# A new 419 scammer, a new reply tactic **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 13, 2007, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728 "2007-03-13T09:53:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Sunrazor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sunrazor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunrazor)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2007, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/21 "2007-03-19T16:40:17Z")
Dear God, I wish I had time to do something like this! This is great! I will be keeping tabs to see how the story progresses. I assume you’re trying to confuse and flummox the perpetrators to the point that they trip themselves up and make it easier to arrest them, or at least sidetrack them enough that they aren’t scamming other innocent folks. What would be very interesting would be to introduce the idea that the scammers might actually be dealing with an international aid conglomerate with billions of dollars to disburse, just to see how greedy they really are. Any chance of introducing them to another scammer mill, just to watch the two of them try to bilk each other? Keep up the good work! ---
**Author:** ![Uncommon\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2007, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/22 "2007-03-19T17:23:33Z")
Good stuff **Mangetout** , you soooo need to get one or both of these people in a public arena where an “exchange” will be made. Then, with a telephoto lense take a few snapshots of the perps. Better even, would be to have them somehow leave finger prints on something, like a door handle or a beverage container. I think someone would have to set up a mock bank account with maybe like $10 in it just so you have a paper trail, photos, e-mails, and possible finger prints. Looking forward to following this! ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2007, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/23 "2007-03-19T22:58:29Z")
W Ecks has received a response from Barrister Patrick Adam: > [@](#): > > Dear Wilton Ecks, > > This is in response to your mail; I want you to know that all the content of > your mail was well understood. Before we commence on this project at hand I > would rather you furnish me with your full contact details along with your > telephone and fax number. I would also want you to send me a copy of your > passport or any form of identification so that we may know whom we are > dealing with because we don�t want any problems once the found is > transferred to you. > > In lieu to this, Mrs. Grace forwarded both your mail and also the mail from > Mr. Richard wrote to her. Mr. Richard said that you are his friend and that > he has told you about the whole situation. Any way, since you said that he > and you said that you have experience in charity jobs I want to believe that > you would be able to handle this project. > > Before we get this project started by you, I need to outline the procedures > to you and it is that you presence will be needed at the security company > here in London to sign several documents that will facilitates the release > of the fund to you. > > Please note that if you are able to provide me with the requested > information I am willing to work things out with you and I hope that I can > trust you on this and with the fund once its been released to you by the > security company. > > That will be all for now, I look forward to hearing from you soonest. > > Best Regards, > > Patrick Adams ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2007, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/24 "2007-03-19T23:52:21Z")
Wilton Ecks has responded: > [@](#): > > Hello Mr Adams > > Thanks for indulging me - it really will be better this way - to think you nearly had to deal with those buffoons Mange and Dastardly - it would not have gone smoothly, I can tell you that. > > No matter. I have pleasure in attaching to this email a scanned copy of my national identity card - if there’s anything else you need, just ask. > > Bye for now > Wilton Ecks The ID card looks like [this](http://www.gurman.co.uk/stuff/Karte.jpg). Ecks bears a striking resemblance to Prince Andrew, don’t you think? (BTW, I sent it as an attachment, not a back-traceable link as I have provided here) _ **Dramatis Personae:** _ (In case anyone is getting confused) Mrs Grace Pearl Johnson - The scammer Mr (Barrister) Patrick Adam (or Adams) - Also the scammer, or possibly his confederate Mr Mange Tout (AKA Nemga Tuot) - Me Mr Richard Dastardly - Also me Mr Witon Ecks - Me again ---
**Author:** ![Merkwurdigliebe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/74df32/32.png) [@Merkwurdigliebe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merkwurdigliebe)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/25 "2007-03-20T00:30:12Z")
LOL Mangetout! I’m seriously in tears over that dummied passport! You sir, are a genius. But please, do something really good, like requesting some pictures or something. Such requests usually result in some pretty amusing photoshop attempts. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/26 "2007-03-20T00:34:47Z")
