Here is a possible scam from a man claiming to be SF. What would you do?

2015-06-11T15:26:31-04:00

My mother has told me she received an email from a man who says he's SF currently in AFG. He has asked my mom to help him transfer $25 million to the states. Now I know it sounds a lot like those "African prince/rich deceased relative" scams, but since it most likely is, should my mom report this person? And if so, who should she report him to? Thanks for any and all responses fellas

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 11 at 2015 3:26 PM

2015-06-11T15:26:50-04:00

Possible? I probably not recommend that she respond but your mom can do what she wants.

Response by SPC Thomas Baldwin made Jun 11 at 2015 3:32 PM

2015-06-11T15:32:41-04:00

This is a big scan ongoing out of Nigiria mostly. Tell you mom don't even answer the email and delete it and any such emails even if you know the person. some emails hijack your contacts and send emails to your friends and visa versa asking for money stated stranded on vacation or illness of loved ones. If you get such email call the contact and ask and dilete it from your computer and trash.

Response by SGT Christina Wilder made Jun 11 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-06-11T15:33:11-04:00

There is an electronic report form for this on DHS. She probably needs to change her a WiFi settings and passwords. This kind of thing is commonly used to track information on those in or related to those in the military.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 3:40 PM

2015-06-11T15:40:13-04:00

Tell Mom to RUN, do not walk, from her computer! This is a total scam. It is the exact same plot as the African prince thing yet uses the patriotism of Americans to play into their M.O.

You could start with JAG but finding these guys is nearly impossible. They move IP address and change names, etc. You would have better luck nailing Jell-O to a wall.

Tell Mom to keep her money where she can see it---invested in shoes and handbags in her closet. Lol

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 3:45 PM

2015-06-11T15:45:59-04:00

Report him the Russian Hackers Association? Have yet to find one of these fellows who were even in military. Until a crime is committed, it is just spam. The net is the wild west of our times. I did find one soldier in the US who in uniform, in violation of regulations (including public affairs regs), did, without authorization solicit funds, in uniform using his rank for a purported funding of his Olympic aspirations. That's a no go.

Response by PFC Ricky Cohn made Jun 11 at 2015 4:09 PM

2015-06-11T16:09:48-04:00

Thank you all for the info, I had a feeling it wasn't legit. And nailing jell-o to a wall that's hilarious!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 4:58 PM

2015-06-11T16:58:35-04:00

So, what everyone is saying is SF does not funnel money through unsuspecting civilians? Who knew!?!?!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2015 9:16 AM

2015-06-20T09:16:48-04:00

Register with SpamCop. (http://www.spamcop.net)
Send SpamCop a complete copy with headers. (Forward as an Attachment will generally do that.)
Forget about it.

There's no point in reporting, other than to SpamCop. They can't do anything more than try to see that spam sending domains go on a black list, which cramps their money-making schemes a bit.

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Jul 15 at 2016 7:04 AM

2016-07-15T07:04:09-04:00

Basic Rule --- If it sounds too good to be true, you can be sure it isn't. This was a cardinal rule I learned about evaluating tax shelter offerings -- if it was such a good deal why would they want to share it with you.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2016 7:44 AM

2016-07-15T07:44:11-04:00

It should also be reported to your local law enforcement. Yes, they can probably do little or nothing. BUT, Such crimes can sometimes be when the wealth of information reveals a small detail.