Scam Alert: New E-mail Scam (Phishing E-mail) Targeting OFWs

In a recent news article, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh warned the general public, especially Overseas Filipino Workers, against a new e-mail scam claiming to be from Philippine embassies, promising cash prizes and asking for personal details.

This new email scam is one form of phishing e-mails used by cyber criminals for identity theft.

Phishing e-mails are used for identity theft.
Image from here.

The warning came about after an OFW wisely approached the Philippine Consulate General in Saipan after receiving such an email. The e-mail is supposedly from the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman informing him of a cash prize amounting to 500, 000 pounds and asking his personal details for him to to receive the prize money.

This website voices the same warning to OFWs, and to internet users in general. Use logic. How can you win in a contest/promo you did not join? It is close to impossible to be that lucky. No government authority like an embassy asks for personal information via e-mail.

Here's a few to things to spot phishing e-mails and avoid being scammed.

The e-mail does not contain your complete name. Regular phishers blasts out these kind of e-mails by the thousands. They won't have the time to know your complete name. Even if they do, it would be tedious for them to send specific e-mails to respective names. As a result, greetings/salutations in these e-mails are generic like Dear OFW, etc.

There are obvious misspelled words and wrong grammar. For many phishers, English is a secondary language.

Links or URLs posted in the e-mail do not really point you to the right website/webpage. You can check this by hovering the mouse pointer over the link/URL. Examine them if they really point to the official website of the embassy it claims to be. Check if there are mispellings, inserted hyphens, reversed letters etc. More sophisticated phishers can put the real link/URL but divert victims to a pop up page or different website.

Even with these tips and those from other websites, no internet user can really be 100% phishing-free, no matter how smart they are. The best defense against phishing e-mails is better judgement.

For those who have taken interest with similar e-mails, the best course of action is to verify directly with the embassy where the e-mail claims to be coming from.

And in case you spot a phishing e-mail, it would be helpful to report it to authorities and share it with friends and relatives. Spreading the word about it will make life harder for these scammers victimize OFWs.

Here are additional resources about identifying and avoiding phishing e-mails on credit card, banking and financial institutions.

- http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/phishing-symptoms.aspx
- http://banking.about.com/od/securityandsafety/a/phishingscams.htm
- http://webtoolsandtips.com/uncategorized/detecting-phishing-scam-emails/

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Mr.Kevin Stringer Scam - Looking for Caregivers

Here's another online scam similar to that of Mr. Nicklas Steve Addison from London looking for Caregivers.

Hello,

I am Mr.Kevin Stringer, 36 Years Old, and working with Bachas oil and gas Construction Company London. Due to the nature of my work, I don't usually stays at home unless during weekends. My home address: 72 London Street Reading, RG1 4SJ UK.I'm single parents, I will like you to know that i have just two kids.

Alex and Linda, I need an honest and caring living-in male or female nanny/caregiver who will come to London take care of my kids in my house. I am willing to offer salary amount of 2000, British Pounds every month, Food and Accommodation. And also i will put my effort to make sure that the travel papers will be legal secured. In case if you are interested to be a nanny to my kids, urgently get back to me. Or if you know someone who is willing and capable in taking care of kids, please ask the person to contact me,

Best regard,
Mr.Kevin Stringer.

Contact: kevinstringer27@yahoo.com

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SCAM: Caregivers for London | Mr. Nicklas Steve Addison

There's a certain Mr. Nicklas Steve Addison from London who sent me an email looking for caregivers to take care of his two kids. Here's the content of his email.

Hello, I am Mr. Nicklas Steve Addison, a 43 years parent with two little kids in london. I am a banker working with one of the small bank here in london. I am looking for a qualified caregiver/housekeeper or qualified personal individual who will be able to be looking after my two little kids in my home when I am off to work. my present caregiver will be resigning her post soon so due to the nature of my job, I would be needing someone to take over from her.

I need a caregiver whether female or male that is homely, caring, experience, humble and also God fearing that can take a very good care of my kid in my absents. The basic occupation salary is GBP600.00 Pounds per week and the contract duraction will be two years renewable. kindly email me back or call +447035972087 in regards to this offer.

I will be very grateful if I can get a positive reply from you and do not forget to give me your full details with your CV and passport copy as soon as possible or give me a call so that I can direct you on necessary requirements for the job. Best regards, Mr. Nicklas Steve Addison E-MAIL..nicklassteveaddison@yahoo.com PHONE..+447035972087.

He said he is a banker and dont have the luxury of time but can actually sit on his computer and do bloghopping to "recruit" workers. That it inself is a suspect. And come on, I can't remember applying for a caregiver position so where in the world did you get my email address?

This is not new. In fact, I have lost count how many times I received email of this kind. They just change the names and location but mostly, they claim to be from somewhere in UK. Operators of this scam also use blog comments to lure victims.

Do not fall for it. It's a scam!

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Semino Private Hospital Scam Alert: POEA Warning Medical Students/Professionals

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has released an advisory, warning medical students and medical professionals about the Semino Private Hospital- Switzerland Scam.

