As we head into another summer spent watching reality TV and an over-hyped cricket series it seems the scammers are working their magic again.
This week I had loads of dodgy emails and calls – and every single one had me thinking whether there are people who fall for this kind of stuff.
Okay, vulnerable people being targeted is no laughing matter but a bit of common sense never hurt anyone.
First up, I was emailed a wonderful message from a gentleman in the Congo.
It told me that I had been ‘chosen’ to ‘inherit’ over £3million. And what do I owe this stroke of luck? Well, it turns out that I was related to his royal highness the Prince Regent (I kid you not – it said Prince Regent).
All I had to do in return was forward him all my personal details, including my bank account number and a photocopy of my passport. In return this ‘royal aide’ would simply transfer the money into my bank account.
Next up, an email from Katrina, in Russia, who wanted to get to know me better. She even sent a picture of herself. Of course what they don’t tell you is that Katrina is an 18-stone man with a moustache living in, you guessed it, Nigeria.
The phone call from the American who said I had been chosen to go into the International Who’s Who? guide was a good one. He had me going before I noticed there was no such thing as an International Who’s Who? Guide. And oh, there was a membership fee payable immediately to be inducted into the guide.
The company sending fake invoices is a real pain for local businesses. I got one this week saying I had placed an advert in a business guide and if I didn’t pay up, the bailiffs would come over. Obviously there is no guide and no bailiffs.
The email stating there is something wrong with your bank account is another popular one. This week I got one from every single High Street bank stating I should reply to avoid bank charges.
And, finally, the following even found its way on to reputable newspaper websites. I heard several statements from MPs and political leaders stating they apologised for any undue embarrassment caused by the expenses scandal. And they would now do their utmost to ensure they never milked the system again.
Come off it, how stupid do they think I am?
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