Have you been scammed?

Francine Estabrooks, Ontario, Canada — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 12:17:48 GMT

Hi! I watched this show about online scam and realized that I have been and still am getting these kind of letters which sometimes can be very tempting to answer back because I am on pension and could use the extra money but I have been just deleted these letter sent to me from different countries and the latest which was a couple of days ago from Poland I think, from a women artist that needs someone to help here get her cheques from Canada and the US cashed for her. Do I report these e-mail or to whom to I report this, my local police office? I would really appreciate some direction on how to get rid of these annoying e-mails, thank you.

Have you been scammed?

Lisa Imbriaco, White Haven, PA — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:25:41 GMT

Great report Chris! I am a busines teacher and look forward to more reports on i.d. thefts. I usually touch on this topic but this year I plan to cover i.d. theft more in depth. I would also like to know if you have teaching videos available for teachers to use in their classrooms? I feel the sooner we can educate students, the better chances they will have of protecting themselves. Keep up the investigations.

Have you been scammed?

Jerry Groth, Menasha, WI — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:50:55 GMT

Why don't the online retailers block any purchases made from IP addresses in the suspect countries? Granted they may miss some sales but I can't believe the lost sales would be as significant as the invalid sales.

Jerr

Have you been scammed?

Joyce Frederick — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:52:10 GMT

Ask any merchant. Your show needs to keep following the fraud all the way back to the credit card companies and their lack of security. Scammers can get credit limits raised and addresses changed in the blink of an eye. Then the merchant is left holding the bill. Literally. We lose the merchandise and then VISA and Mastercard hit you with a back charge. Even when they told you the customer account information was good.

Have you been scammed?

dsfa — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:52:24 GMT

Dear Mr. Chris,
I enjoy watching Dateline and the series that you put together. I feel you are doing a wonderful thing in educating the people, protecting our children and above all, EXPOSING criminals. Even in their vast numbers, at least for a few seconds they think twice about meeting with underage children for illict actions.
Thank you very much for the work you are putting in. I loved your new series as well, identity theft. I wish you the best in your efforts to make the world a better, safer place for our children.

Sincerely,

A Thankful Citizen

Have you been scammed?

David Rothschild, Safety Harbor FL — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:11:41 GMT

Chris,

Thank you for airing this report. If there was any interest in really stopping this type of scam a law enforcement officer would visit the address that received the stolen goods. Then the recipients could not plead that they had no idea that they were receiving goods that were purchased with stolen credit cards. As it is now the credit card companies are not very motivated to put a halt to this. They just chargeback the merchant for the whole amount of the sale Plus a chargeback fee.

Have you been scammed?

Lisa A., Milford, CT — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:42:05 GMT

Excellent, and validating, broadcast Chris! I rent office space to small businesses on a short term basis. When "Mr. Alan Smith" became a tenant we immediately started to receive boxes of vitamins and electronics. We were advised to reship them out almost immediately. He would send the shipping labels and out the door they would go. I became suspicious immediately and ultimately contacted the FBI. I do not know what became of that case, but I ended up contacting all the vendors and returning their goods to them directly. I received another inquiry today for the same type of "arrangement". Glad I know better this time!

Have you been scammed?

Thelma Towner Mt. Morris, Mi. — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 21:57:30 GMT

I keep getting these e-mails of job offers to move merchandise and accept paymwnets and i have never applied for them, i have even received e-mails asking me to help them get their millions and they will pay me anywhere from 25,000-1,000,0000 but i have to use my money upfront . where do these individuals/scam artist get my contact information and can i stop them from contacting me?

Have you been scammed?

Christine, Boston, MA — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:18:17 GMT

Chris, Just wanted 2 give u the web address this phony e-mail came from. Cripes! These "people" are relentless!!

Have you been scammed?

Kelly Davidson, Hermitage, TN. — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 20:23:32 GMT

Craigslist Scams!!! Now they are going after people on Craigslist. I recently posted some furniture but I did not have a picture. A person emailed saying they were to busy to come and look at it but they trust me and will send me a money order and have a shipping company come and pick it up. Dateline should go after Craigslist next. I feel like this is my community the schemers are going after. I have met a bunch of really nice people now I am not sure if I will use it again. Thanks Kelly

Have you been scammed?

Laurie McAfee, Jacksonville, FL — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 11:48:30 GMT

Dear Chris,

I just met someone online at match.com who I believe is a scam artist; he gave me a phone number with a country code that matches Nigeria. Since a friend of mine was recently victimized by one of these people, I would really like to help you catch this person. Please respond to me by email if you would like to pursue this.

Have you been scammed?

Rick Chicago, Il. — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 19:52:35 GMT

I own an e-commerce web site that sells mostly electronics and higher end electronic products. On August 7, 2007, I received an e-mail stating a purchase made from me back in July is being reversed due to a fradulant credit card charge.The item has been shipped.I contacted the local authorities and gave the address of where it was shipped to. They paid a visit to the resisdence.They contacted me they beleive they found my item and much more from this type of fraud.They informed me the resisdence were unaware to this scam. Needless to say after watching this report, I may have unfortunately sold other scam artists products that I don't even know about yet because the credit cards have been approved. I may be out a large sum of money due to credit card payment reversals. I would also like to know why the banks keep authorizing and approving these charges. Everybody looses except the theives!

Have you been scammed?

Frank , Suttons Bay, MI — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:49:51 GMT

Cris,
A year ago,I had two charges against my credit card amounting to a little less than $1,000 even though my limit was much higher. The charges were for Verizon telephone minutes through Ireland. These charges were for odd amounts. I found that the purchased "time" could be used as credit to purchase items on the internet & be shipped to the thief without any tracing.
By questioning an employee at the Irish Verizon outlet, I was able to determine the "time" was purchased by someone in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Later, when I tried to get more information, the employee's supervisor denied any information I had been given & turned me over to their "investigator". Their "investigator" told me the charges were legitimate & had to be from my household or family because of the information they get to confirm the credit card really belonged to the user. During a heated discussion with him, he admitted he was in Pakistan but worked for the Irish company as their investigator.
My credit card company credited my account & I've heard no more about the theft.

Have you been scammed?

Craig Gotowski,Lansdale,PA — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 14:22:29 GMT

if anything you receive as e-mail seems too good to be true then 100% of the time it isn't and you should delete those e-mails immediately especially any thing sent from a foreign country.

Have you been scammed?

S.L.Mcgowan California — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 20:21:54 GMT

I just sent a message but forgot to say how great a job you are doing on investigating all of this...Thankyou and keep up the great work!

Have you been scammed?

Dr. Kathleen White — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 03:04:37 GMT

Help!! My college educated daughter seriously considered going to India with the promise of a "job" in the entertainment industry in Bollywood. There were tremendous red flags - especially - come on a tourist visa and we will get the working papers for you when you arrive. These preditors are recruiting in the US - Please Chris take a look at some of these sights

Have you been scammed?

maribel,miami,fl — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 03:30:48 GMT

dear mr. hanson
I've watched all your shows and i love them.i've also recieved those scamming e-mails, i dont know whether to answer them and tell them that i already know it's a scam and that im very aware of it. please help me, everytime i turn on my computer i get those scamming emails they are driving me crazy.

Have you been scammed?

Melissa A England Mt.Vernon Ohio — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:43:00 GMT

Dear Mr Hanson,
I must tell you that the story that you did on internet scams was the Best that I have ever seen.
I think that more people should be doing this... I get at least 5 a day or more of people trying to do this to me daily. My problems is this; I know that they are scams but what about our elderlyor our young folks???? How dare them do this, and I even sent this back to them how dare you do this or try to do this to me, or the elderly period ! The Job that you are doing is wonderful, why can't more do this?????
I called our local police station, and I even know the Detective, a friend and we had a long talk, I was told their is nothing that can be done Why???? Well takes to much time and its a endless road becasue they can't trace theise things.......I really felt hopeless to this situation. This scares me, I'm not they only one and I know this I have even got checks I Have 2 here One for 27,000.00 and another for over 4000.00, but I do know better than to cash them, even though Im a poor person and I'de love to have that much money, I even called the bank that one of them was wrote on and supposidly it was good but I didn't beleive it. Nothing that sounds this good, can be.....
so that is my story and concerns....

Have you been scammed?