This recent news advisory from POEA reported a scam luring medical students and medical professionals to a supposed Semino Private Hospital in Switzerland which offers student programs and internship jobs.

A quick search in the internet revealed a seminohospital.com. In the search results description, the website seem to claim a connection to St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. But in the actual website, the hospital is supposedly in Lausanne, Switzerland. Another fishy thing about this website is that their contact emails are mostly from free email providers.

The Philippine Embassy in Berne has verified that this Semino Private Hospital does not exist. Scammers will try to recruit via e-mail medical students for huge allowances and professionals for high-paying medical positions.

Medical jobs continue to be one of the most in demand jobs in the world today. It is no wonder that scammers are targeting a lot of people wanting to land a position in this capacity. If you are one of the people contacted by these scammers, inform the POEA immediately. It is wise to verify ANY medical job offer abroad so as to avoid falling victim to illegal recruiting scams such as this Semino Private Hospital scam.

Image via Wikipedia.

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Scam Alert: Primrose Sea Foods Co.Ltd Canada

If you received an email from Primrose Sea Foods Co. Ltd Canada offering you a job with compensation package that is too good to be true, it may indeed be not true. It is just of those scams similar to Golden Seafoods Canada Scam.

Tue, 14 September, 2010 11:43:43 PMURGENT JOB VACANCY IN CANADA
From: Primrose Sea Foods Co.Ltd Canada Add to Contacts
To:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Primrose Sea Foods Co.Ltd Canada

Tel : +1-866-325-3266

Dear Sir/ Madam,

Primrose Sea Foods Co.Ltd Canada And Its Joint Ventures a reputable Company based in the Canada and other part of the world after recommendation from labor consultant, we seek to write to your response on a Job opportunity.

The company needed about 800 workers to sum up the already registered one, whom their visas has been issued, because many workers will be leaving the company, at the end of this year cause of the expiration of their contract with the company.

The Company have the following vacancy:

a) Fish Packing (b) Fish Cutting (c) Company Security ( d) Office Cleaner ( e) Laborers ( f) Lobsters ( g) Drivers(h) Cook ( i) Construction/Engineering works (j) Administrative/Medical jobs for degree holders in Health and Management Courses, (k) Computer Administration.

You are hereby, advised to contact the company through e-mail using the e-mail below:

E-mail:primroseseafoods@worker.com

Kindly send your detailed Resume via E-MAIL: primroseseafoods@worker.com along with Scan Copies of your International passport copies, your passport number and two size photograph by email attachment for our review.

BENEFITS, PACKAGES AND ENTITLEMENT:

This is the Entitlement, Benefits and Packages from the Company. Paid airfares, Transportation, Quality single or family housing accommodation in company community, free medical/dental care, Excellent educational assistance benefits, Life Insurance and Paid vacation and Maximum security in work environment and housing community.

The company will give the applicants (employer) an accommodation that will last him for the period of two years in which their contract will last and it’s liable to renew it upon the company's agreement.

The salary for the post of Fish Packing jobs is us$12 per hour and you will work for 8 hours per day and also there is a chance for overtime if you have the strength.

There will be no interview since this is manpower job where any body is fit to work excepting at the health and management

sector where the company required at least first degree holders in job related.

Candidates are expected to sponsor their travel expenses excepting air ticket, which will be sent to the applicant as soon as

the applicant confirmed his work permit visa and all these fees will be reimbursed to the applicants, three days you joined

the company and other emolument for your up keep in the first month once you show your payment receipt to the company.

WORKING HOUR =8HOURS

SALARY IS $5, 880USD PER MONTH

VISA TYPE: 2 YEARS WORKING PERMIT

CONTRACT: 2 YEARS

JOB SITE: HALIFAX CANADA

FLIGHT TICKET TO CANADA ; IS SPONSORED BY THE COMPANY.

And other related disciplines. CONDITIONS/SALARY

INDICATION:

(A) ?50, 000.00 - ?100, 000.00 usd (quarterly) depending on qualifications and experiences negotiable.

(B) All contracts are meant to last for a Span of 24months (2years), and liable to upward review on expiration of the contract engagements.. Send Resume/Detailed Curriculum Vitae, telephone number via email attachment to the Contract/Project Administrator,

The relevant reference number should be stated on left - hand corner of any mail being sent in relation to this Job offer. We will enter into correspondence only with Short listed persons or expatriates.

Regards,

Primrose Sea Foods Co.Ltd Canada

Don't be a victim of scam. Beware of those who offer guaranteed visas and jobs in Canada.

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Jordan Valley Medical Center Job Scam

There are no job openings for hospital workers (doctors, nurses, medical technicians, ambulance crew, drivers, etc.) in Israel. This was reiterated by The Philippine Embassy in Israel. The embassy also said that there is no such thing as Jordan Valley Medical Center.

If you are one of those offered a job by a recruiter to work in Jordan Valley Medical Center in Israel, do not fall for it. It's a SCAM!

