# Scam (Internet and Otherwise) Omnibus Thread

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [April 4, 2022, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265 "2022-04-04T18:23:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 50

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**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:** [December 27, 2024, 8:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/981 "2024-12-27T08:28:40Z")

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Forgot to add, the email title is “Happy Christmas in advance”.

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**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\
**Post date:** [December 27, 2024, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/982 "2024-12-27T18:17:11Z")

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& it was received today, right?  
  
  
I’ve gotten multiple, different emails where the sender’sa address is _supposedly_ “noreply@theskimm” I haven’t opened a single one to even try & read the header as I know they’re all BS scam attempts but it is even possible to have an email address without {period}{something} at the end of it, a .com, .org, .bus, .tv .gov, {CountryCode}, etc.?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\
**Post date:** [December 27, 2024, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/983 "2024-12-27T18:21:52Z")

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I received a very accurate looking email from my bank about year end verification of my account particulars. Besides emphasizing that my information should be correct, the email included a stern warning about how the bank will never write, email, or text me about my personal information and if suspicious,I should call the number on the back of my credit card with any questions. This was immediately followed by a click-on box to provide verification of my address; and I assume, onward to name and account numbers. I deferred and deleted.

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**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:** [December 27, 2024, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/984 "2024-12-27T18:28:05Z")

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> [@Spiderman](#):
>
> & it was received today, right? -

12/26 8:26pm Pacific  
The originating email address had a .th domain (Thailand).  
The autofilled return address was to a bank with a gmail address.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**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:** [December 29, 2024, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/985 "2024-12-29T15:41:35Z")

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> I write to bring to your notice a man identified as [redacted with Address [redacted], Sacramento, Ca. 95864 USA, filed an Application contrary to claims of your Inheritance Fund of $10,200,000.00(Ten Million Two Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) on your behalf due to your health challenge issues at the moment as stated on the **Power of Attorney** he presented.
> 
> Therefore, I ask him to return back within 72hours to enable us to have a personal confirmation notice from you being the Legal Beneficiary of the said fund before the Bank will release the Fund to him as written on the **Power of Attorney** he submitted.
> 
> I am sorry to have delayed this Instruction and Transaction till this moment in giving out this Fund since we must adhere to the Procedures of this Honorable Bank. Please, did you sign the **Power of Attorney** in favor of Mr. Thomas E.Cork thereby Authorizing him to claim your Inheritance Fund?
> 
> Your Confirmation of this Information will be appreciated before we proceed with the Fund transfer process. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
> 
> Meanwhile you are advice to get back to my office immediately with the requested details to enable us have your correct details to wire your Funds:
> 
> **1.Your First/Middle & Last Name:  
> 2.Your Full Address:  
> 3.Residential Tel/Fax & Mobile Line:  
> 4. Copy of Your International Passport or ID Card**
> 
> Kindly contact the Mr.John Andrew of Finance and Management Ltd United Kingdom now with the above contact:
> 
> Contact Person: Mr John Andrew  
> Chief Operations Officer  
> Contact : [johnandrew@consultant.com](mailto:johnandrew@consultant.com)  
> CC: [info@alfredenterprises.com](mailto:info@alfredenterprises.com)
> 
> **Best Regards,  
> Mr.Alfred Moore**
> 
> **Note: Please make sure you are the intended recipient as you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message and its contents is strictly prohibited. In addition, please contact the sender by e-mail and delete the original message Immediately if you are not the recipient!**

_Don’t worry about it. Thank you for including his address, I’ll deal with the asshole **personally** _

_Peter Mosse_

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\
**Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/986 "2025-01-31T20:55:38Z")

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“Steven, Hi, it’s Rick from Callaway. Your friend set you up with free refurbished clubs. Tap Here & Claim by 01/31 [https://xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx](https://xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)”

What a deal! I’m an avid golfer and who wouldn’t want free refurbished golf clubs!

Problem? I don’t know any “Rick from Calloway”. I don’t recognize the phone number the message was sent from. Why the pressure of 1/31? It was just sent 1/31. The repy address is not from Calloway.

I think I’ll pass on these free clubs. I could DM you address but you’ll have to act fast, just shipping and handling, but if you act right now, we’ll double the offer - just pay ------------…

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\
**Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/987 "2025-01-31T21:24:46Z")

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> [@smithsb](#):
>
> Problem? I don’t know any “Rick from Calloway”. I don’t recognize the phone number the message was sent from. Why the pressure of 1/31? It was just sent 1/31. The repy address is not from Calloway.

You wouldn’t necessarily know Rick from Calloway, “your (generic, unnamed) friend” does & he gave your info to “Rick”

The pressure of 1/31 is so that you act fast & don’t take the time to think that it’s a scam; shame on you for catching your breath & _not_ falling for a scam instead of acting impulsively because of a BS deadline!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**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:** [April 4, 2025, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/988 "2025-04-04T13:36:28Z")

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OK, it’s been a while since I got one that didn’t demand payment on first contact.