Craig Huebler, Santa Rosa, CA — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:00:31 GMT

Enjoyed your efforts. Are there any website one can go to to learn about the latest scams via email, i.e., believe a new one is croping up where someone from outside the US says: They need to have an agent cash cashier checks for them and you keep %10 of transaction. Reason is, supposedly, their country charges high biz taxes but individual taxes are so much less, thus the big savings using you as their agent. Have you folks heard about this one?

Have you been scammed?

Donna Gaznick-Hopler — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 18:54:26 GMT

Dear Chris,
I am writing you to tell you of a scam that my 89 year old mother was taken in by parties in Jamaica and Florida. In 8 months, she states she has sent about 20,000. She was scammed using Oprah Winfrey's name for a free car, and winning millions of dollars.I would like to know if you could possibly help us with this. Please reply.

Have you been scammed?

Kathleen Lydecker — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 17:42:35 GMT

Chris, thanks to your report on the online internet scams, I was able to warn my 70 year old mother against cashing some 10 money orders, totalling over 8 thousand dollars. she went to the post office, where they confirmed our fears: the money orders were counterfit. Mom is at the FBI office as we speak, unfortunately, she had already cashed some of the money orders behind my back, and now owes her bank 3000 dollars.Please consumers, stop believing someone will pay you to cash money orders, no one gets money for nothing, and now my mother is in debt.

Have you been scammed?

Kathryn Kotronakis Bricelyn, MN. — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 20:59:29 GMT

I am being scammed again. Their e-mail is delard@uymail.com If you go there you will see the instructions they gave me. I put an ad in the newspaper to sell my puppies. They called by "RELAY" to give me their e-mail. Thanks

Have you been scammed?

Bunny Mitchell ripley tennessee — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 21:02:08 GMT

Cris you are a very brave person. You have put your life in danger so many times to help people,it is amazing. I hope they all relize not every person could or would do what you have done to help them.I watched many of your shows. I had my credit card stolen also my people on the enternet. But the one that really touched me was the one where the uncle went to rescue his niece that was being held hostage over seas. You not only helped her but all them small children also. I will say a prayer for you when I pray for your safety.thank you for all you do. Bunny M, ripley tenn

Have you been scammed?

Janice, SC — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 21:52:16 GMT

Chris,
Well they're still at it! I've recently received 2 emails from "Rev. James Johnson aka Mr. Richard Lenox aka Barrister Arthur Johnson" promising $16,800, 000.00 million...Needless to say those emails were deleted immediately thanks to your investigation. Keep up the great work!

Have you been scammed?

Vicki Moore, Olney Maryland — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 07:36:27 GMT

Have people be aware of scams through the mail. Claiming they won a large sum of money. The letterhead from the fake company looks legit, but beware. If you receive a check from the source and asked to cash it and wire the money, in order to receive the larger sum check,don't. I think a report of this type of scam should be done.

Have you been scammed?

kelly taylor St. Louis, MO — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:48:08 GMT

I have an email which is fraud about the cashiers check to buy my boat. Will be happy to forward it to you. Should I lead him on, or stay out of it & let you guys or someone who cares about these crooks. Even an email address to forward it to someboy who does care. It's for $50,000 & then they want me to send them $10K back.

Have you been scammed?

Tony Puglisi — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:47:19 GMT

Chris, I watched your program on TV about the scammers from Africa, very brave of you. My problem is that what about the hackers who break into a web site and take it over and use my ID to send e-mails from my address book soliciting money to be sent to me because I supposably have been robbed in the UnitedKingdom and need money desperately before I get kicked out of my hotel with no way home to the US? Do you do any investagations on these IG thefts?

Have you been scammed?

Tony Puglisi — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:49:29 GMT

My yahoo site was Hacked and asking for money to be sent to a western union office in England. What does someone do about this?

Have you been scammed?

ASSANE MBENGUE, DAKAR, SENEGAL — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:26:57 GMT

hi
this is assane from west africa ( senegal).
i spent 3 weeks in BOSTON to visitmy daughter who's studying in there,but let me tell you the best moments i had spent there was the time i watched inside dateline .it's wonderful job , you 're doing .
i hope you keep doing suc things in more topics and more places around the world.
i really want to meet you next time i visit BOSTON.

Have you been scammed?

Mona - Texas — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 20:43:27 GMT

I truly appreciate the diligence and hardwork that Dateline took to track these people who prey on hardworking, law obeying citizens. We are at the mercy of these people who try to scam us via mail, phone and internet. We don't have any protection it seems. Thank You. Thank You! Hopefully there will be some online authorities that we can report these guys to as well.

Have you been scammed?

Clara Carmicheal — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:13:48 GMT

hello i am a wife,and mom of three I also have recieved an e-mail from someone (will you look over it if i send it to the staff at msnbc?)-only the ppl are not from Nigeria or Afria. Its a totally diff. Country.I just want to know if this is legit.-please help out.

Have you been scammed?

daryl mijares perris,calif — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:59:05 GMT

I am currently trying to be scammed by a network in the uk. they state that my email was selected for a cash winning of 5,000,000 pounds.they just ask for personal information like my name,race,age,and nationality. then they ask for me to pay the shipping of the check and that was the red flag for me. please email me for there details because i would like to see chris hansen bust these guys!!

Have you been scammed?

Donna C. Ross, Frisco, Texas — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:18:00 GMT

Dear Mr. Hansen:
I am the victim of identity theft. I pressured the Albuquerque Police Dept. to step up their investigation. They did. They have identified her (a former landlady of mine!) and plan to arrest her this week.
I would love to have Dateline fly you and me out there with your cameras for the arrest this Friday, perhaps? (I have sent you a detailed email at: dateline@nbcuni.com)
Donna Ross (Tel.) (214) 202-3219.

Have you been scammed?

Lynda Knott, Chicago, Ill. — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 20:26:58 GMT

As I have no other means inwhich to reach Chris Hansen, I am writing this message with the hope it will reach Chris. I received an e-mail today from China from a man asking me to let him put 4.8 million dollars into my bank account and in return he would give me a portion of it. As I am a fan of your show and watch often, I thought you might be interested in this e-mail I received. He might be another story for you. Please feel free to e-mail me and I will forward you the e-mail I received.

Lynda

Have you been scammed?

Consuelo James, Las Vegas, NV — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 22:18:51 GMT

My husband and I love your "To Catch a Predator" series... We think it's great that some one is exposing and having these people sent to jail... It's about time... We would love to own the seires on DVD... Do you know if we will be able to purchase it?

Have you been scammed?

Don Barger Cols., Ohio — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 23:06:59 GMT

Well, Who ever they are, they did send me 500 bogus money orders with denominations of $750 and $850.
I reported this to the IC3 internet complain web site.

Have you been scammed?

Larry G — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 23:27:24 GMT

Chris,
Recieved a call from a company claiming to represent a major retailer attempting to collect on a non existent debt. They attempted to "verify" card information before my wife hung up. I called back twice and both times they called themselves different companies, and refused to provide a physical address. I traced the number back to a residence and not a company in Clearwater, FL, using a telephone number that was ported from St Petersburg, FL.

Have you been scammed?

April Swafford, Gas City, IN — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:19:35 GMT

About 4mos. ago I received a 'relay' call at my pool store asking about a pool heater. He emailed his payment & billing address info immediately. After being told that his heater was here, he emails saying his wife is having a baby and could I ship it to his company in South Africa. We reported it to the credit card company and that was the end of it. We thought. Today, I get another call from the relay company, and this man gives a different name, but is wanting a pool heater. When I tell him $2,450, he says he would like two of them. He emailed his payment info to me immediately after. Seems that someone could use this info for the investigation. When I call the card company to report it, they just tell me yes it's fraud and don't even ask for any of the info I was given. I have these emails saved and would be happy to forward them to someone who cares or is trying to solve this problem.
P.S. LOVE THE SHOW CHRIS!!!

Have you been scammed?

Jeffrey Shoemaker — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:39:54 GMT

His Chris,
Thanks so much for your utmost attention concerning these crooks.
My husbands business account was dipped into for a few weeks before we caught up with it. Thanks to an online Co., they put a hault to what could have been 1,554.00 extra from the account. Besides contacting the bank and filing a report with the State Police I am doing research on my own. I've come up with land line #'s Adressess and Email addresses ect..I'm not sure how far I can take this on my own as not to step on the toes of the Police, Bank and the online Co's that are doing their investigations.
It would be greatfully appreciated if Date Line could help us catch these crooks from MD, all the way to Azerbaijan.

