Scam Alert: How scam emails try to deceive you

In a time when digital communication is ubiquitous, email is increasingly becoming a tool for fraudulent activity. A recent email circulating is a classic example of such scams. It begins with a general salutation and makes vague, urgent requests that may seem harmless at first glance. But behind the harmless facade there is an ingenious trap.

Example of such an email:

“Subject: How are you today?
I hope you are well, good day to you,

How are you today?
I hope You are fine. Well I just want to know what's wrong with you and I also want to know if you 're still willing to complete this transaction with us because I'm tired of sending emails all day without that you have received an answer.

This is new week now, so It's better if you can just tell me what will happen whether you still need the money or not because your donation has just been completed and will be credited to your bank account soon. Once the payment of 150 EUR has been made as requested, your donation will be released without further delay. So that we can advise you about the method of payment without further delay, we ask you to respond promptly and hope for your full understanding

I will wait for your reply so we know what to do next. Your file is fine. This is the year-end donation for you. Congratulations

Best regards…..Thank you,”

The scam: Urgency and building trust

Scammers often use the tactic of creating a sense of urgency. The email in question is no exception. She speaks of an impending transaction and claims a donation will soon be in the recipient's bank account. This technique aims to persuade the recipient to take a hasty action without giving them time to question the credibility of the message.

The trap: prepayment fraud

A central element of many scam emails is the request for advance payment. In this case, the recipient is asked to transfer 150 EUR in order to supposedly receive a larger sum. This is a classic example of what is known as “advance payment fraud”. The scammer lures you with the promise of a large reward, but this is only available for an upfront fee.

Linguistic deficiencies as a warning signal

Another warning sign is the linguistic deficiencies in the email. Grammatical errors and unusual wording indicate that the message did not come from a professional or official source. Such linguistic inadequacies should always be viewed as red flags.

Protective measures and prevention

To protect yourself from such scams, it is important to never respond to such emails or provide any personal information. If you are unsure, you should always consult a trustworthy person or authority. It is also advisable to mark suspicious emails as spam to warn other users.

Conclusion: It is better to be safe than sorry

This scam email is a prime example of how scammers try to capitalize on the gullibility and fast pace of digital communication. However, through education, caution and following basic safety measures, you can protect yourself effectively.

Finally, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Therefore, it is crucial to remain vigilant in any digital communication and always be on the lookout for scams.

Stay informed

To stay up to date and protect yourself from digital threats, we recommend signing up for the Mimikama newsletter . Mimikama is a platform for raising awareness about internet fraud and hoaxes. You can also take advantage of Mimikama's media education offering to strengthen your digital skills and protect yourself against online fraud.