I think.
Maybe I’m just being overly suspicious, but here is the transcript…
[16:41:03] Janet_Gyamfuah says: hello
[16:41:03] Janet_Gyamfuah says: hello
[16:41:56] Chris Merriman says: hi
[16:42:17] Janet_Gyamfuah says: how are u
[16:42:34] Chris Merriman says: fine thanks, and you?
[16:43:06] Janet_Gyamfuah says: i am also fine but i am looking for help in my education.
[16:43:23] Chris Merriman says: I see, what sort of help?
[16:43:42] Janet_Gyamfuah says: pls i need money for my school fees
[16:43:48] Janet_Gyamfuah says: can you help me?
[16:43:56] Chris Merriman says: i don’t have a job, unfortunately
[16:44:08] Janet_Gyamfuah says: oh i see
[16:46:38] Chris Merriman says: http://www.penpalpalace.com/penpal,id,10523,page,170,lang,jp.html – you might want to change your Skype name, people might google your name and get the wrong idea
So, if you have any money you don’t need, give it to me. You see that little tip jar area on the left hand side of this page? All credit & debit cards accepted :>
Or if you don’t want to do that, speak to Janet_Gyamfuah on Skype, and donate to her education. Apparently.
My humble apologies Janet, if you really are raising money to go to school via Skype. It is just that it sounds like a con to me.
April 20th, 2007 3:00 am
And another one tonight…
Skype transcript as follows…
old address, can now be found at https://chrismerriman.com/had-the-start-of-a-419-scam-via-skype/
February 6th, 2009 3:56 am
LOL..I love the “nigerian” et al scammers on skype. They are increasing in number, but seldom in intelligence, and the patois is so predictable it rarely takes more than a couple of IM’s to identify them. On a slow day it can be great fun to play with them. Have you been to 419eater.com ? Brilliant website where they scam the scammers to great effect. Could become a new hobby. A bit sad for the genuine people from the traditional scam countries (and there are a few who are happy to chat and cash never enters the conversation). It does say a little something about the human condition that people still fall for the scams. When you get right down to it, the two basic denominators seem to be greed or lust on the part of the scammed. the ACCC website is a good place to start for novices to the scam scene http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/Nigerian419Scams
cheers
Mal
February 6th, 2009 6:40 pm
Indeed, the 419eater site got mentioned in a post from six months before this one – https://chrismerriman.com/419-scams/ I loved the church of the painted right breast, or whatever that windup was called 🙂 In case others arrive here, but haven’t seen the other major 419 post, you can also get some info over at http://www.scambuster419.co.uk/
Favourite quote from their scammer’s message page…
I waited at the airport… I further made arrangements with an immigration officer to help me get you out when you arrive… I have been sick of the stress and the shock I received when it became clear that you are not on the plane… I have checked everywhere in the hotel… I don’t think you are real, I know you have been playing with me all this while…”
Lucky Taylor, The Member of Parliament II
Also worth checking out is http://www.scambuster419.co.uk/mpptiii.htm
April 15th, 2009 11:31 am
was on computer this morning when i got a hello msg from lisa,i thought nothing of it so went along with the conversation,now i worry i may be in danger of being scammed,i didnt give any bank or card details,am i in danger of being scammed,below is the conversation,thanks for any help as im now genuinely worried,im missing the first part of it,she contavted me first
[07:20:12] Niall Bonner: hi
[07:23:01] Lisa: hellow
[07:23:52] Lisa: (sun)
[07:34:30] Niall Bonner: wat
[07:35:59] Lisa: nothing
[07:36:08] Lisa: what’s the time in your place?
[07:36:50] Niall Bonner: its 7:36,where are u
[07:38:25] Lisa: 7:36pm?
[07:38:46] Lisa: in Beijing.what about u
[07:39:49] Niall Bonner: its am, im in ireland
[07:40:09] Lisa: aha
[07:40:33] Lisa: why are you on line so early?
[07:41:27] Lisa: Hello! Please add me to your Contact list.