Have you been scammed?

mike mills — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 04:27:32 GMT

Yes a scammer using the screen name miss Whiteney
and misssweetlovegivers saying she's in love with me wants new life with me only after about two e-mails.Then she wanted me to call a insurance compant in africa to releace her baggage with 8.5 million dollars and all they need is my address and to find out how much it will cost . She also sent me fake pictures of someone else,then said she would send me her real pics but first get her baggage shipped here .

Have you been scammed?

Anthony J Ventrice, Staten island, NY — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:05:48 GMT

I have fallen victim to Identity Thief by someone using my name and ssn to buy a house and it went foreclosed,,owner of house never knew about it and it said at closing him and his wife was present and signed the deed meanwhile his wife died 30 years ago. My credit score over 100 points and laying out thousands of dollars to hire a lawyer and now just got hit with a second indentity theft scam, again using my name and ssn to get $114,000 from moneygram. I need help!!!!!

Have you been scammed?

CEDAR — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 18:02:44 GMT

HEY I'M ACTUALLY GETTING SCAM LETTERS FIGHT NOW.. 2 INTHE PAST WEEK WITH ALL THE INFO TO SEND A "DR" MONEY IN NIGERIA SO HE CAN SEND ME 3 MILLION DOLLARS.. THEY SEEM REALLY PRESISTANT.. HAD TO TELL SOMEONE.. DIDN'T KNOW WHERE TO GO

Have you been scammed?

Holly Reiter — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 16:50:43 GMT

Dear Chris - I wish you would do something to get the police/FBI/Postal Service/etc. to pay more attention to catching these people. a few years ago I received an invoice in the mail for steaks I never ordered. The invoice said they were being shipped to an address near me. I called VISA and they confirmed that the steaks had been charged to my card, along with about $1500 of other merchandise. VISa sent me a new card and I suffered no ill effects. Since the address the steaks were mailed to was near me, I went there and checked the name on the door. The name of the "perp" was not there. I then asked my mailman if he delivered to that address. He said he used to, and that he knew the name of the bldg manager. I spoke with her. She told me that no one by the name on the delivery address lived there but his mother did, and she received lots of packages for him. I told the bldg manager what was going on, and she said she would not accept the packages any longer. She would not give me the mother's name, however.
I then tried to interest the police since I had solved half the puzzle. Since I had suffered no loss from VISA, the police were not interested in catching the thief. I told all this to VISA but they apparently never followed up either (too little in my case?). I tried the Postal Service and the FBI but neither of them seemed interested because the amount in question was too small. Of course, that was only the amount charged to me. What about the amount charged to others? It was very frustrating since it had seemed fairly easy to catch the son who was thief.

Have you been scammed?

John K, Virginia Beach, VA — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 18:06:00 GMT

I've received MANY of these types of emails. Ones that want me to me the "Financial Transaction Manager", all I have to do is take payments from people in the U.S. and transfer them to their "company's account" in another contry. I always respond with a YEAH RIGHT as I hit the delete button.

Have you been scammed?

Glenn, Tacoma, WA — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 18:08:05 GMT

I just watched the show and was amazed. About a year ago I was in a chat room and someone wrote me. I'm pretty good about being protective of my identity. This girl with an awesome pic wrote me in broken english. I was suspicious so I started to use her for info. Over time i learned her family all died in a car accident in a town near my house. I researched it, no accident lilke that. I researched her name...none listed. I kept talking to her. She was an Engineering student in Nigeria. She sent me loving emails about how we were meant to be, etc. I figured the next move was for her to ask for money. Sure enough she needed tuition fees to pay the school before she could graduate and come "be with me forever". LOL. I told her what I exactly thought 'she' was and what she was doing. I never heard from her again. Though I still have her IM name on my messenger and occassionally I see her pop online.
I'm pretty hard to fool and I'm glad I didn't fall for it.
Thanks for all the hard investigative work you folks do!

kg

Have you been scammed?

Joao Nunes, Miami, Fl — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 18:21:37 GMT

Is very amazing job, congratulations.
Three year ago some person from Nigeria, Try to Buy My car here in USA, Miami, I avoided this because I work in Network security and i did trace the e-mails and other stuffs, BUT I have the Fake cheking from a US bank, and also whashingtone mutual was involved, and all the details if you want more details, for some of your programs just let me Know.
Again, Great Job Chris still doing this in good in a better World.

Have you been scammed?

Gail Nash, Redding, California — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 18:21:40 GMT

Thank you so very much for this report. I know I am not alone. I, too, had been the 'middle man', but was smart enough to start asking questions about what was in all those packages sent to my home and why I was supposed to pay the postage for such to go to Ghana, West Africa. I went to my local police dept. and was told that unless I could prove that the merchandise was purchased with a stolen credit card, there was nothing they could do. I sent back all the merchandise, some I had to pay for, and kept copies of all the emails sent back and forth for the future. I am still refusing junk mail from the companies that sent items to my home. My information was not used, just my address.

Have you been scammed?

kabir ismaila, barking essex, london — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 18:31:45 GMT

chris,
thank you very much for this piece, it will go along way in saving innocent [but most times also greedy people] i am also a nigerian and this is the greatest pain that every decent and honest nigeria will live with. however keep the good work and we too will do something on our part as a nation but this development is really a nightmare for our image.next time i came to u.s i will surely contact you and say hi over this good job.

Have you been scammed?

Richard C Irvine Ca. — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 21:02:50 GMT

I just wanted to say that before this program even came out I was also a victim from these people except my was little different. I received the package just like in your program and they asked me to sell it on ebay. Which I didn't do but at the same time they asked me to send some money using western union. (somewhere in nigeria) I must of send about 500 bucks but later on I found it fishy how much money was spend on those item so I terminated the communication (I had a feeling it must of been a stolen credit card). I'm not saying its right but I sold all those item that it was delieved to my house. And got alot more then 500 bucks. It could of ended up worst for me.

Have you been scammed?

Richard C Irvine Ca. — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 21:04:40 GMT

Have you been scammed?

Kimberly Rogers Kenosha, WI — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 06:40:32 GMT

HiChris, I can't describe my appreciation for you catching all the sexual predators. My father is one of them as well! I am one of 4 sisters that was molested when we were children and it was from age 3 or what I remember to at least 9 or so. I told him when my parents kicked me out of the house that I would never want to see him again. Then 30yrs later I got a call from my Aunt in TN and she told me he was in the paper for molesting another 2 children, It Made Me Sick! One was 9yrs old the other 15yrs old. Long story short I helped the police find him because they could not find him. There are so many children that stay quite about molesting because they are ashamed but it just protects them and I would love to tell the children of the world SPEAK OUT save yourself and the children that might be the next target of the predators that they are and won't change. Thank yOU FOR TRYING TO KEEP THEM OFF THE STREET AND IN OUR KIDS HOMES!

Have you been scammed?

dawn, anchorage, ak — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 07:08:37 GMT

Online businesses are being hit by "jane_usaa004@yahoo.com", claiming to be Sgt. Jane Usaa in Irag wanting price quotes for products and then offering a cashier's check above the price of the order.

I got one of these emails that looked like it came from my website. I redirected the person to my website, advising that the total due would show as they ordered my products and that they would have to pay by credit card in advance. The order was for nearly five thousand dollars. I then did an online search and found that this had also happened to an online furniture salesperson.

I assumed that I would not hear from them again since I did not give them a price quote. But the next day I had an email requesting that I "be more specific".

I emailed back stating, "I know that you are running a cashier's check scam and I have reported you."

I have not heard from them since.

Have you been scammed?

mike shafer englewood ohio — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 12:01:58 GMT

if they are hiding in iran now, just go undercover again, and when they e-mail you, send back pornography and statements against islam. when the iranian clerics see this, i'll bet you they put the thiefs to death within days, problem solved

Have you been scammed?

Melinda Paetz, San Antonio, Texas — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:08:48 GMT

A day or so before I saw your show on id theft, Africa, etc., i received an email from a Mary Jack concerning a couple of million dollars in a bank in Nigeria. I did not respond to that email, but wonder if I should look for someone to do a sting like you did. I'm sure that there are so many others that have gotten the same or similar, that you cannot help or respond to every one of them. If you would like to check the one that I received, let me know. Surely there must be something that is bigger than those criminal and their scams, to , at the very least, put a huge dent in their pockets. Your show did a great thing, lets do it again.