> Attention:
> 
> Are you aware that your consignment box have been in our Vault for over two years now unclaimed ? Though someone in the past came but failed to provide evidence of ownership hence, we declined handing it over. Base on your email information and other details on the Tag, we are delighted to inform you that this storage Vault facility have decided to decongest our vault hence communicating all owners to come and claim their belonging. This decision was resolved yesterday during our board meeting section.
> 
> Why haven’t you taken possession of it or follow the legal procedure to do so ? We do not allow such huge amount to abandoned in our storage Vault facility ? We urge you as a matter of urgency to immediately put modalities in place in claiming and taking out on or before the end of this month.
> 
> You either come in person or send someone to come, with an evidence of ownership. This decision is to demonstrates our dedication to fulfilling commitment to keeping individual valuables safe. We have secured a new storage vault facility and will be moving some packages to the new location in Arizona. Take note
> 
> Mr. Scott W. Bray,  
> Secretary of National Intelligence  
> Executive Director, National Security Agency.

_I have no idea what you’re talking about._

_Peter Mosse_

> The National Security Agency  
> Director of National Intelligence
> 
> Attention : Mr. Peter Mosse,
> 
> I am not surprise that you are not aware of this consignment and understand that this is a secret i decided to reveal to you, because i found out you were not aware that this individual used your name to ship such an amount in cash. My personal investigation findings shows that the person who shipped this consignment fund never wanted to bring it to you. That was why he did not ship it directly to your country but shipped it to United States. He placed your name on it, basically because he know your have a good reputation standard. But when he got to Atlanta Airport, he saw tight security, he left it there and disappeared. It was the Airport officers that took it to this storage vault facility for safety. And i found out that since over two years, no one has come for this consignment and i believe the person who shipped it does not know where it is. On the other hand, the Airport officers who brought it, did not even check to know the content, because it was concealed in a metal box. I discovered the content when i used our electronic screening device(X-ray) to detect the content and that is why i quickly contacted you to inform you. Your information on the consignment Tag is written above.
> 
> I personally will advise you find a way and take this fund since it is on your name. This is because in the future, any other security agency may come across it and since it is on your name, it would be assumed that you are the owner and they may report to the authority through your Embassy. I will help you to the extent i can to get it out with my influence and position.
> 
> You have options and you are required to choose and your readiness ? There is a Clandestine Agency who handle delivery for Government bodies and high profile business Moguls. They are of high profile status due to their engagements and their luggage are not checked at the Airport. You will pay them once they arrive your country. The above name was written on the Tag of your consignment fund. Write us back immediately !
> 
> Mr. William Scott,  
> Secretary of National Intelligence  
> Executive Director, National Security Agency.

_My country **is** the United States._

_Peter Mosse_

> The National Security Agency  
> Director of National Intelligence
> 
> Attention : Mr. Peter Mosse,
> 
> I will help you within the range of my power and i will advise you on best way to handle this to ensure successful delivery of this consignment to your home country without any problem. In as much as this consignment contains Millions of Dollars, from my X-Ray screening investigation, i do not want to tamper with it or break it. This is to make sure it remains intact until it gets to you. If i break or open it before handing it over to the official delivery vehicle that will convey it to you, it may be risky at that point.
> 
> You need to provide your address where it will be brought to you. If you consider coming to our storage Vault facility in Atlanta, you are free to come but let me know on time and date. I Also need your mobile number for easy communication when the delivery vehicle are approaching your address.
> 
> Mr. William Scott,  
> Secretary of National Intelligence  
> Executive Director, National Security Agency.

_760 Meadow Dr.Loris, SC 29569_  
_I do use a phone due to a severe speech impediment._  
_Atlanta is much too far to drive._

_Peter Mosse_

> The National Security Agency  
> Director of National Intelligence
> 
> Attention : Mr. Peter Mosse,  
> 760 Meadow Dr.  
> Loris, SC 29569, South Carolina-USA
> 
> I will talk with the management of the storage vault facility and seek for the release. The best and safe way to convey it to you, without nay problem or being stopped on transit by any security agency, is to use the services of an official delivery vehicle. The cost will not be much and i will find out and let you know. But i know it wont exceed $500 but let me find out first and inform you accordingly.

I will also send my junior officer to accompany them, while conveying it to you, to make sure it is handed over to you safely.

Mr. William Scott,  
Secretary of National Intelligence  
Executive Director, National Security Agency.