[07:41:37] Niall Bonner: ive just finished work
[07:41:57] Lisa: you were on night shift?
[07:42:50] Niall Bonner: yeah quite tired now,ur english is good
[07:43:17] Lisa: Thanks!By the way how can i add you as my friend?
[07:43:56] Niall Bonner: im not sure i never use this much
[07:44:35] Lisa: me too.OIC,you are in my contact list.
[07:47:41] Niall Bonner: Niall Bonner has shared contact details with Lisa.
[07:48:09] Niall Bonner: i added u there,ur my 2nd friend
[07:48:33] Lisa: HEHE,That’s great
[07:48:58] Lisa: how about your job?
[07:49:53] Niall Bonner: just work in shop stacking shelves,its easy,what do u do
[07:51:10] Lisa: DHL Exel Supply Chain
[07:52:03] Niall Bonner: ok,do u like it
[07:52:13] Lisa: yes
[07:54:16] Niall Bonner: thats good
[08:03:50] Niall Bonner: so how did u see my name
[08:09:37] Lisa: just select
[08:15:42] Niall Bonner: watching my favourite programme on tv here chat later have a good evening.
[08:16:31] Lisa: you too
[08:16:40] Lisa: by the way,you are so handsome
[08:16:50] Lisa: may i have your photo?
[08:22:02] Niall Bonner: haha no im not,thats ok haha
[08:22:19] Lisa: hehe
[08:24:24] Niall Bonner: have u a photo
[08:24:41] Lisa: i am in the office
[08:24:50] Lisa: so i don not have now
[08:26:08] Niall Bonner: ok maybe later
April 16th, 2009 8:33 pm
I’ve answered via skype 🙂
sorry for the delay in my reply, life is a bit busy here right now with our baby…
February 5th, 2010 7:43 am
I had 2 “persons” contact me with the same story. Wanted to chat and get to know me. Claimed to be Uk men. Photos are amazing. They look like models. Too good to be true. They both loss their wives, one to cancer and other to car crash. But as I always suspicious I asked their age and they both slipped up…. what was on the profile was not what they said. Log gaps between messages… they are also chatting with others…. Turns out… it was the start of another nigerian scam. I asked to talk on the phone and as soon as I heard the voice…. I knew.
People!!!!! keep your head on and eyes open. when you find out for sure…. RUN!!!!
February 5th, 2010 2:41 pm
Run, or if you have some spare time, are confident you won’t let anything slip that would be of use to them, and want to waste some of their time so they won’t be able to try and con quite as many other people, keep them talking 🙂
November 24th, 2010 7:49 am
What do you make of this one?
I changed my real surname to ‘my surname’ in the message and that’s all!
Dear my surname,
My name is Mrs.Cathy Turner,The Group Human Resources Director, Barclay’s Bank Ghana PLC.. I got your information during my search on your Country Chambers of Commerce. I am 37 Years of Age and Married with two Lovely Kids. It may interest you to hear that I am a woman of PEACE and I only hope we can assist each other.
I have packaged a Financial Transaction that Will benefit both of us with this last name (my surname)” so when I saw your last name I was pushed to contact you and see how best we can assist each other. I believe it is the will of the Almighty God for me to come across you now, because it is in connection with your last name and you are going to benefit from it. One Mr.Alexander (my surname) (now a deceased) who happens to be a citizen of your country had a fixed deposit with our bank in 2004 for 60 calendar months, valued at US$18,400,000.00 (Eighteen Million, Four Hundred Thousand US Dollars). Now his Certificate of Deposit (CD) expired January 16,2010. Sadly, I regret to let you know that Mr.Alexander was among the death victims far back May 27, 2006: An earthquake in central Java kills at least 5800 people. He was off to Indonesia on a business trip before the eventuality took place. My bank management is yet to discover anything about his death. Mr. Alexander did not mention any beneficiary when the account was created and he was not married and has no children. Last week my Bank Management requested that i should give instructions concerning the renewal of his Certificate of Deposit (CD) with the bank.