I think it would only be reasonable to request a photograph of my would-be benefactors, wouldn’t it? I think Ecks might ask for a photo of Mrs Johnson, then show it to his colleague, Zedd (actually, I think he’ll be calle Tsedd). Tsedd will fall in love with Mrs Johnson at first sight. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/27 "2007-03-20T00:40:37Z")
Ecks has asked for a photo: > [@](#): > > Hello Mrs Johnson > > I am pleased to be able to tell you that I have been in contact with your lawyer, Mr Adams, and I have sent him the documentation he requested. > > I can’t help wondering about you though - it would be nice to know more about my benefactor - can you tell me a little more about yourself? Do you have a photograph of yourself that you could send by email? It would mean a great deal to me to be able to see the face of the person who is to make so much difference to my charity work here. > > I hope you can do this small thing for me. > > Bye for now > Wilton Ecks ---
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/28 "2007-03-20T00:41:00Z")
It would be just as easy and almost as satisfying to type up the whole thing, use the Bork Bork Bork Firefox extension to alter it, then send it. I personally wouldn’t put even a tenth of the effort into it that you are. Nevertheless, it’s pretty funny. ---
**Author:** ![Merkwurdigliebe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/74df32/32.png) [@Merkwurdigliebe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merkwurdigliebe)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/29 "2007-03-20T02:07:51Z")
Also let me add that there’s no better way to hurt someone than to make them fall in love with you. I know from experience. And yes, I was the injured party… ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 9:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/30 "2007-03-20T09:34:31Z")
Mange sent an agitated email to Dastardly: > [@](#): > > Baer Richerb [COLOR=Teal][Dear Richard] > > Hefa yuo haerb emythimg vrun nrs juhmsum? [Have you heard anything from Mrs Johnson?] > > i hefam’t racaifab emy aneils aithar vrun har ur vrun derristar richerb vur et laest e cuopla uv beys muw [i haven’t received any emails either from her or from barrister richard for at least a couple of days now] > [sup](Oops! - slipped up there - it should be ‘Barrister Patrick’ - but I doubt they’ll notice)[/sup] > > Cem yuo halp na? Plaesa? [Can you help me? Please?] > > Kimb Ragerbs [Kind Regards] > Nemga Tuot[/COLOR][Mange Tout] So that Richard could forward it inline to Mrs Johnson (CC: Patrick Adams and W Ecks): > [@](#): > > My dearest friends > > I trust this message finds you in fine health and good spirits. > > I am writing on behalf of Mr Mange Tout, who contacted me this day and seemed just a little concerned that he has not heard any news of our ongoing business for a day or two. > > I am sure there must be some good reason for this; you are all, no doubt, very busy people, and please do not interpret this message as a complaint. I merely wish to ensure that the channels of communication are kept open and that I render all possible assistance. > > Please, if there is any way I can assist, no matter how small, do not hesitate to contact me. > > I remain your humble and obedient servant > Richard Dastardly > > Note: forwarded message attached. Dastardly also replied to Mange: > [@](#): > > Bu mut wurry ny vriamb - i en sora thara will da suna guub raesum vur this, dot i will cumtect Nrs Juhmsum, emb i soggast yuo bu tha sena. > [Do not worry my friend - I am sure there will be some good reason for this, but I will contact Mrs Johnson, and I suggest you do the same.] (So that Mange can forward it inline when he fires off a quick message to the scammers later today) Ecks has also replied to Dastardly: > [@](#): > > Dear Richard > > You worry too much! - I’m sure everything is just fine. Leave the matter in my hands and do not concern yourself any further. I promise I’ll do everything I can to help. Rest easy my friend. > > Bye for now > Wilton Ecks (What a nice guy he seems! Butter wouldn’t melt). Ecks will email the scammers (with inline forward of Mange/Dastardly conversation), reiterating the instruction not to respond to Mange or Dastardly, but only after they have already done so. Communicating between my puppets this way makes it look much more authentic from the POV of the scammers when I forward messages instead of just composing them from scratch. I can now almost type fluent Blikster without using the translation program. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/31 "2007-03-20T10:06:11Z")
If they’re offering to meet up in London, I would seriously get in touch with the fraud squad. They might even get you to wear a wire and indulge in skullduggery! Though do be careful: these people are cleverer than one thinks, and can be extremely ruthless. Checking email IP address headers would help you to find out where they are - the last one we had was in Burkina Faso. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/32 "2007-03-20T10:29:45Z")
I’ve forwarded the email that contained the scammer’s phone and fax numbers to the fraud department of the Metropolitan Police - I expect that will mark the end of this little tale, at least the scambaiting aspect of it. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/33 "2007-03-20T11:37:04Z")