Have you been scammed?

Pierre Lamoureux, Manhattan — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 15:25:56 GMT

Wonderful investigative jourmalism at it's best. Bravo.You are the most compelling show on television. This is true "reality" TV.

Have you been scammed?

Gina Spears Modesto, Ca — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 16:25:45 GMT

How can I obtain a video or DVD copy of your "To catch an ID Theif" investigation (both part 1 and 2) My mother-in-law is a victim mych like Jeff in your investigation and although we have sent her news clippings about Nigerian scams and such I dont think that she wants to believe that the "love of her life" she met online is not real. She has lost alot of money and has received alot of packages as well. I was hoping that by making her watch the show she will realize once and for all that she is being used and scammed. What is happening to her is almost the same thing that you have shown on your show. She is a single widow and has been duped by some guy online. Please let me know how to get a copy as I want her to get herself out of this whole mess>
Thank you!!

Have you been scammed?

Alice stockport ohio — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:43:40 GMT

Hi Chris,first let me say I am amazed by your show of catch an ID theif.I live in Ohio and I have two friends who have had this attempted to them.I also have been scammed with a check that came in my mail.My friends that was attempted by this,the one person that tried to get my best friend he came from a site on the web a dating site,he said he was from africa.Let me tell you I'd love to be on watch for these kind of scammers.I got plenty of time on my hands..Thanks Chris

Have you been scammed?

Mike H., Dayton, Ohio — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:38:23 GMT

I watched your story, twice, about the Nigerian scams (Wendy Scam). I enjoyed watching you "enlighten" clueless people about the scam they were in and actually cornering one of the Nigerian scammer in a hotel room. I just wish you could have had him arrested! The chat sight that I use as well as a few of the "Dating" sights I have used, the African scammers are flooding in seemingly hoping to catch some lonely sucker that they can con out of products and money. I have never been scammed out of anything since I know better than to send money or anything to someone I do not know over the internet. I have also made a choice for myself to not even converse with anyone claiming to be from any African country or even claims to do business or visits there. Save myself the trouble. I have heard every story imaginable to get me to send money, but in the end it is quite easy to tell they are fake stories. Then when I refuse to send money, they try to use the "guilt" trip to try to make me feel bad that I am not sending money that they demand I send. And yes, these demands are accompanied by pictures of some good looking girl and instant claims to love and romance. I don't buy any of it!
With that said, I decided one time to play along with the scam to see how it would play out, but never committing any of my money or promising to send any products. I met Juliet Wiliams online, claiming to be of Greek heritage but living in the US, and was e-mailed a pretty picture of some girl. I told "Juilet" that I was poor and really could use some help paying bills. (The hook was cast) Juilet instantly told me that she would send me a check for $6500. 1/2 of the money was to buy 2 lap top computers, sending at least one computer to her in, where else, Nigeria. (Later on she wanted both sent to her) She claimed to be in the Gold business there and traveled to Nigeria regularly. Gotta love the stories they come up with, but they are full of holes that are easy to see through. So, the check for $6500 does show up at my home post marked in Seattle WA, and from a bank in Kentucky. It didn't take an expert to look at this check to see if was fake as fake can be! I called the bank it was "issued" against and they confirmed that this check was indeed fake. During this time "Juliet" gave me an address in Indiana that she claimed to live at and a flight agenda "she" claimed to be taking to return to the US with a stop at my home to meet me in person. I use "maps" on Yahoo to pin point this the loctaion "she claimed" to live at. Naturally no address was found. I called the city police department, told them what I was doing and gave the address. Sure enough, no such address existed in that town. The flight agend was also fake. I knew right away because "she" claimed she would fly from Pairs direct to Dayton Ohio on Air France. Air France does not fly into Dayton directly from Europe nor does it indirectly. But to make sure, I called Air France and all the airlines assoicated with Air France. The flight numbers I was given were real numbers, but they ended in Germany, not the US. In the end I confronted "Juliet", now claiming to be in London, that I knew everything was fake. That I had turned the fake check over to US authorities and all information I had about "Juliet". "She" start claiming it was not her fault that a business partener did all of this and that she would take care of the issue herself. I am sure a ploy trying to not have me report this to authorities, but I reported it all just the same. "Juliet" does not bother me any more! Now I do not recomend that everyone do what I did. But I just would like to add to the story that Date Line ran about the "Wendy" Scam. It is unfortunite that the scamers have a "safe haven" and have grown as they have. It is also a shame that there are still people that are fooled by these scams! As I said, I have decided to not converse at all with anyone claiming anything to do with Africa, expecially Nigeria. Yes, I know there are good people in Africa. But my expereince, I have yet to converse with a single person online that has anything to do with Africa that has not tried to run a scam. Everyone, just be carful online. There are many good people out there, it is just sad that there are enough bad people out there that makes all of us have to be on guard when online.

Have you been scammed?

Mamie Hedger Carrier Mills, Il — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:37:56 GMT

Hi, My name is Mamie and I have a friend that is suppose to be in a hospital in Lagos Nigeria, Africa. They are asking me for money to pay for his meds. I have their email address and the note they sent me. I will foward it to you if I hear back from you. It is from a Dr. Larry Stoneman at Lagos Teaching Hospital Lagos Nigeria, Africa. Could you please help me find out what is going on there?

Have you been scammed?

Renee Jordan-Smith, Casper, WY — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 18:22:48 GMT

Dear Chris,

I have a scam that I would love to have you investigate. Have you tried to purchase concert tickets lately? My daughter loves Hannah Montana and I wanted to get concert tickets for her. The tickets are sold through TicketMaster. There is a presale date you can purchase tickets through if you are a member of her fan club. We are and when I tried at the exact time of opening for the presale (I wanted 4 tickets) it immediately came back as no tickets available. When you try at the time for the general sale to the public, same story - immediate return of no tickets available. I understand that she is immensely popular, but it is more than coincidence that the many ticket brokers online have lots of tickets to sell at hundrends, even thousands of dollars over the original ticket price. If you check some of her upcoming concerts in which the presale or the general sale to the public has not even been opened - lots of the ticket brokers online already have tickets! They list exact seats and locations and the tickets aren't even on sale yet.

There is a connection somewhere, in which TicketMaster is getting these tickets to the brokers in order that they may sell them for a giant increase. Is TicketMaster getting a cut of the humongous profits?

The entertainment world is ripping off lots of consumers; it should be investigated and brought to light so that these con men (and companies) don't line their unscrupulous pockets at the expense of the public.

Have you been scammed?

Paul Sparks, Waldorf MD — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:10:59 GMT

I would like to get a copy of the identity theft broadcast to show in some of my classes. I teach computers to beginning students and this fits nicely in with some of our lessons.

Have you been scammed?

kelvin kingston — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 05:16:22 GMT

my friend has become victim of identity terf and i want to know if you can help us stop these guys (i dont want this message to be post on message board)can you send me a email address where i can tell you more about this.

Have you been scammed?

Darla Laird — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:47:48 GMT

Chris,
Just yesterday I received an e-mail form a man who claims to be banker in South Africa, and of course, wants to share 11.6 million dollars with me.(60/30 & 10% for expenses)Is there an authority to report these suspected scams?
Thanks
Darla

Have you been scammed?

DENA FORD, BRONX, NY — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 22:58:55 GMT

I HAVE BEEN READING SOME OF THE COMMENTS AND I HAVENT HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT LETTERS THAT COME BY SNAIL MAIL. I RECENTLY RECEIVED A LETTER WITH A CHECK AND IT STATED THAT I WAS A 3RD PLACE WINNER IN A CONTEST. IT SAID THAT I HAD TO CALL TO CONFIRM MY ADDRESS AND THEN I WOULD BE SENT THE FINAL CHECK. I AM SKEPTICAL BUT I AM A PERSON WHO ENTERS ALOT OF CONTESTS. HOW DO I KNOW IF ITS ONE THAT I REALLY ENTERED OR A SCAM? I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY TIPS YOU COULD GIVE ME TO FIGURE THIS OUT.

Have you been scammed?