Basically, this fund has come to maturity and ready for withdrawal together with the accrued interest.If the bank directors happens to learn that Mr. Alexander is dead and do not have any beneficiary to claim his fund, it will be reverted into the bank’s treasury account as unclaimed deposit. Now, I must provide a beneficiary to claim this fund. For this reason, I have no choice but to search for you through his name so as to present you before the bank as the sole beneficiary to late Mr. Alexander.The fact that both of you share the same name has made this transaction executable under a legitimate background. There is no risk involved.
Better we claim this money and invest it in your country richly. I am not a greedy person, so I am suggesting we share the funds equal, 50/50% to both parties.If you are able to assist me with this noble endeavor, please contact me on my personal email address:(mrs_cathy_turner3@accountant.com) for details and procedures. Please do treat this information as highly confidential.
Have a nice day and God bless.
Anticipating your communication.
Mrs.Cathy Turner.
November 24th, 2010 11:12 am
Most definitely another scam.
I’d lay all of my income for the next five years on it.
I’d recommend you do the same.
You just need to PayPal me the money or better yet, your bank details, a high quality scan of your passport and signature, and perhaps a power of attorney form giving me control of your estate 🙂
January 13th, 2011 8:04 am
OH MY GOD!!! I got the exact same message!! I started talking to “cathy” about it, and he/she started going off about how god has led her through life just to find me and to invest in my country. Thanks, but I’ve already given my country enough money in taxes.
January 13th, 2011 9:26 pm
If anyone else receives Skype messages that seem to be a scam, and want to post them here (Google seems to index this site quite quickly and thoroughly), so others stand a chance of detecting frauds quickly, do feel free. Glad you didn’t fall for the scam Rachel.
December 15th, 2010 10:42 am
Hello to everybody,
first, excuse me please for my poor English, I am Russian. Here is my story. Read, please. Just over a month ago a guy from Manchester, joined me on Skype. He introduced himself as Albert Cullen Dawson, an American living and working in the UK in the company for the manufacture of furniture like a big boss http://ebonylandfurniture.co.cc/about/about.html. He is 46 years old, a widower, was married 5 years, his wife died of cancer, no children, he was born in Texas from the city of Pearland almost immediately asked me to build a serious relationship. Since I am a lonely lady, I thought, why not try? He quickly fell in love with me, I was afraid that he will move out to the virtual sex, but he did not try, what made me believe him. We talked about life, about our dreams and so on. I saw him on webcam, he was a white race, not African. Soon, he told me that he is going to a conference in South Africa. Then he gave me a phone number, when I looked at the code of the country, it was Nigeria. He asked me to call him, but I replied that I could not, it’s expensive for me. Then he called me, called me 2-3 times a day, a very short calls and long SMS on his love for me. Of course, I realized that this guy is just playing with me, very professional and and decided to continue playing with him. Two days ago he started talking about what a pee contract 1800000 million dollars and ready to start his own business in the U.S., and I’ll help him as his beloved wife. But in order to get the contract he must pay 18 thousand dollars, it lacks up to this amount, 3,800 dollars. He began to ask me to send him the money to Nigeria, Lagos. His phone number is +2347087656662. He uses e-mail add: dawy8809@yahoo.com; dawy8809@hotmail.com. His skype name is:dawy8809. I figured that’ll help. Look down our chat.
[17:18:39] Albert Dawson ???????: and right now i need more funds here to get these document honey,i have spent over 18,000$ here
[17:20:13] WWWWW ???????: and I will try to help you
[17:20:56] WWWWW ???????: very very poor connection there
[17:21:11] Albert Dawson ???????: yes honey
[17:22:02] Albert Dawson ???????: all i need now from you honey is to help me secure the remaining documents i need to get the contract now
[17:22:13] WWWWW ???????: do you mean you need to get investments?
