Email Fraud

What is Email Fraud?

Email Fraud is a forged email that looks like it was sent from someone you know, and which tries to trick you into parting with a sum of money.

How can I spot Email Fraud?

• You receive emails that may be forged to look like the actual email address of someone you know, or in some cases, look exactly the same.
• The sender would claim to be stranded in a foreign land, and need funds for his/her return after being robbed.
• The sender asks you to transfer a sum of money to an account number through a remittance agency in order for his/her safe return home.

An example of Email Fraud

My friend, I am writing you this email with heart full of sorrow; I dont have comfortable time to write you in detail now from this PC, I will be brief once I return. I am in London and on my arrival to the hotel this morning unfortunately I got robbed, where all my belongings (my phone, cash, credit cards & diaries) which I had with me for my trip were taken away. I have just managed to email all my bank and credit card company with developments in order to put a hold on credit card and bank debit cards.

Meanwhile, the case has been reported to the police and investigation is being carrying on as the CCTV captured the incident. It was a horrible experience never happened to me before now having a gun pointed at my forehead. Henceforth, I have only limited access to my email and I cannot be reach on phone now. I am stranded, famished, I need your help now, please I beg of you, loan/help me with 2,250 to facilitate my possible passage back home. I will refund you the money as soon as I return; thank you. Please go to the nearest Western Union outlet immediately to help me send the money immediately to enable me receive it first thing the morning to proceed.

What should you do if you have revealed your banking details to fraudsters?

If you suspect you have been a victim of fraud, and have revealed your personal banking details to fraudsters of this nature, please call our hotline.

• Do not panic or take the contents of the emails at face value.
• Check if the email address is from the actual sender.
• If the sender is someone you know, always contact the sender first, to verify it. If the sender cannot be contacted, check with the senders family members or his/her close acquaintances.