# Gee, could this be a scam? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 5, 2015, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299 "2015-03-05T19:24:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21825_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/1 "2015-03-05T19:24:40Z")
This has got to be one of the flakiest scam emails I’ve gotten in a long time! > [@](#): > > SECRET SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY > U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY > WASHINGTON, DC 20528, USA. > Good Day > > This is the Department of Homeland Security. We have a vital mission which is to secure the nation from the many threats as well as internet Fraud. This requires the dedication of more than 230,000 employees in jobs that range from aviation and border security to emergency response, from cyber security analyst to chemical facility inspector. Our duties are wide-ranging, but our goal is clear keeping America safe. > > By the way, your file just came across my desk, and we are happy to inform you that your funds valued at US$10,700,000.00 (Ten million Seven Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) have been approved by the Treasury Department of the United States. > Kindly get back to us for further directives. > > Note: Do not reply to any e-mail that comes from the FBI Director. The FBI director does not e-mail people; He will rather send an agent to your door step in person. Do not fall a victim of scam again, a word is enough for the wise. > > Please fill in your details here. > > 1. Your full name > 2. Phone, fax and mobile# > 3. Your full home address > 4. Profession, age and marital status > 5. Copy of your any valid ID card. > 6. Monthly Income > Thank you and have a good day. > > Signed: homeland.chertoff@yahoo.com.hk > Mr. Michael Chertoff > Director, United States Secret Service > U.S. Department of Homeland Security > Washington, DC 20528,USA > Text Message Only (512) xxx-xxxx I love how Homeland Security uses a yahoo.com.hk email and that its phone number has a Texas area code! But when I hover over the sender, it shows a [USCIS.gov](http://USCIS.gov) address. Plus they’re warning me to beware of scam emails from the FBI! By the way, what should I do with my $10 million?? Anyone need some pocket money? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/2 "2015-03-05T19:32:09Z")
Maybe that’s your Sovereign Citizen account. ---
**Author:** ![Gedd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gedd/32/4938_2.png) [@Gedd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gedd)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/3 "2015-03-05T19:37:32Z")
You should send a copy of [this ID.](https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTud7hs2DoY0wE3yHL5U4y2eJgE3huaZJMI-zbA0fuUEJbMr_3l) ---
**Author:** ![hotflungwok](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/edb3f5/32.png) [@hotflungwok](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hotflungwok)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/4 "2015-03-05T19:51:03Z")
I love how Homeland Security is now recruiting people through random emails. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/5 "2015-03-05T19:54:26Z")
Gee, some people get all the cool junk email. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/6 "2015-03-05T20:14:34Z")
I got that one too! And then today I got one which purported to be from [fbi.gov](http://fbi.gov); I didn’t actually open it because when I looked at the header the return-to was "joeblow(or something)@gmail.com. Didn’t sound totally legit. And then, the title was “finish setting up your on-line payment” or similar words. Hmm. Say **lieu** , I could start forwarding these to you. I also get a lot of mail about improving the size of my penis (which I do not have); would you like those as well? ---
**Author:** ![Calatin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@Calatin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Calatin)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/7 "2015-03-05T20:32:51Z")
> [@kayT](#): > > Say **lieu** , I could start forwarding these to you. I also get a lot of mail about improving the size of my penis (which I do not have); would you like those as well? Why would \*\*lieu \*\*want to increase the size of your non-existent penis? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/8 "2015-03-05T20:39:45Z")
I’m not touching that with a ten foot pole. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/9 "2015-03-05T20:41:42Z")
> [@lieu](#): > > I’m not touching that with a ten foot pole. Which could result from too much junk mail. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21825_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/10 "2015-03-05T20:42:45Z")
I could buy you a ten foot pole with my multi-million dollar payout! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/11 "2015-03-05T21:02:34Z")
> [@lieu](#): > > I’m not touching that with a ten foot pole. stealth brag alert ---
**Author:** ![Canadjun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/76d3ee/32.png) [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/12 "2015-03-05T21:21:01Z")
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Counter-terrorism Division and Cyber Crime Division J. Edgar. Hoover Building Washington DC Dear Beneficiary, Series of meetings have been held over the past 7 months with the secretary general of the United Nations Organization. This ended 3 days ago. It is obvious that you have not received your fund which is to the tune of $8,500.000.00 due to past corrupt Governmental Officials who almost held the fund to themselves for their selfish reason and some individuals who have taken advantage of your fund all in an attempt to swindle your fund which has led to so many losses from your end and unnecessary delay in the receipt of your fund. The National Central Bureau of Interpol enhanced by the United Nations and Federal Bureau of Investigation have successfully passed a mandate to the current president of Nigeria his Excellency President Good luck Jonathan to boost the exercise of clearing all foreign debts owed to you and other individuals and organizations who have been found not to have receive their Contract Sum, Lottery/Gambling, Inheritance and the likes. Now how would you like to receive your payment? Because we have two method of payment which is by Check or by ATM card? ATM Card: We will be issuing you a custom pin based ATM card which you will use to withdraw up to $12,000 per day from any ATM machine that has the Master Card Logo on it and the card have to be renewed in 4 years time which is 2019. Also with the ATM card you will be able