[17:22:24] Albert Dawson ???????: i need almost 3,800$ now
[17:22:46] WWWWW ???????: $3800 dollars?
[17:22:53] Albert Dawson ???????: yes honey
[17:23:13] WWWWWW ???????: oh… what can I do?
[17:23:45] Albert Dawson ???????: how can you help me ?
[17:23:55] WWWWWW ???????: how can I help you?
[17:23:55] Albert Dawson ???????: ?
[17:23:55] Albert Dawson ???????: how much can you help me with honey
[17:24:15] WWWWWW ???????: yes
[17:24:42] Albert Dawson ???????: how much can you get for me for the money i need
[17:24:43] Albert Dawson ???????: ‘?
[17:27:16] Albert Dawson ???????: honey
[17:27:19] Albert Dawson ???????: ?
[17:27:28] WWWWWW ???????: yes, I am here, my honey
[17:27:56] Albert Dawson ???????: ?
[17:27:56] Albert Dawson ???????: are you there honey
[17:29:14] WWWWWW ???????: yes, I am here, it seems to me you again lost connection
[17:29:24] Albert Dawson ???????: yes
[17:29:34] Albert Dawson ???????: ?
[17:29:34] Albert Dawson ???????: can you get the 3800$ for me???
[17:30:06] WWWWWW ???????: my love, I need to think of what can I do?
[17:30:20] WWWWWW ???????: how fast you need to get money?
[17:30:39] Albert Dawson ???????: i should be paying these tomorrow here
[17:31:07] WWWWWW ???????: oh, so quickly?
[17:31:21] Albert Dawson ???????: as you know these was why am here
[17:31:24] WWWWWW ???????: I can only aftrer December, 20
[17:31:39] Albert Dawson ???????: i have been spending money since i got here honey
[17:32:00] WWWWWW ???????: yes, I understand
[17:32:06] Albert Dawson ???????: i need to be able to secure these contract get my certificate and the cheque so i can be with you honey
[17:32:40] WWWWWW ???????: I need to borrow some money
[17:32:51] WWWWWW ???????: I have not such big sum
[17:33:31] Albert Dawson ???????: so how much do you think you can get sent over tomorrow so i can make a deposit and no one can take the spot of me
[17:33:32] Albert Dawson ???????: ?
[17:34:22] WWWWWW ???????: my darling, I will get money only on Friday I guess
[17:34:29] WWWWWW ???????: or Monday
[17:35:03] Albert Dawson ???????: i have to be able to do something honey
[17:35:10] Albert Dawson ???????: i have been thinking here honey
[17:35:22] WWWWWW ???????: what did you think?
[17:35:40] WWWWWW ???????: nobody can help you from USA?
[17:35:52] Albert Dawson ???????: these is just the last stage of the application and financing it has been my problem
[17:36:02] WWWWWW ???????: maybe you have some friends in USA or UK?
[17:36:22] WWWWWW ???????: can they borrow money for you?
[17:36:25] Albert Dawson ???????: as you know am a busy man and i only told you because you are my love
[17:37:11] Albert Dawson ???????: and my wife
[17:37:52] Albert Dawson ???????: i keep my business issues to myself and i dont get over it
[17:38:04] Albert Dawson ???????: honey what can you do about these for me
[17:38:11] Albert Dawson ???????: that is what i want to know
[17:40:45] Albert Dawson ???????: am talking about us honey
[17:40:52] WWWWWWW ???????: I know…
[17:40:59] Albert Dawson ???????: and what you can do for us
[17:41:20] WWWWWW ???????: but right now I have not such sum to send
[17:42:15] WWWWWW ???????: wait please, my love
[17:42:26] Albert Dawson ???????: ok
[17:42:28] Albert Dawson ???????: am here
[17:44:45] WWWWWW ???????: my love, how possible to send money?
[17:45:01] WWWWWW ???????: I mean on your bank account?
[17:45:22] WWWWWW ???????: or other way?