_OK._

_Peter Mosse_

> The National Security Agency  
> Director of National Intelligence
> 
> Attention : Mr. Peter Mosse,  
> 760 Meadow Dr.  
> Loris, SC 29569, South Carolina-USA
> 
> I have communicated with the official delivery agent and they said moving your package from Atlanta to you will cost $510 and they can come by this weekend. If you are ready, let me know, so i will immediately commence the process of releasing it from the storage vault facility in the morning. You will also have to send the $510, so that we don’t waste any time, once it is released. Let me know when you can send, i will find out the means they can receive the money.
> 
> Mr. William Scott,  
> Secretary of National Intelligence  
> Executive Director, National Security Agency.

_I have that in cash, I can pay on delivery._

_Peter Mosse_

> The National Security Agency  
> Director of National Intelligence
> 
> Attention : Mr. Peter Mosse,  
> 760 Meadow Dr.  
> Loris, SC 29569, South Carolina-USA
> 
> I explained this to you earlier, that we are renting an official delivery vehicle that will convey it to you. The delivery vehicle cannot even leave their office without being paid. Any other vehicle may accept payment on delivery but my preference for official delivery vehicle is to guide against being stopped on transit by any security agent. Do not forget that the content is cash which runs in Millions. Considering my status, i won’t even involve myself if we are not using official delivery vehicle, because should any go wrong, i would be held responsible and that alone will affect me. So you decide.
> 
> I ask the official delivery agent and they said, they accepts payment via Bitcoin. You can go to any Bitcoin ATM and send it and it gets to them in 5mins. I can get their Bitcoin Wallet if you are ready. I am getting ready to leave for office and i won’t do anything yet on the release, until we conclude. This is because, if i secure the release and it’s not taken out immediately, the management, may on returning it to Vault shelf, want to check the content by using X-Ray and that may start triggering problem which is what i want to avoid.
> 
> Mr. William Scott,  
> Secretary of National Intelligence  
> Executive Director, National Security Agency.

_Why am I paying the delivery vehicle? Shouldn’t I pay the driver? Or is it autonomous?_

_Peter Mosse_

> The National Security Agency
> 
> Director of National Intelligence
> 
> Attention : Mr. Peter Mosse,
> 
> 760 Meadow Dr.
> 
> Loris, SC 29569, South Carolina-USA
> 
> Yes is autonomous. This storage vault do delivery but not long distance delivery. Beside, they do normal delivery. But this is more sensitive delivery, considering the content. That was why i suggested an official delivery vehicle, that would be suspected while on transit. Please consider safety first
> 
> Mr. William Scott,
> 
> Secretary of National Intelligence
> 
> Executive Director, National Security Agency.

_If you want to consider safety, then don’t use an official delivery vehicle. Those stand out like a sore thumb._

_Peter Mosse_

> The National Security Agency  
> Director of National Intelligence
> 
> Attention : Mr. Peter Mosse,  
> 760 Meadow Dr.  
> Loris, SC 29569, South Carolina-USA
> 
> Well, i do not know any other safe vehicle that would be better. Maybe you can come here yourself. I do not want to implicate myself while trying to help. Maybe you do not understand how sensitive this is and why absolute carefulness is required.
> 
> Mr. William Scott,  
> Secretary of National Intelligence  
> Executive Director, National Security Agency.

_An ordinary car with no markings would not stand out from the rest of traffic. No one would know what it’s carrying. A Studebaker would be perfect._

_Peter Mosse_

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<div class="post-metadata">

**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:** [April 4, 2025, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/989 "2025-04-04T14:51:50Z")

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> The National Security Agency  
> Director of National Intelligence
> 
> Attention : Mr. Peter Mosse,  
> 760 Meadow Dr.  
> Loris, SC 29569, South Carolina-USA
> 
> I have check various vehicles like Studebaker is around $490. So what is the difference ? You and i do not know who may know about this consignment fund box. As a security personnel, i know the risk associated in taking such an item in a normal vehicle, especially on inter-state trip. If you do not like my suggestion, please you can come yourself. I do not want to involve myself in a risky delivery, just because you seem skeptical.
> 
> Mr. William Scott,  
> Secretary of National Intelligence  
> Executive Director, National Security Agency.

_If anyone else knows about the box outside your agency, then your security sucks manatee balls.  
Arm the driver and send him out._

_Peter Mosse_

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![bobsmom101](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobsmom101/32/2867_2.png) [@bobsmom101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobsmom101)\
**Post date:** [April 5, 2025, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/990 "2025-04-05T01:12:30Z")

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Speaking of scams, I’ve been seeing banner ads for this outfit on our very own SD boards:

> **[EMF Blockers, Protection and Shields | Conscious Copper](https://consciouscopper.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor1wpSFiFmzTy7BBnHRz3hI9Pmh_e3r6GdAa2qVGLuRy8jrU6iy)**
>
> Conscious Copper finds products designed to help bring consciousness and awareness to EMF, helping to reduce anxiety and provide clarity. Come in!

