Hoaxes, Spams & Scams

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This section of Cyber Top Cops is no longer maintained and has been replaced by the SHPAMEE Project.

The purpose of this section is not to list every possible hoax, spam or scam e-mail, but to educate users on how to identify them, by looking for certain characteristics and using a little common sense.

The following articles provide some insight into the problems and dangers of e-mail scams, hoaxes and spam and how to avoid them:

Smelling A Hoax A Mile Away By Using A Little Common Sense: A step-by-step explanation how to identify a hoax.
Protocol Against Spam: Taking a look at some of the methods used to prevent spam from landing in our inboxes.
Don't Become A Victim Of Identity Theft: Prevent your identity from being stolen
Cyber Crime Made Easier Through Impersonality: The reasons why it so easy to commit cyber crime
The Dangers Of Chain Letters And Petition Lists: These popular e-mails are not as harmless as you my think.
The Key To Beating Spam: Ways of treating and preventing spam contamination.

The examples listed below should give you a good idea of what the most common hoaxes, spams and scams look like.

Hoaxes and Spams

E-mail Scams

Phishing Scams

MillerSmiles.co.uk - The webs dedicated anti-phishing service :: Scam Alert Service

Alert from USAA - usaa.com
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:01
...

Message Update:- Dear NatWest Customer - Natwest
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:01
DEAR CUSTOMER, You Have One new security message from NatWest Bank Plc regarding to your contact details Log on Yours sincerely,Online Customer Service...

Notification of Limited Account Access - Paypal
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:01
PayPal Resolution Center: Your account is limited.Why is my account access limited?As part of our security measures, we regularly screen activity in the PayPalsystem. During a recent screening, wenoticed an issue regarding your account:Our system detected unusual number of invalid logging attempts on your account from these blacklist ip address.(Your case ID for this reason is PP-0089511)How can I restore my account access?For your protect...

New Message from Chase Online(SM) - Chase Online
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 06:00:01
DEAR VALUED JPMORGAN CHASE CUSTOMER, Due to a recent security checkonJPMorgan Chase online banking,werequire you to confirm your details by clicking onthe Update link belowUPDATEFailure to do this within 24hrs will lead to access suspensionSorry for the inconvienenceRegardsJPMORGAN CHASEONLINE BANKINGIssued forUSA use only|JPMorgan Chase Bank plc 2010...

Important Alert - Account Status Nofication - SANTANDER
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:00:02
Dear Santander Customer, You have exceeded the maximum number of attempts. For the security of your personal information, your Customer ID has been disabled. Please use the link to Activate and get Unlimited Access Click here to proceed Note: you must fill in the appropriate information so your account will not be terminated, you must do this within24hours Santander Customer care....

Phishing News

MillerSmiles.co.uk Phishing News Service

Weekly analysis - 21st August 2010 to 28th August 2010
Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMT
MillerSmiles provides its weekly phishing analysis for the week of 21st August 2010 to 28th August 2010

Weekly analysis - 14th August 2010 to 21st August 2010
Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMT
MillerSmiles provides its weekly phishing analysis for the week of 14th August 2010 to 21st August 2010

Weekly analysis - 7th August 2010 to 14th August 2010
Sat, 14 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMT
MillerSmiles provides its weekly phishing analysis for the week of 7th August 2010 to 14th August 2010

Weekly analysis - 31st July 2010 to 7th August 2010
Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMT
MillerSmiles provides its weekly phishing analysis for the week of 31st July 2010 to 7th August 2010

Weekly analysis - 24th July 2010 to 31st July 2010
Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT
MillerSmiles provides its weekly phishing analysis for the week of 24th July 2010 to 31st July 2010