So I received this email from some random guy asking me to get a next of kin document because someone left me money in their will. I know, I too was like "Yea, okay, delete..." but the guy kept writing back showing me parts of the will, and it turns out I actually know this guy (kind of, he was at a play and we talked for awhile and he said if he had a daughter he would want her to be like me:) ) so... I don't know if I should believe this guy. What do you think? I mean if you were in my situation, if you received these emails and then it turns out you know this guy? This is kinda spooky... How can I tell if this is for real or not?
2006-09-16 06:47:07 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
Yea, you guys are completely right, I was just blinded by the money. And I could really use it to rebuild from Katrina, but I should've really considered this a scam. The only thing that bothers me is... how the hell did they know the guy I met? That's what's bothering the hell out of me...
2006-09-16 06:52:30 · update #1
This is called 419 scamming, named after the Nigerian fraud law. It is a form of advance fee fraud, where some reward is promised to you. At some point, when the person thinks you are committed to receiving the money or other reward, they will ask you for money, often as a "processing fee" of some sort. Sometimes the story gets really exciting, as the poor fellow needs money to bribe an official, or other sort of illegal act.
It is most common coming from Nigeria, but I have heard stories from other parts of Africa, and Eastern Europe.
If you are an adult, take a look at www.scamorama.com. They have several accounts of 419 scams.
I try to always be writing to at least one scammer. My goal is to get them to send me foreign currency, on the premise that me sending $1000 is worth 1000 of their money (It isn't!, their money is worth pennies!) But they don't fall for my scam, either.
2006-09-16 06:58:44 · answer #1 · answered by Polymath 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should definitely consider this a scam.
If you want to check this, tell him how thrilled you are about this turn of good fortune and ask for his full name, address and phone number as you will need to have your lawyer contact him in order to proceed.
I guarantee you'll never hear from him again.
Truly, sweetie, the proceeds of wills are NOT, repeat NOT, handed out by guys through emails. There is a legal process that has to be followed.
If you haven't already, please don't give him any personal information. If he presses YOU for your lawyer's name and number, just pick one from the phone book, or even better, IGNORE this man - he is after something and it ain't going to be good.
OMG, I was just reading other people's responses - NEVER< NEVER
FOLLOW-UP: The emails MAY be from the guy you met at a play or they may just have picked a name at random and it happens to be a name that you recognize. Either way, as I said before, nothing good is going to come out of this .... don't get scammed .... or worse!
2006-09-16 13:49:09 · answer #2 · answered by JaneB 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you actually know guy, then it should be no problem contacting him. If you just met him at the play, talked to him for a little bit, and he suddenly knows your e-mail address and stuff, you might have a stalker on your hand. Do you even know the person who left you the money? I cannot tell you what to do in your situation. But if you do go meet the guy and get it settled, bring someone with you for safety precautions (preferably a big guy).
2006-09-16 13:52:25 · answer #3 · answered by Te 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people go out and meet people so they have a network to send emails to and scam them. You don't actually know this guy. If he's legite he will not ask you for any information. He will give you the info he has and you can check it with a lawyer or family member. DO NOT GIVE HIM ANY INFO. OR MONEY.
2006-09-16 13:51:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is from a will and it deals with money, I would seek the advise or be represented by a lawyer. If is true, it will cost you some but you will still be getting money you currently don't have. Every penny counts. If it is fake, then the guy will be found out and will leave you alone.
That's what I would do.
2006-09-16 13:52:18 · answer #5 · answered by 1loopyferretpsycho 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If someone leaves you something in a will, you will NOT be contacted by e-mail. You will receive a certified letter through the post office, period. You're either being stalked, or he's trying to scam you. Keep ignoring him, and he'll go away, or better yet, call your police dept., and see if they have a computer crimes unit.
2006-09-16 13:50:11 · answer #6 · answered by alchemist_n_tx 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you have a stalker. Call the police and get them to check him out. If it's for real i'm sure they would let you know, but either way, at least they will have a record of you notifying them if anything bad happens in the future.
2006-09-16 13:50:04 · answer #7 · answered by stuntdouble_uk 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have received mail from Africa. Saying that somebody left me $5 million dollars. But I have to send $275. To cover the money order to send the money. They are willing to send me up to $275.000. Yes!!! I'll send the money, and then I won't see anything! Do not be taken for a fool!!!!!!!!!
2006-09-16 13:55:06 · answer #8 · answered by alfonso 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as they don't ask for money then your alright..Something should come in the mail for u...Just don't give your addy or phone no. over the internet.Good luck There are alot of scams out there so wait for the mail.If nothing comes then it's a scam...Don't send any money...
2006-09-16 14:05:16 · answer #9 · answered by sweet_thing_kay04 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well there is a possible this guy is real, but on the other hand it could be possible this guy was just trying to play a trick on u.
Wich do u think is right??? I know your thinking this is stupid edvice, but u should try to do it like this.
2006-09-16 13:52:59 · answer #10 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