[17:47:13] Albert Dawson ???????: am here
[17:47:35] Albert Dawson ???????: well as you know am not home,i can use one of the persons here
[17:47:50] Albert Dawson ???????: can you send it through western union money transfer
[17:47:53] Albert Dawson ???????: ?
[17:48:23] WWWWWW ???????: yes, we have a western union and grammoney here
[17:48:33] Albert Dawson ???????: ok
[17:48:57] Albert Dawson ???????: you can send it over through western union money transfer
[17:49:16] WWWWWW ???????: yes, my darling, we have it
[17:49:24] Albert Dawson ???????: is that ok by you
[17:49:26] Albert Dawson ???????: ?
[17:49:44] WWWWWW ???????: I didn’t understand your question
[17:50:16] Albert Dawson ???????: i mean can you send the money through western union money transfer ?
[17:51:01] WWWWWW ???????: yes, it’s possible to send money by western union
[17:51:12] Albert Dawson ???????: good
[17:51:56] WWWWWW ???????: I called to the bank, they said I need to know your details and to give you 10 numbers and control question
[17:52:13] Albert Dawson ???????: yes
[17:52:20] Albert Dawson ???????: hold on honey
[17:53:09] Albert Dawson ???????: i want to ask a citizen here who has been serving me to help me with his details so i can get the details sent over to you
[17:58:18] WWWWW ???????: well
[17:58:31] Albert Dawson ???????: am here honey
[17:58:47] Albert Dawson ???????: bad connection on the internet over here
[17:58:49] WWWWW ???????: yes, I see, my love
[17:59:10] Albert Dawson ???????: i have the details now honey
[17:59:20] WWWWW ???????: wonderful
[18:00:33] WWWWWW ???????: my love, I don’t understand, why you can’t get my money transfer there?
[18:01:14] Albert Dawson ???????: ?
[18:01:14] Albert Dawson ???????: how do you mean honey
[18:01:27] Albert Dawson ???????: you want to make a bank transfer?
[18:01:47] WWWWWW ???????: I mean, I must send money to address of other person, not you?
[18:02:57] Albert Dawson ???????: i will be the one to collect it honey,but since am not in my country i wont be able to collect it here honey,all the detail will be with me and i will go to the bank with him honey
[18:03:24] WWWWW ???????: I understood
[18:03:37] WWWWW ???????: send me details of this person
[18:03:52] Albert Dawson ???????: you dont have to worry about it,as the money will surely get to me,its for the same purpose because he is nice person and also works with the company here
[18:04:40] Albert Dawson ???????: ?
[18:04:40] Albert Dawson ???????: do you get me
[18:08:13] Albert Dawson ???????: OK
[18:08:28] Albert Dawson ???????: the connection is pretty bad honey
[18:08:40] Albert Dawson ???????: i hope you understand
[18:09:01] Albert Dawson ???????: these is the details
[18:09:04] Albert Dawson ???????: Name……Chika Eze
Addree….12 wood avenue,
lagos
Nigeria..
[18:09:46] Albert Dawson ???????: did you get it
[18:09:47] Albert Dawson ???????: ?
[18:10:02] WWWWWW ???????: yes, I puted on my paper
[18:10:14] WWWWWW ???????: nothing else?
[18:10:25] Albert Dawson ???????: just that honey
[18:10:26] WWWWWW ???????: such short address?
[18:10:46] Albert Dawson ???????: and after the payment is made i will need these from you
[18:10:57] WWWWWW ???????: well
[18:11:34] WWWWWW ???????: when tomorrow we can talk?
[18:11:39] Albert Dawson ???????: 1………senders name and address
2……..test question and answer
3…….amount sent
4……money transfer control number(M.T.C.N)
[18:11:52] Albert Dawson ???????: am here
[18:12:17] Albert Dawson ???????: you will send these details to my phone number as sms
[18:12:26] Albert Dawson ???????: do you understand me honey
[18:12:39] Albert Dawson ???????: after you make the payment
Here is the end of my “love-scam” story. I will let to him a long long time for my money.