Source: DFA | RP Embassy: No Job Openings for Hospital Workers in Israel

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Town Inn Suites Hotel Job Scam

Are you one those who received a job offer from Town Inn Suites Hotel and is being advised to send payment to Canadian Zonal Tourist Department? There is indeed a Town Inn Suites in Toronto but they are not doing recruitment through Canadian Zonal Tourist Department.

Click here to visit Town Inn Suites official website. For information about the scam involving Town Inn Suites recruitment, read: SCAM: Town Inn Suites Hotel - Toronto

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VAM OIL AND GAS COMPANY LIMITED SCAM

Once of my blog readers forwarded this email from VAM OIL AND GAS COMPANY LIMITED asking for my comment.

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Vam Oil And Gas Company Limited Of London
To: ***@yahoo.com.ph
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 8:16:25
Subject: VAM TERMS AND CONDITIONS


VAM OIL AND GAS COMPANY LIMITED BASE IN UNITED KINGDOM

Attn:Mr.***,

WE APPOLOGIES FOR THE COMMERCIAL BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We acknowledge receipt of your certificate you sent to us and We great notification to you that the Vam Oil And Gas Company Limited Base in UK is ready to offer you a job opportunity.

But the condition given to any candidate outside United Kingdom who is ready to work with the Vam Oil And Gas Company Limited most bear the responsibility of his/her Visa and other expenses will be responsible by Vam company like your Air-Ticket and others.

And before the Vam Oil And Gas Company can send your Appointment Letter and Offer Letter to you and also direct you to the consulate of the British Embassy to process your Working Visa And Working Permit Papers, you most agree on the notification of the terms and conditions of Vam Oil And Gas Company Limited, if you are still having an interest to work in Vam Company.

Below is the offer that Vam Oil And Gas Company Limited responsible of and any candidate is responsible of his/her Visa

Compensation: The initial guaranteed compensation package will be as follows monthly:
Basic Salary: 4,500 GBP
Dressing: 15% of annual basic salary.
Utility Allowance: 15% of annual basic salary.
Inconvenienced Allowance: 10% of annual basic salary.
Others: 10% of annual basic salary.

Housing: You will be entitled to a 4 bedroom duplex in the company privately owned estate in south Kingston, London, United Kingdom.

Medical Services: staffs shall receive medical treatment in the company designated hospital in accordance with Vam Oil And Gas Company medical insurance scheme.

Ticket: resumption A air-ticket will be send to you be on the responsibilities of vam service and any expenses made by in processing visa will be refund back as soon as you arrive in the Company Arms.

Transport: Upon resumption, you will be entitling to an official car (brand new Honda Accord 2007 model) which will be fuelled by the company on daily basis.

Training: Upon resumption, you will proceed for a one month managerial training in BP professionals, Geneva, Switzerland under the company’s sponsorship.

Normal Working Hours: 8:00am to 5pm (Monday-Friday) with one hour lunch period between the hours of 12 noon to 1:00pm in the company restaurant.

Probation: The offer of employment is subject to probationary period of six months, after which, subject to satisfactory performance, your appointment will be confirmed.

Rotation: It is the company policy to rotate staffs through its various departments, from time to time, to ensure the development of well rounded professionals.

Other conditions of service will be in the company’s condition of service booklet, which will be made available to you in due course

We require your immediate reply.

FROM THE DESK OF EMPLOYMENT MANAGEMENT
(DR. LIKEY VENICE)
+447010031441
(Head, Recruitment Department/Employment Relations)

Does it look like a scam to you? Yes it is! If if it's too good to be true, it probably isn't true. IF in doubt, contact Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for confirmation.

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EURO MILLION Lotteria

Got this email from EURO MILLION Lotteria this morning. Obviously, this is a scam. I wonder if there people being victimized by these scammers.

EURO MILLION Lotteria Thu, Nov 26, 2009 at 9:25 PM
Reply-To: claimsgroupo@aol.com
EURO MILLION Lotteria Online Stake Coupon 3 5 32 36 59 70

Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that this e-mail address was entered during the Euro Million Lotteria Online selection Draw and has won the sum of 750,000:00 Euros from EURO MILLION Stake held on the 25th of November, 2009.Your email id was attached to the ticket number 29-34-53 drew the lucky numbers 4-7-29-32-46, which subsequently won the lottery in the 3rd category. Your fund is now deposited with a Finance institution and insured in your email and
name.

Contact the verification/claims department below with these informations
Names :............
Address :................
Country :...............
Phone No :..............
Occupation :..............
Age :................
Sex :.................

All corresponding emails must be sent to
Mr.Leroy Merlin
Tel: 00-346 254 6674
Email: claimsgroupo@aol.com
Congratulations again from all members of our staff and thank you for being a part of our promotion program.

Yours Sincerely,
Mr. V.J. PEREZ

If you received similar email from EURO MILLION Lotteria, simply mark it as spam. Do not reply, as this will only confirm that your email account is active.

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