FRANCE(FDF)
To: [redacted]



THE FONDATION DE FRANCE(FDF)
http://www.fdf.org.

The Fondation De France(FDF) would like to notify you that you have been chosen by the board of trustees as one of the final recipients of a  cash Grant/Donation for your own personal, educational, and business  development. The FDF, established 1977 by the Multi-Million groups and now  supported by the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS),  United Nations Organization (UNO) and the European Union (EU) was conceived with the objective of human growth, educational, and community development.

In conjunction with the ECOWAS, UNO and the EU, We are giving out a yearly donation of US$1,350,000.00 (One million, Three hundred and Fifty  thousand United states dollars only) each to 100 lucky recipients. These specific Donations/Grants will be awarded to 100 lucky international recipients worldwide, in different categories.

Based on the random selection exercise of internet websites and millions of supermarket cash invoices worldwide, you were selectedamongst the lucky recipients to receive the award sum of US$1,350,000.00 as charity donations/aid. Nevertheless, according to the federal and international law concerning the personal collection of prize winnings, your bonding fees, broker fees, and tarrif fees, have already been deducted from your donation.So congratulations once again.

You would be required to send down the following informations:

FULL NAMES:______________
ADDRESS: _______________
CITY:____________________
STATE:__________________
COUNTRY________________
SEX:_______________
AGE:__________________
MARITAL STATUS:___________
NATIONALITY__________
OCCUPATION:_______________
E-MAIL ADDRESS:____________
TELEPHONE NUMBER:_____________________

You are required to contact the Executive Secretary below, for qualification documentation and processing of your claims. After contacting our office, you will be given your donation pin number, which you will use in collecting the funds. Please endeavor to quote your Qualification numbers (FDF-444-6647-9163) in all discussions.

Executive Sec. Mr David Tinny
Email: fdf_org07@yahoo.fr

Tick a suitable mode for payment of your funding grant award as listed below:

1.Online Bank Payment
2.Courier Delivery

Do note that these funding grant are strictly administered by the EU, ECOWAS and UNO.

On behalf of the Board kindly accept our warmest congratulations

Yours faithfully,
Mrs. Martha C. Edmondson.
(Director of Human Resources )