It’s expensive jewelry that protects you from EMF radiation. I hope they’ve got the wrong audience.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**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:** [April 5, 2025, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/991 "2025-04-05T01:32:39Z")

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How the hell did we survive coming down from the trees?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\
**Post date:** [April 5, 2025, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/992 "2025-04-05T01:33:30Z")

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> [@running\_coach](#):
>
> OK, it’s been a while since I got one that didn’t demand payment on first contact.

But I want a Studebaker!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**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:** [April 5, 2025, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/993 "2025-04-05T01:35:32Z")

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Once I get money from one of these scammers, I’ll buy you one.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![GESancMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gesancman/32/2923_2.png) [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\
**Post date:** [April 5, 2025, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/994 "2025-04-05T05:40:12Z")

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Earlier today on Soulseek, I got a private chat message from President Zelenskyy asking for a bitcoin donation. I suspect it might not be legit.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\
**Post date:** [April 5, 2025, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/995 "2025-04-05T12:14:26Z")

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I’ve never heard of Soulseek; thought for sure it was some online dating site, as in I’m seeking my soulmate. Kinda surprised to see it’s for file sharing. 🤣

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\
**Post date:** [May 2, 2025, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/996 "2025-05-02T13:27:21Z")

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_I received the below email verbatim; obviously, except for my comments in bold_

Subject: Payment Alert

Kevin M. Parenteau via Docusign  
{deleted first part of email address}e.e.e.e.82.7@gmail.com **{\<-- email address lines up as being from Docusign &/or Kevin’s name because every professional company uses random letters & numbers & five periods in gmail as their official email address; okay I’m now satisfied that this is _totally_ legit}**  
Because of a reported $540.00 Bitcoin transaction (0.0062 BTC), your PayPal account is currently blocked. To continue, we must have your consent. **{I’m confused - to continue & allow the payment or continue blocking it which is what I want since I didn’t make it}**

Urgent Action Is Needed:  
Please get in touch with us right away to stop further action if you did not authorize this transaction. **{Again, you’ve already blocked it & I didn’t make it so just why do I need to contact you to stop further action?}**

PayPal Resolution Center:  
+1 (818)301-2997 (Available 24/7)

Invoice Overview:  
Invoice ID: PA40nt/Tf73HE/5Dk90  
Amount Charged: $540.00  
Product: 0.0062 BTC(Bitcoin)  
Date Issued: April 29, 2025  
Location Detected: Massachusetts, USA

Secure Your Account: **{Oooh, good idea, but if I did these things then I wouldn’t see the fake txn & therefore there would be no reason to contact you. Hmmm?}**  
• Go into your PayPal account to verify recent activity and update your login details.  
• The security of your account is our top priority. Keep an eye out for phishing attempts. **{you mean, like this one?}**  
• PayPal will never ask for personal information, like passwords or PINs, over the phone or via email. **{I’ll put up $5 that you’ll ask me for those things _IF_ I were to call)**

What You Should Do Next:  
Confirm or Cancel the Transaction  
Call our toll-free direct lines at +1 (818)301-2997 (available 24/7).

**Worm** Regards **{…& night crawlers to you, too!}**  
Team PayPal  
+1 (818)301-2997

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\
**Post date:** [May 3, 2025, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/997 "2025-05-03T16:14:12Z")

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Sounds completely legit. Keep us updated on _your transaction._

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\
**Post date:** [May 3, 2025, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/998 "2025-05-03T17:24:47Z")

</div>

And the worms ate into his Paypal account.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\
**Post date:** [May 3, 2025, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/999 "2025-05-03T17:36:55Z")

</div>

Before house fire that destroyed home-few calls.  
_After_ house fire that destroyed home-multiple calls per day from solar power scammers, roofing scammers, house insurance scammers etc., some of them from the same companies over and over and over again and _never_ the same name or number twice. if I don’t answer and let it go to voicemail. the voicemail fills up a couple of times a day and they continue calling. Blocking names and numbers doesn’t help because they use familiar names and numbers and, again, they never use the same contact info twice.

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**Author:** ![scudsucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scudsucker/32/14101_2.png) [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\
**Post date:** [May 3, 2025, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-internet-and-otherwise-omnibus-thread/962265/1000 "2025-05-03T19:39:34Z")

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I don’t get many spam calls, South Africa now has robust laws on electronic communications and marketing.

But ten or more years ago… let’s just say I was less mature, more imaginative and very comedic for people in my office who got to listen to my side of the conversation.

“Loans? Yes!! Yes! After I lost my house and my family won’t loan me money because I have AIDS and my boyfriend died and I am too scared to get tested, I really need that money. The bank won’t give me money because I lost my job after I borrowed from my employer’s account. I swear I was going to pay it back, it was only a few thousand! Thank you so much, this loan will save me…”

\*click. Caller hangs up, I get blacklisted

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