Ryan Warren Pensacola, FL — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 15:31:17 GMT

Chris, at present, someone is trying to pull an online scam on me. I have been a victim of this scam before. Here's the way it works. This person who posted an ad about a car for sale (a 2003 Lexus), contacts me after I asked him how many miles were on the car. In his response email, he tells me that he can sell me this car through eBay's trust fund, where they hold the money till I get the car. When I tell them the car is ok, then they pay him. Here's the scam: He is generating the fake emails from eBay (I have contacted eBay). eBay (this person) says they need the confirmation numbers on the money order before they can receive the money. Anyone who deals with money orders knows that the confimation number is never needed to pick up a money order. It enables him to pick up the money order without being the person to which it was addressed. Right now he thinks that I am onboard with him and will send the money. Is there anyway you can spotlight this criminal so that others are not ripped off?

Have you been scammed?

Natashia Palmer, Costa Mesa, Ca — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 20:05:46 GMT

I hope that Chris Hansen gets to read this, to me it is important. I watch the show about Mr. Ball and the international theft ring he was involved in. Well since then I have been keeping my eye out for weird stuff like this. Today i received a letter in my email asking me if I would have some money transferd to my american bank account, from an account in south east africa. I know that is where a lot of the id theifs are from. I saved the email and his email address and immediatly contacted MSNBC. So if you are interested email me back.

Have you been scammed?

Ron Senger — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:31:04 GMT

Hi Chris, I really love the identity theft segments.
I got a letter today from a scammer in Spain. Says I have inherited money from one of the victims of the Madrid train bombing. Want to call him? phone +34697795261 (direct line) his email is denadvocado@yahoo.es. The police in Los Angeles County don't have time to do anything about this. I bet this guy sent out hundreds or even thousands of letters..Somebody IS going to fall for this! I'd love to see him on dateline!

Have you been scammed?

Maria Short, Marion IN — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 16:31:38 GMT

Great story!
Recently I've been the victim of credit card fraud; I had noticed hundreds missing from my account and strange charges appearing that I had not made. As it turns out, some idiot in Palma Mallorca, Spain had stolen my number and made several fraudulent charges and of all things a bottle of colon cleanser!
The card has since been invalidated and a new one has been sent to me along with several credits back into my account.
Please continue to warn consumers about these international jerks who'll rob you blind.

Have you been scammed?

Carlene Pearson, Fairfield, CA — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:26:16 GMT

Dear Mr. Hansen,
I thought I'd forward an email I recieved today. I know what it is (scam) due to watching your program.
Thank you for exposing preditors and scam artists!
Sincerely, Mrs. Carlene Pearson
PS it came from e-mail fredwilliams102@yahoo.com.

Have you been scammed?

Viviane Rivas, Burbank, California — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:07:24 GMT

Hello Chris,
I have been recieving emails from an online Sweep International Lottery They said I won but that I would have to fly to London to get it or pay $710.00 for the package to be sent to me (a check of my winnings)I believe this is a scam there info:
p-barrister-paul@yahoo.co.uk (joe johnson) Location: London, Great Britain Phone: +44-704-571-5797
Please check in to this they are calling my employment

Have you been scammed?

Marsha Hartness Lake Martin Alabama — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:10:30 GMT

I receive about five of these type emails each week.
Please let me know if you need copies of them.

M Hartness

Have you been scammed?

Mary M. Hollister, CA — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:25:11 GMT

Hello Mr Hansen
I actually know of someone who is involved in recieving shipments of items which I believe are purchased with stolen idenity information. I don't have all of the details. I do know that this person was recruited via the internet to perform a job by agreeing to recieve packages and then resending them to another party. I actually saw your show on to catch a theif and I do believe that this is exactly what this person is involved in. Do you have any idea what their criminal liability is in participating as a "middle man"? This person has recieved and resent thousands of dollars in items. I actually saw some of the merchandise and made reference to your show explaining that this is what most likely is going on and that the person should contact the FBI. I found your show very informative and helpful. What should someone do in this situation?

Have you been scammed?

bella, orange county, california — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 02:09:41 GMT

I've just been scammed. From match.com. A man portraying a professional business man from San Diego. He went on a business trip, and called and said that his luggage had been lost and that B of A wouldn't let him use his credit card there. I fell for it. I sent some money to him. That ended up being taken in Ghana, Africa. He was a real sweet talker and promiser. I was stupid...I should have seen it coming. I have stopped any and all communication with him. Ladies, watch out for Match.com.

Have you been scammed?

Mary Albert — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 15:06:55 GMT

I am a respected PR/media person who recently got scammed by an Internet company who scammed 9000 people out of 45 million $ they are now under investifgation by SEC & no one is doing anything about it! this is a story you need to expose--I think some politicians are behind it

Have you been scammed?

Mary Albert — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 15:10:27 GMT

I recently received a letter from the Chinese & French
government lottery--with a cashiers check drawn on a bank here is the US. I called the bank in Washington that it was drawn on--it was a fraud--I have the letter & the check

Have you been scammed?

Daryl Smith, Lewiston, Maine — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 16:18:59 GMT

Hi Chris, I really must thank you for taking up the fight that the average man just could not possibly do. I consider myself a web savy man and have been using it longer than most. I am of the belief that not everyone online is a crook but my GOD where are they, lol? Yes I have been scammed but I at least made sure that it was not more than I could afford to loose. Only $700.00 bucks and there is a slim possiblity that I could get it back. Mine was in a dating scheme. I also get email after email for these million dollar ripoffs and have played with them but not lost anything to them. The real purpose of this entry is to let you know that I would all but kill to join up with you to fight this mess as it is ruining something that should be so special. I am watching one of your shows on this subject as I write this email. Anyway, I would love to help. More over I would love to be hired and make this my finale lifetime job, lol. Feel free to contact me for any reason. Your friend, Daryl

Have you been scammed?

Tushita Blade, Santa Fe, NM — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 17:12:31 GMT

Chris
I received an email from Sir RIchard K Lloyd at the UK NATIONAL LOTTERY <cwtw@cox.net> telling me i won 500,000 GBP...They request that I email all kinds of personl info including Bank transfer info to Mr Harry Smith @: agentharrysmith1@yahoo.ie

I have also received many emails from what sure seem like scammers to me after posting expensive items on Craigslit...the emails are in a broken english and insist upon me shipping items / sending a certified check or money order even after I repeatedly state I will deal with locals only...they usually have some long story about how they are traveling etc...they will pay shipping no matter how expensive

If you like I can forward you the Lottery email

Thanks...T

Have you been scammed?

embarrassed — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 23:25:48 GMT

Mr Hansen, just finished reading all the scams that have happened to people. I am in the midst of one right now. It was through Match.com. I have ended any conversations by way of email, relay, etc. changed phone numbers, etc. I was scammed. He got a computer, and some cash. Not too much, but enough to figure out that he was a scammer. I was lucky not have had forked out thousands. I have contacted the FBI already, not that they have time for something like this, but keep up the good work of promoting this kind of theft. Women out there, becareful of dating sites, the predators are hiding there too.

Have you been scammed?

Shuree, Spokane, WA — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 19:36:55 GMT

Someone who is madly in love with me, yeah right wants me to receive packages and forward them over seas for the orphans, wouldn't that be nice of me.
Shuree

Have you been scammed?

tom — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:11:53 GMT

Hi, Great show, I have personally been a targeted by these scam artist. I was selling a 1965 VW Beetle, that I had invested over 3 years and alot of money. I had the vehicle advertised in the autrader and shortly thereafter the calls and emails came in offering to purchase my car. I received an email from Smirth Brown who said he had a client in London looking for a car like mine. He offered to purchased, i requested a cashiers check be sent to my PO Box and then I would release the car. He sent a cashiers check for $11,000.00 drawn on US Bank, I thought it look rather different, and I was suspicious since I was only selling the car for $6,000.00. He said that I was to deposit the 11k into my account and western union him the difference. He called me several times daily and demanded his money. I attempted to verify the check and turned out that it was fraudelent. I called the Finanical Crimes Division of the Secret Service, since this guy was calling me from out of the country, I was quickly told that most of the Country of Nigeria was corrupt and anyone buying my car from there was probable up to no good.
I thought I would share this experience, Your show is great and commend you for your brave work on the scoundrels.

Have you been scammed?

