Email Scam Attacks BUCKS-Based Hypnotherapist

Recently, Rona Walker, a BUCKS (Buckinghamshire, England, UK)-based hypnotherapist, fell prey to an email con as scammers hijacked her Google account, according to a report of bucksfreepress.

An email, saying that Rona was being apprehended at a gun-point in Spain and money was needed straight away to save her life, was sent from her account to all her acquaintances, the online paper reported on September 29, 2011.

One of her clients believed the fake post and sent £1,100 on the mentioned address. Rona doubts that others could also do the same.

The victim has been trying to cancel her email account since she found the swindle (on September 27, 2011). The cybercriminals have apparently changed the password. She added that she was trying to contact Google for the email cancellation, but only the option to re-set the password was available there.

She speculated that more such posts could be going out of her account, but she could not help herself as Google does not have option 'What to Do If You've Been Hacked'.

On calling up the police Rona was suggested to shut down her mail account but she was so much bewildered under the turmoil that she began calling up all her acquaintances and sharing her story. But of late, Rona is now feeling guilty of not listening to the police who earlier told her that they will inform the intelligence department about the mail scam.

Meanwhile, the security experts have commented that this con is an example of 'stranded traveler' scam wherein the scammers use a made-up story about someone in order to get free money. Such malicious mails become even more credible if sent from the potential victim's account, they added.

Experts advise that in order to avoid such scams, few security tips should be kept in mind. For example, if you receive an e-mail asking for money, do not believe it. Instead, call the sender, if you know him, and ensure whether the request is authentic or not. Moreover, never send a return message, rather simply obliterate the post or contact the local law enforcement organization.

Related article: Email Security – A Big Challenge to Companies & Individuals

» SPAMfighter News - 10/11/2011