There seems to be a new Facebook scam in the works. For those of you on the social network, your should be aware of this growing problem.
Today, I received a friend request from one of my work colleagues. It struck me as unusual, because I was already friends with him. But I was busy with a few projects at the time and so I accepted the request without too much thought. I assumed I would follow up with him later as to what happened to his old account that caused him to need to friend me again.
After an hour or so, I received an instant message (IM) from him. “Oh nice!” I thought, although, again it was a bit unusual because he normally doesn’t IM with me. Of course I responded as any decent person would do. After a few casual messages about how things are with both of us, the conversation turned weird. Here’s what was said:
Him: how are you doing ?
Me: Good! We hadn't a brief quiet spell, but things are picking up again:-)
Me: How about you?
Him: thing are going right
Him: hope all is well with you ?
Me: Yes, all is good.
Him: I was just wondering if you have heard about the good news yet?
Me: Hmm, I think I may have missed it!
Him: I am so happy because I got $20,000 cash from the Federal Government humanity and poverty eradication. They are Helping the poor,disable,deaf,old,retired and young people with Cash, I wonder if you get your money yet because I saw your name on the federal Govt list,
Me: I'm sorry, what now?
Him: I wonder if you get your money yet because I saw your name on the federal Govt list
Me: Where are you right now? I just called your office.
REDACTED signed off at 12:45 PM.
His signing off the minute I mentioned trying to call him is a clear sign that this was indeed not my colleague. Well, that and all the talk about getting $20,000 for the Federal Government. I’m quite certain that had I persisted with the conversation, a request for personal information, bank details, or a link to what I can guarantee is not a safe website would have followed.
Be sure to pay attention to the little details when having any interaction with people on line, whether you know them or not. Listen to any nagging doubts (as my wife would say) you may have. There are plenty of bad people out there and there are very few lengths they won’t go to in order to part you and your money.