Patrick Adams has responded to Ecks: > [@](#): > > Dear Wilton Ecks, > > Thanks for your swift response, I must say that you seem to be a very great > man, and I have spoken to Mrs. Grace Johnson about you and made her to > understand that I am willing to work with you. > > Further more; I need you to furnish me with you full contact details along > with your telephone and fax number where you can be contacted. Once I > receive you contact details, I will advise you on what step to follow and > also send you a drafted deed of agreement for you to endorse. > > Note that I have also attached a scanned copy of my international passport > for your perusal and I will also be sending you a copy of her picture also > as instructed by her. > > That will be all for now, I look forward to hearing from you and also > receiving your details. > > Regards, > > Patrick Adams. His ‘passport’ is [piss-poor photoshoppery](http://www.gurman.co.uk/stuff/PATRICK_ADAMS.JPG). ---
**Author:** ![fachverwirrt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/94ad74/32.png) [@fachverwirrt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fachverwirrt)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/34 "2007-03-20T12:13:32Z")
[QUOTE=Hirka T’Bawa] Yes, keep up the good work, I’m enjoying this. The sad thing is, I was able to understand the first messages without the translation, what does that say about me? [/QUOTE] I can read Blikster with very little difficulty too. Weird. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/35 "2007-03-20T12:20:22Z")
I didn’t intend it to be anything other than incomprehensible, but I do like the way it happens to render certain words: People – poupla English – Amglish Gullible – gollidla Vacuum – fecoon ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/36 "2007-03-20T12:30:39Z")
I just noticed that Patrick Adams has promised to send a photo of Mrs Johnson, although it sounds like maybe he wants me to wiggle a bit further onto the hook before he does. I’ve put the ball back in his court by having Ecks reply: > [@](#): > > Hello Patrick > > Thanks for the email. It’s nice to be trusted by you. I can tell just from your picture that you’re a man of wisdom and integrity. > > I look forward to receiving the photo of Mrs Johnson. > > Bye for now > Wilton Ecks ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/37 "2007-03-20T12:32:12Z")
BTW, does anyone recognise the man in Patrick Adams’ fake passport? I keep thinking I’ve seen that face somewhere before (i.e. that he’s done the same as me - pull a picture of someone off the web to use in creating the fake ID) ---
**Author:** ![Uncommon\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/38 "2007-03-20T12:51:54Z")
[QUOTE=Mangetout] Patrick Adams has responded to Ecks: His ‘passport’ is [piss-poor photoshoppery](http://www.gurman.co.uk/stuff/PATRICK_ADAMS.JPG). [/QUOTE] Niiiiice. I’m pretty sure he spent the better part of 60 seconds working on that. Aside; what if you really were hooked and it turns out you’re flat broke, or only have a few bucks in your bank account for them to steal? Is it worth all this effort on their part? This is fraud, they can be traced, right? So to go through all this effort doesn’t seem like it would be profitable, plus they probably only hook .05% of the people they bait. That means they would have to bait a lot of folks for a small return and the more they bait the higher their chances of getting caught is, right? Or am I way off on this evaluation? ---
**Author:** ![Uncommon\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/39 "2007-03-20T12:53:24Z")
[QUOTE=Mangetout] BTW, does anyone recognise the man in Patrick Adams’ fake passport? I keep thinking I’ve seen that face somewhere before (i.e. that he’s done the same as me - pull a picture of someone off the web to use in creating the fake ID) [/QUOTE] Actually yes, the face did look somewhat familiar, but I couldn’t place it. Character actor? CEO? I’m betting he was in the news for some reason… ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728/40 "2007-03-20T12:59:00Z")
[QUOTE=Uncommon Sense] Niiiiice. I’m pretty sure he spent the better part of 60 seconds working on that. Aside; what if you really were hooked and it turns out you’re flat broke, or only have a few bucks in your bank account for them to steal? Is it worth all this effort on their part? This is fraud, they can be traced, right? So to go through all this effort doesn’t seem like it would be profitable, plus they probably only hook .05% of the people they bait. That means they would have to bait a lot of folks for a small return and the more they bait the higher their chances of getting caught is, right? Or am I way off on this evaluation? [/QUOTE] According to the [Metropolitan Police](http://www.met.police.uk/fraudalert/419.htm) page on 419 scams, lots of victims end up getting pressured to borrow or embezzle money to try to get to the big payout - I understand the scammers start off hitting them with small fees and charges and this makes the victims more committed to the scheme - they keep on throwing good money after bad, thinking they will be able to repay any loans or embezzled funds after they get the millions. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-419-scammer-a-new-reply-tactic/395728.md?page=3)