Korina Pickens, Corpus Christi, Texas — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:24:15 GMT

CHRIS,
BOY DO I HAVE SOME NEWS... I HAVE SEEN THE EPISODES OF SCAMS, AND NOW I HAVE LIVED IT! MY HUSBAND WAS SELLING A BIKE ON CRAIG'S LIST AND WE WERE SCAMMED. AFTER A FEW EMAILS AND DESPERATE CRIES FOR US TO WIRE MONEY TO AFRICA, WE RECEIVED A $22,000.00 CHECK FOR A $100.00 ITEM. THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO COME TO OUR HOUSE AND PICK UP THE ITEM...WHAT IS SCARY IS THAT THESE PEOPLE ACTUALLY GET OUR ADDRESS AND PERSONAL INFORMATION. ANY WAY, I AM GLAD THAT SOMEONE LIKE YOU TAKES THE TIME TO SHARE EXPERIENCES LIKE THIS . IT TEACHES US TO BE AWARE AND MAYBE WILL HELP STOP THE NEXT VICTIM BEFORE THEY ACTUALLY BECOME A BROKE VICTIM! THANK YOU

Have you been scammed?

Robyn S., Wood River, IL — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:50:25 GMT

I saw the piece both times it aired on NBC. I was amased at those that took advantage of this. I was even more surprised at how the contacts are made. That was until today. I got a fax at my business (I work from Home). Hope you can use it. Maybe it is one you already have dealt with.

Even after reading the comments here and seeing the story I am having trouble understanding how it is that people get caught in these plots.

Have you been scammed?

The Bratt, Pensacola FL — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 01:31:31 GMT

I recently got an IM from a guy that seemed nice and I started chatting with him. After only one week he said he lived in Georgia and was taking a business trip to Nigeria. He then said he wanted to get me a motorcycle I have been wanting but his daughter left his credit card at home and he needed me to help with the shipping. I got an e-mail from a shipping company that I could not find existed and an address in Nigeria that the maps could not find the road, stating the shipping would be $3,000. I told him he was crazy. I hadn't heard from him again for 2 weeks till today. He asked me not to be mad at him because he had been sick and need a favor. He needed me to cash a money order for him to be able to get back home. The amount was $1,250. The scams are not just fake businesses. They are also people who put up fake pictures and pretend they have fallen head over heals for you......

Have you been scammed?

Jean G., Memphis, TN — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 03:17:47 GMT

I work in the relay industry and I encounter these every working day! For those who do not know, relay is a way for the deaf and hard of hearing to make phone calls and instead of serving the deaf community, most of the calls we receive are these scammers and fraudsters buying stuff from people (big businesses and personal ads included) and fooling people with love and the promise of forever (as long as they can help in delivering their goods and giving them money). When naive people fall for it, it just feels like we are a part of the whole scam. I get affected from these more than I care to show or admit! When I saw your episode, I was just boiling mad! But I feel so helpless because the government cannot really stop this rampant (international) cheating and scamming. It's just sad.

Have you been scammed?

Marie Bulvan, Chicago, Illinois — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:56:53 GMT

Hi Chris,

I watch your show all the time, and I just received an e-mail from someone in Nigeria needing help from a foriener to help get some hidden money, in which, I will then get 25% of that hidden money. I wish to give you the name of the e-mail so perhaps you can follow up with this sure scam. His e-mail address is nasir_rufai@yahoo.com. I hope this is someone else who will get caught since there are so many victims. Please let me know if this information is helpful in a finding another con man.

Have you been scammed?

Virginia Robey, Wuhan, China — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 13:17:36 GMT

Discovered almost a year ago (while overseas) that someone was fraudulently using a credit card (tipped of by automatic email message that account had gone over $1000). Immediately contacted issuer on secure website. They responded that I had to call the U.S. to report lost or missing card (my card is with me,so it is neither lost nor stolen) and would not close the account. I called the number listed for international callers (U.S.? I don't know) and was put on hold for 4 minutes. Operator came back on and said he could not close the account and I would have to call a number in China. Chinese number did not answer. I finally got the issuer to close the account (via the secure site) by saying that I work in China. In one of their responses they threatened me that if I live outside the country but was not in the military, then the account would have to be close. An ironic threat, because I was asking them to immediately close the account because of the fraud, and they said they could not - unless I made that expensive call to the u.s. So, based on residency, they closed my account, but my attempts to warn them of fraud were rebuffed. When they closed my account, they blocked my ability to use the secure site, so I can't see the messages they posted, yet they sent me several emails "please go to the secure website for answers to your inquiries." Sometimes the issuers are stupid, too. This problem has still not resolved itself. It's bad being scammed in the U.S., but having it happen while you are living overseas is also a nightmare.

Have you been scammed?

Stefanie Fry, Elkhart, IN — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:10:16 GMT

I loved the "To Catch a Con-Man" series! I get scam-mail like that all the time! If you need new leads, I'll forward them ALL TO YOU! Keep up the good work!

Have you been scammed?

David Lee, Chicago IL — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 23:19:28 GMT

Chris,
I write this to you as a recent victim in internet scams. I consider myself pretty internet savvy, however, as I further investigated a recent transaction that I had 'completed' with a buyer via Craigslist.org and Paypal.com, I've come to the conclusion that I have been taken advantage of. Please note that I do not blame Craigslist nor Paypal. I was caught off guard through the sophisticated methods that I was not but now have come to be aware of. My primary contact with the buyer has been via email so I have all correspondence documented. I don't know if this case will ever be solved, of which I hope, however, at the very least I wish to disclose my recent discoveries to either catch the criminal and/or to prevent others from being taken advantage of. Thank you for your time and any assistance you may have.
Sincerely,
David Lee

Have you been scammed?

Terry Doherty — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 02:19:24 GMT

Dear Chris:

Shortly after watching your show on ID theft, my son was a victim. He received an email that appeared to be from his bank. Unfortunately, he responded. His savings was depleted by $1,000 and his passwords were changed. Luckily, I was able to give him advice and pointers from your show and he was able to nip it in the bud. He still monitors his credit report regularly and is much more careful with his personal information.

Today I received and email from a gentleman in Beijing, China who wants me to go to work for him as a "represtative/bookkeeper" in the USA. I'm thinking about looking into to it just to find out how illicit it is. What do you think?

Have you been scammed?

Jean Jones — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 02:28:30 GMT

Hi Chris,

I love your show. It's nice to know that someone out there is unmasking all of the fraudulent activity that goes on. It seems that the government doesn't do anything about it.

I have a friend that was duped on the internet by a person or a group of people who contacted her via instant message and email. They claimed to be a celebrity. In the beginning she was very skepital and did not believe this person at all, however as time progressed.. this person(s) continually gave them information before anything ever came out on the news or celebrity gossip. Over the course of 4 months this so called celebrity introduced her to several othere so called celebrites online and during the entire time this person gave her information that my friend would check out and it would later come out to be true. The "star" pretended to be in love with her and my friend evenutaully fell in with the celebrity. Until one day the person dropped out of her life.

My friend was able to track down that she was contacted by this celebrity via an email that was forwared with her email address on it. She contacted the FCC and reported it, and she contacted the celebrity who was inpersonated with a letter informing them of what happened. She has since tried with no avail to look for information online about other people this may have happened to and she doesn't understand why the person or people did this but she has had no luck. She was humiliated and embarrassed but I believe that this is probably much more prevaliant than she realizes.

I have looked online and I have found a site called be a celeb. It is an online game where people impersonate stars and keep a journal and they interact with people via AIM. This is how my friend was originally contacted. I have also found other fake celebrity sits but I have not found anything about anyone else that this has happened to and my friend is not a naive person. Who ever did this put alot of time and energy into knowing all that they could about the star they were impersonating. I can't help but wonder who else this is happening to that may be, like my friend, too embarrassed to come forward.

Please, look into this. It has not only broken her heart but has turned her against hollyhood and has taken the only source of entertainment away from her. My friend is handicapped so TV is her life. This scam ruined her life and I'm sure she is not the only one.

thank you
J

Have you been scammed?

Maria Marion, La Quinta, Ca — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:37:27 GMT

I "naively" answered lottery scams from the UK about me winning the lottery but that I had to contact Nigeria to claim my money- red flag right there. Too late now because before i realized i was being scammed ( my twin sister phoned me the day after i answered my "scams" and warned me about them as she watched these scams on Dateline which i missed. I e-mailed these smammers back by giving them my full name, phone number,nationality, address, etc, except they did not ask for my SSN so i was thinking it might be ok. Does that make me immune to identity theft? I emailed them back the day after to let them know they are in big trouble, that i know they just scammed me. Did i do the right thing? I learned something- never answer e-mails, period, esp. if they are from overseas. Should i change my phone number since i gave it to them? Pls. i would appreciate any kind of advices.

