Scamming

Nigeria’s famous for its scams, especially email scams. I remember my roommate Heather once asking me about an email she’d received from someone claiming to have just inherited several million dollars. The writer wanted access to an American bank account to which he could transfer the money so that it would be safe. Of course, he asked for assistance in starting a bank account and–the best part–a deposit in good faith. Heather was smart enough to be suspicious, and we laughed about it later.

This is just normal for us. We’re used to it. We laugh about it a lot–although not when people we know are led astray. But this is a call to alertness. Daddy just had an unfortunate experience with someone scamming in his name, using his personal information and identity. (See his blog at http://www.ecwaevangel.org/blog/no-free-puppies_193/ for the details.)

So if you get an email from someone you know trying to sell something, offer some financial deal, or anything like that, don’t be easily misled! Don’t reply to the email address they give, but get in touch with your friend directly using his personal email address. Ask questions. Be suspicious. I won’t be offended if you raise an eyebrow at something I send in an email, so it’s better to be safe and check things out.

Okay, stepping down off my soapbox now.