to transfer your funds to your local bank account. The ATM card comes with a handbook or manual to enlighten you about how to use it. Even if you do not have a bank account. Check: To be deposited in your bank for it to be cleared within three working days. Your payment would be sent to you via any of your preferred option and would be mailed to you via FedEx. Because we have signed a contract with FedEx Express which should expire by the end of this month, you will only need to pay $250 instead of $550 saving you $300 So if you pay before the end of this month you save $300 Take note that anyone asking you for some kind of money above the usual fee is definitely a fraudsters and you will have to stop communication with every other person if you have been in contact with any. Also remember that all you will ever have to spend is $250.00 nothing more! Nothing less! And we guarantee the receipt of your fund to be successfully delivered to you within the next 48hours after the receipt of payment has been confirmed. Note: Everything has been taken care of by the Federal Government of Nigeria, The United Nation and also the FBI and including taxes, custom paper and clearance duty so all you will ever need to pay is $250. DO NOT SEND MONEY TO ANYONE UNTIL YOU READ THIS: The actual fees for shipping your ATM card is $550 but because FedEx have temporarily discontinued the C.O.D which gives you the chance to pay when package is delivered for international shipping We had to sign contract with them for bulk shipping which makes the fees reduce from the actual fee of $550 to $250 nothing more and no hidden fees of any sort! To effect the release of your fund valued at $8,500.000.00 you are advised to contact our correspondent in Africa the delivery officer George Ennis with the information below, Name: George Ennis You are advised to contact him with the information?'s as stated below: Your full Name… Your Address:… Home/Cell Phone:… Preferred Payment Method (ATM / Cashier Check) Upon receipt of payment the delivery officer will ensure that your package is sent within 48 working hours. Because we are so sure of everything we are giving you a 100% money back guarantee if you do not receive payment/package within the next 48hours after you have made the payment for shipping we the Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) will get your funds refund back to you with immediate effect Yours sincerely, Chris Swecker TELEPHONE: Note: Do disregard any email you get from any impostors or offices claiming to be in possession of your ATM CARD, you are hereby advice only to be in contact with George Ennis of the ATM CARD CENTRE who is the rightful person to deal with in regards to your ATM CARD PAYMENT and forward any emails you get from impostors to this office so we could act upon and commence investigation. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/13 "2015-03-05T21:25:14Z")
You’d think they would at least do a brief Google search before composing. Of course you’d think they would do a grammar check after composing, too, but apparently not. > [@](#): > > Do not fall a victim of scam again, a word is enough for the wise. Again? How would they know I fell victim once? Ooooohhhh… Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21825_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/14 "2015-03-05T21:34:33Z")
> [@Canadjun](#): > > ATM Card: We will be issuing you a custom pin based ATM card which you will use to withdraw up to $12,000 per day from any ATM machine that has the Master Card Logo on it and the card have to be renewed in 4 years time which is 2019. I want to see the ATM that will dispense $12K!! How much does a fully-loaded ATM hold? ---
**Author:** ![Kenm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/15 "2015-03-05T22:28:56Z")
> [@Canadjun](#): > > Chris Swecker I ran that phone number in Google, and it came up with the same email. So it must be true. ---
**Author:** ![TheCuse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thecuse/32/2854_2.png) [@TheCuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheCuse)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/16 "2015-03-05T22:55:20Z")
I love these kinds of scams. Well–not “love,” because real victims do fall for them. But I’m a scambaiter and it’s a hobby of mine to mess with them and waste their time. I figure the more I waste their time, the less time they have for real victims. The FBI and Homeland Security scams seem to be very popular nowadays. ---
**Author:** ![grude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47774/32.png) [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/17 "2015-03-05T23:02:39Z")
I remember being amused during Iraq war 2 when all of a sudden the Nigerian bank scam emails changed into being about the king or prince of Iraq needing to sneak millions out of the country under the nose of the USA and please won’t you help? Remember that while reading this pictures of Saddam were on the TV behind me! Saddam was all over USA media. So they needed people naive enough to believe Iraq was a monarchy, lol. ---
**Author:** ![grude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47774/32.png) [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/18 "2015-03-05T23:05:43Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > I want to see the ATM that will dispense $12K!! How much does a fully-loaded ATM hold? Maybe in Japan or Jamaica? Of course that is just because they have lower denomination currency. I’m limited to 3K a day a think which is really only around 500 USD which is pretty standard. ---
**Author:** ![JSexton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/96bed5/32.png) [@JSexton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JSexton)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/19 "2015-03-05T23:09:31Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > You’d think they would at least do a brief Google search before composing. Of course you’d think they would do a grammar check after composing, too, but apparently not. The bad grammar is quite deliberate. The idea is to weed out the only moderately gullible by making it clear that it’s a scam. This way, anyone takes this email seriously is the ideal victim: completely credulous and incapable of reason. Not joking. ---
**Author:** ![MacTech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2015, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299/20 "2015-03-05T23:15:50Z")
I never knew the United States Homeland (In)Security department was based in Hong Kong either, how international of them… :rolleyes: [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gee-could-this-be-a-scam/714299.md?page=2)