Have you been scammed?

dave balestra/palm bay/florida — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:43:26 GMT

i watched your show on nigeria scams and have recieved a multitude of scams???? they are from british global lottery asking for between 2000 pounds sterling to 4000 to open a account to claim winnings by my url of my computer!!!! also nigeria has a multitude of (free money ) . i have recieved over 30 in 2 days and am on permanent disability and am raising 2 children and have a 3x bypass back problems /melanoma and parkinsons desease!!!! if not for your show i may have borrowed the funds to do it !!!! but it still goes on and all people that don't know are in trouble please help !!!! dave balestra. 321-779-2838

Have you been scammed?

P.K., Backus/Pine River, MN — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:14:58 GMT

Hello (again),
I LOVE the Dateline programs! I sent a message back in July about another type of scam. It was in regards to 'Property for Sale'. I did not see my message posted in archive from before, so I thought I would attempt again to give others a 'heads-up'. As I had indicated in my last message, I have a home for sale (no realtor) with my own personal WEB site and I also have it on 'For Sale By Owner'. I have received contact from many scam artists (mostly from the UK and one as recently as 9/5/07) that want to buy my home, sight-unseen and in some cases for more than I am asking - but there's a catch...They 'ALL' want to send a deposit but that amount will be slighty larger than what we are requiring for earnest money because they want us to send back the extra via check (from our personal account). Now, I used to be a title company real estate closer, so I am very aware of how property closing/transactions must be handled and did not fall for this but there may be some who would. I get contacted by 'these people' atleast every other month and one went as far as to say they were 'Prince Kasim Abdalla, a sultan of the country of Jordan, a relative to the King'(I have saved all the emails that went back and forth). They claim they have seen my posting at www.lakeloghomeforsale.com and the 'For Sale By Owner' one as well, and they want to buy it immediately. I just want others to know that 'they' are out there and with many different venues for fraud. In this example, they want my personal bank account # - which they would get off of the return check they hope I will be sending them. They will have a long wait! Be careful everyone and please share my story with others. TAKE CARE and Thank You for exposing these scams!

Have you been scammed?

Jerri, bakersfield, ca — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 22:21:14 GMT

The business I am currently employed with recently was given a fraudulent credit card for an order in Nigeria. This occurred about 1 to 2 years ago. We recently received an e-mail from someone again, asking if we ship to Nigeria and accept credit cards. Their e-mail address is "more2goodhenry43@hotmail.com". I am trying to get more information from this person because we believe they maybe using stolen credit cards.

Have you been scammed?

Sandy Rabideau West Allis, Wisconsin — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:04:32 GMT

I hope this gets to Cris Hansen or someone that may be interested in investigating it.
I would consider investigating it myself, but I am afraid that it may be illegal.
My name is Sandy Rabideau and recently I have been receiveing some suspisious emails, I would like to forward them to you.
The most recent one is requesting that I accept checks or money orders cahing them and then keep 10 percent.
Of course stating that I will make lots of money.
Just thought this might be of some interest to you
Thank you
Sandy

Have you been scammed?

Verna Littleben Albuquerque, NM — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:56:56 GMT

Hello my name is Vern. My parents have been scammed by the internet scammers. They send $3000.00 and they were told that they were to invest or RECEIVE $30,000.00 in the mail. Only if I knew what they were doing. Now, they don't know what to do. May you please help me. Verna

Have you been scammed?

Mark Ryan Clermont, Florida — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 08:18:14 GMT

September 30, 2007

Dear Chris,
I would like to add another comment on your series in which you set up a internet account & tracked down the crooks over seas. YOU DID A FABULOUS JOB!! Keep up the great work! Speaking of work, I got a story that I think your gonna wanna look into? There is a web site that out local news has told about down here in Florida, called Craigslist.com. Apparently, some prostitutes have been caught using this site in Polk County, Florida & also in Daytona. You should do a story on this, I believe there is more going on in this site.

Keep up the great work,
Mark

Have you been scammed?

Ursula A. Moraski, Absecon, N.J. — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:42:17 GMT

I did watch this show and was just fascinated, especially when a lot of the scammers were from Nigeria. While on Holiday in Thailand, I would frequently check my email at an internet cafe' and also check my ebay account feedback. Then one night while checking on ebay, my password wasn't working. evidently, someone had managed to get into my personal account and change my information. I immediatley notified Ebay Security. They put a hold on my account until I arrived home so I could fax them ID. In my Hotmail there were about 15 messages from people who were notified by this person requesting info about computers and the postage if shipped to a certain address in the U.S. I went to my Ebay Account and changed my password by answering certain security questions. While doing this, the person, had changed my name for his as the registered user, kept my payment name and address, but had changed the shipping address to Illinois. His name was really strange, so I googled it and discovered it was quite common in Nigeria. I was so enraged, because I immediately flashed back to the Dateline Show. Ebay is investigating the matter, but I'm sure I'll prevail. It's a shame these people are so smart, but use their intelligence in a corrupt way, when they could really do something with their lives.

Have you been scammed?

Mike Freeman, Nashville, TN — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:08:57 GMT

Hello,

My company is a small graphic design firm in Nashville, TN. We do good work for good people. Recently, we did a website for a man, who conned us out of about $4000. He had us build the site over a couple of days, then threatened to sue us. Then never paid us. I have since found out that he is running an investment scam. I have pictures of him, I know quite a bit about him, I just don't have the where-with-all to actually catch him in the act. I would love help with this. Thanks.

Have you been scammed?

Julie Goering, Hickman, Nebraska — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:49:07 GMT

OH MY GOD!!!! I was just sharing a situation with my friends at work and they directed me to your story on web scams. A man sent me a request to ship 60 perfumes to an address in Africa. I advised I could not ship out of the country. Asked him to provide me with a cashiers check instead of a credit card because I thought it strange someone would want this many fragrances. I advised him that I don't have these in stock and it would take 1 week and that I would have to wait 2 weeks for the cashiers check to clear before I could send anything out. He emailed me back and said he would send the cashiers check but wanted my home address so he could have some 'phones' shipped to me. He would send me address labels with an address to ship them to. I replied that I was no longer interested in working with him. This is CRAZY!! I did keep his emails because I thought it was all so strange in the first place. If they would help you catch another person you are welcome to them.

Have you been scammed?

M. Shipley, Ruston, LA — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:52:38 GMT

I checked my e-mail this morning and I'm pretty sure I received a message attached to some sort of financial scam. I was not sure what organization I should report this to so I looked up the web-page for "To Catch An Identity Thief." Please get back to me as soon as possible, so that I can pass this message and the necessary contact information along to the proper authorities.

Have you been scammed?

Pamela V., Houston, Texas — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:08:48 GMT

Chris Hansen, we have just learned that my 71 year old uncle has been scammed out of $570,000.00 dollars. About half to these email scams and the other have to Peter Popoff, the false prophet that was exposed some years back. My uncle kept detailed records and made copies of everything sent out. We have a huge story that needs to be told to the American people. Can you help us? You are my first contact with the media.

Have you been scammed?

Alfredo and Ricarda Rodriguez, howell , NJ — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 22:28:38 GMT

hi we just received a check for 3,640.50 telling us to deposit the check to a american agent named Karen Wells of Acme Financial Management and that later after the check clear from our account and then she was going to sent us a check for $113,0000.

my husand decided to call the number on the letter and i decided to get online and investigate, when my husband called this lady named Karen to ask her why we where receiving this check and what was the catch and she got upset and started to scream at my husband and told him to call back again tomorrow. the letter and found out that it is a scam the check looks real.

i check the company that wrote the check it was called Mid-West Wholesale Lighting Corp. it is a company in California and the bank that wrote the check is Wells Fargo Bank in Berverly Hills,as well as the company that the check was coming from.

i would like to know what can we do about this how can we report this and to who should we report it to???????

sicerely;
Ricarda Rodriguez

Have you been scammed?

Diane Jividen, Clevelandm TN — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:22:10 GMT

I was scammed 10/06/07 out of 3000 dollars via the internet in trying to buy a horse trailer. The theif built a very convincing ebay page and sent me the link to click bid or buy the trailer. It even sent me back a message to my email that I had bought the trailer. Please everyone dont be foolish like me and let your excitement over buying something or winning something cloud your judgement. Think and always protect your money.

