The Internet is full of spammers and scammers. You have to be very careful what emails you open, what website links you click on and who you give your details to. You need to be careful with passwords, and take online security seriously – as the scammers and spammers are quick to take advantage of people who are caught unawares.
Some people, however, bring it upon themselves. I received the below email from someone thinking he was complaining to Royal Sun Alliance, when in actual fact he was emailing through a completely unrelated website, which bore no resemblance to RSA whatsoever. The guy gave his full details, including address and phone number, while complaining how his details were ‘stolen’ by someone.
Seriously pal, your details weren’t stolen at all. If you’re so stupid as to post them, in full, to the first website you find in Google you’re going to be a victim of Internet crime. You’re the sort of person who makes it so easy for the spammers and scammers you seek them out. I expect you’ve also replied to a number of Nigerian bankers this week, and the President of Somalia.
Here is the guy’s complaint email, with the details edited out to protect his identity from being fraudulently stolen. Some people need all the help they can get.
From: N****d H****c <n****d.h****c@pa*********.com>
Subject: Fraud – stolen identityMessage Body:
Dear Sir,It has come to my attention that fraudulent applications for car finance and insurance are being made in my name. I have reported this to Action Fraud, crime reference number NFRC************.
My address: 41 Parkway, **********, B*** 9** My mobile: 0771******* My home number: 01*** 509 ***
The Experian, the Credit Rating Agency had informed me that a request for credit check against my account from RSA Group was made on the 18/01/2014.
Please confirm that you have stopped any finance applications currently in progress and confirm that you have started investigation into these fraudulent applications.
Kind Regards
N** H****c
Darren Jamieson, aka MrDaz, is the Technical Director and co-founder of Engage Web and has been working online in a career spanning two decades. His first website was built in 1998 and is still live today.
