How Do I Identify A Phone-Lad Advertisement?


Consider these and then make up your own mind:

  • Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true it probably isn't true.
  • Does the advertisement...:
    - Seem unbusiness-like?
    - Contain bad grammar and spelling?
    - Contain religious statements or greetings?
    - Contain CAPITALISED text?
  • Does the advertisement mention Moneygram and/or Western Union as a method of payment (or the only method)?
  • Is the so-called "seller" using a free email address, such as @myway.com, @gmail.com, @yahoo.com or @hotmail.com?
  • Use Yahoo! or Google to search the internet for the scammer's email address to see if it is "seeded" elsewhere.
  • Use our search facility to see if the e-mail address, scammer name or company is listed and therefore known to be used in scams. However, even if you don't find any details of a suspect advertisement that doesn't mean that it isn't a scam. We do our best to keep our database updated, but as you will understand, scammers constantly change their e-mail addresses, telephone numbers and other details.

The Phone-Lad variety of 419 scammers typically target forums, classifieds and guestbooks that are unmoderated by the site owner, or the just does not bother to clean out spam advertisements on a regular basis.

Below is a typical mobile (cell) phone scam advertisement found on message boards and forums. Seriously, would you send money upfront to this individual?

From: **********@yahoo.com
Date: 21 Dec 2005
Time: 11:44:55
Comments:

BUSINESS PROPOSAL LETTER. We have all brands of Mobile Phones,Ipods,Sidekicks,Nextels phone,Laptops for sell at cheap and affordable prices, they ranges from Nokia/Samsung/LG/Sony Ericsson/Motorola/Alcatel/panasonic With Bluetooth, all Brands and Models of Nextel Phones, we want you to get back to us with your quote so that we can begin a good business relationship. Note they are all Brand New T2 Euro specs, unlocked, no operator logo, come in their original sealed box, With 1 year international warranty from the manufacturer, English & Spanish manual, Finland made. We want to assure you that you will never regret buying from us because the delivery will be to your doorstep via FedEx Courier service.And the Tracking number shall be sent to you upon acknowledgement of your payment. Kindly acknowledge the reciept of our mail and get back to us at **********@yahoo.com

FOR SELL MOTOROLA RAZOR V3 MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $140usd, FOR SELL MOTOROLA RAZOR V3x MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $170usd FOR SELL NEXTEL i930 MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $130usd, FOR SELL NEXTEL i860 MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $110usd, FOR SELL SONY ERICSSON P910i MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $175usd, FOR SELL SONY ERICSSON W800i MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $155usd FOR SELL MOTOROLA MPX 220 MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $134usd, FOR SELL MOTOROLA MPX 300 MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $189usd, FOR SELL SONY ERICSSON S700i MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $135usd FOR SELL NOKIA 9500 MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $200usd, FOR SELL NOKIA 9300 MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $175usd, FOR SELL SAMSUNG D500 MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $180usd, FOR SELL SAMSUNG D600 MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $230usd FOR SELL SIDEKICK II MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $115usd FOR SELL NOKIA N70 MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $180usd FOR SELL NOKIA N90 MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $210usd FOR SELL NOKIA N91 MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $230usd FOR SELL NOKIA 8800 MOBILE PHONE AT JUST $180usd SO YOU CAN CONTACT US BE E MAIL **********@yahoo.com ok thanks and God bless.


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