Have you been scammed?

Lori, Tewksbury Mass. — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:36:30 GMT

I think we are in the middle of a scam. My daughter has registered with a nanny website. Someone contacted her and asked her to be a live-in nanny. She refused so the person said he would bring his child to her. She also refused he then proceeded to tell her a tale of woe, that his wife had just recently had a baby BUT that hospital would not release her until the bill had been paid???? First question of is this a scam. Second he proceeded to send her 4 money orders totaling 3400.00........asking her to cash them and send them to the hospital because he was in the UK and could not do it himself???? Ok to send to her but not the hospital???? She told him she was sending them back to him were he proceeded to get upset because they were already made out in her name,and he could no longer do anything with them. I on the other hand work in the shipping industry and tracked this envelope he sent to her. He had an address on the letter from Missouri, but the actual package was mailed in Utah. This has all the feelings of some kind of scam. I have sent the money orders back and have copies of them and of the emails he has sent her. I find it disgusting that these people are everywhere even on legit job searches. I do not know how this scam would have played out but i am not willing to find out. If anyone else knows of this paticular scam please enlighten me on what this guy thought would happen.

Have you been scammed?

l m Plaistow nh — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:21:45 GMT

Chris, I received an e-mail today from a Mr. Johnson Malaga from Kerewan, Gambia. The letter was a little long but the bottom line is, a man & his family died in a car accident over there and left 8 million dollars and they cannot find the next of kin. However because I have a matching last name he is giving me 6 days to claim it and he will split it with me! LOL. By the way he said he works in a reputable bank in Kerewan.
First of all, I work for the chief of police in our local town and I watch every show you have had on tv. You have made me well aware of these scams. I never open these types of e-mails but my whole name was on it and it said the late Mr. Philip ..... we have had some illness in our family lately and that prompt me to open it. I did not and will not respond to it. Just wanted you to know that this is a new scam from a small NH town.
Lana from NH

Have you been scammed?

Greg King Wasilla, Alaska — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 21:27:48 GMT

Dear Chris, excellant job reporting on ID thieft. It has hit home with me since, I am out 25,ooo and on the hook for 700,000. I have been to the FBI,Police,INS,and have filed various reports with numorous agencies to no avail. I even hired a PI who did not find anything out. It is a life altering experience and now am left trying to clean up this mess! I was shocked to find out that this person had opened 10 different credit cards in my name without my permission, on line without my signiture! Why is it so easy for these thieves to do this? I find myself alone in this mess since I have not been able to get the authorities to help me. I am getting to know my attorney real well do to the fact that I will be going bankrupt and have lost my lifes savings! I have found that some people are not who they say they are! Beware! This person is a pro, I just wonder how many more people will suffer due to her!

Have you been scammed?

alice jamieson, boise Idaho — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 08:50:39 GMT

Dear Chris,
I have recently been a vitim of the e-mail scam and lost $28,000 to a person,or persons from Lome togo Afirca who are using legitimate bank information so it was not until I parted with the money that I realsed that I was not getting anything back. I have very original looking inheritance certificate and goverment documents of the inheritance money total amount sixteen million five hundred dollars and I even have the bank account details to where I wired the money and the name of the Attorney who was working with the bank so that I could get the inheritance money.I am willing to give you all the documents so as to catch this thief or theives and hopefully no one else will lose their money like I did. I have to work for a living and now I have no saving left

Have you been scammed?

alice jamieson, boise Idaho — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 09:03:58 GMT

Dear chris,
I have recently been a vitim of the e-mail scams and would love to help you with your invstigation into it. I have original looking documents( certificate of inheritance) and addresse of a bank in Lome, Togo where the inheritance was being held. I have even checked the bank and it is legitimate. I have the name of the person I wired the money to $28500 and a phone number. I would like this person, or persons exposed and hopefully protect another person from losng their life saving since I have none left. please help me chris

Have you been scammed?

Maria MacDonald, Tonawanda, NY — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:42:23 GMT

Hello, I really appreciated it for your effort to catch the predators in Europe. Wow!! That's neat! I felt good about it. We were victimed too. We did read all messages that we all are the same shoes so we all are very cautious about it. Thanks again! Great Job!!! Give me a five!!! Smile w/ Wink! I am sorry if you don't understand what am I saying cuz of my second language- English. I just did my best as I can. Thanks!

Have you been scammed?

Merry Roloff — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 01:20:43 GMT

I never thought it would happen to me! But I got a call to verify charges this last Saturday and guess what, they were not mine. Somehow, somewhere someone got my information. Thank goodness I have fraud/theft protection on my CC. I did call one of the places (Body Shop Online) that a purchase was made and got all the info on the purchase. I now know the address where the merchandise was shipped to and the supposed name/names used. I contacted the local sheriff's department for that town in IL and gave them all the information. It may or may not help, but then again it can not hurt.

Have you been scammed?

Jeremy Tordai, Anahiem Hills Ca — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:17:42 GMT

Being a victim of Identity Theft since 1999 and having served in the Marines for the last 5 years while trying to get a job with a federal agency and finding out you’re disqualified because of fraudulent activity regarding your work employment, this story hits home hard
To this day, twice I've personally located the place of employment as well as an address to where the person using my personal identification number (SSN) is. Both times the police departments were unable to make a successful arrest, due to the employer's owner giving that illegal employee a heads up that the police were coming. With all my experience in fixing my fraudulent delinquent bills, tax liens as well as contacting the proper agencies, I've become aware that these large bureaucracies are not geared to helping individuals as much as making a profit or maintaining the status quo. Secondly, as Mari Frank writes in her book Victim to Victor with regard to financial fraud, laws protect victims from most large out of pocket monetary losses- but not from major emotional and financial headaches- there’s a tendency to let the victim go it alone.
Identity theft is an endless process that many agencies do not take seriously. After clearing over $150,000 from the social security office recently, for reported fraudulent employment, I felt like Neil Armstrong except rather than being one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind, It was more like one small step for man, about 10,000 more steps up the pyramid to fix my good name.

Have you been scammed?

elizabeth kaczocha wichita, ks — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 22:30:44 GMT

i watch your shows on occasion and it actually helped me identify a scam i recieved in the mail. I got a valid looking check, stating that I had won $57,000 but i had to deposit a check for $3,888.00 into a checking account first, to pay for administrative and processing fees. I called the number once, someone answered, but when i called back, no one answered. The letter said to ask for a woman, whose name they gave me, but there was only a man there, and he barely spoke english. The letter came out of Canada, the phone number area code was for a different part of Canada than the address, and the PO box and the check came out on New Jeresy. A little strange, don't you think? The scamers of the world think they are getting smart, but the rest of us are getting smarter.

Have you been scammed?

Jay Williams, Baltimore Maryland — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 00:01:23 GMT

Chris, I'm a Private Investigator in the Baltimore area and can appreciate the great work you are doing. I can only hope that one day you would make yourself available to set up a operation in Maryland. My father was a victim of online scams and they pursued him until he died last year. He became vary paranoid and was certain someone was going to kill him because of large amounts of money he was told he won in various lotteries but never was able to collect. he insisted he was being threatened if was didn't send money. He would get approximately three thousand in retirement and send more than twenty five hundred in money orders every month for 3 years. He would also take out loans to satisfy demands for different organizations and people around the world. I only wish to be able to help you in your efforts to catch these crooks, even if it means to volunteer. As a private investigator my desire is to get involved in these types of cases but for now Cheating spouses pays my bills.

Have you been scammed?

Patricia Willson, Ormond Beach, FL and St. Simons Island, GA — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 17:17:58 GMT

For approx a month I've been receiving phone calls from a person claiming to be the CEO of an International Bank in India and telling me that I've won millions of dollars. I've "verbally dressed him down" for such a scam, used very strong language in doing so and within 3 minutes he calls me back. I've filed 3 police reports, reported this to my land line carrier, my cell phone carrier and I'm already on the National Do No Call list and still he calls. He's called me 5 times today and it's just now lunch time. Apparently nobody can help me, or that's what they are saying. What if I was uninformed, elderly, etc. and fell for this. Why can no one help? His number is 876-789-8042. Sometimes he's the CEO of the Global International Bank and sometimes he's other people from other international locations. BE AWARE. Since nobody can stop him maybe I can get 'some' word out.

Have you been scammed?

Erica, Gonzales LA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:53:48 GMT

I have been using careerbuilder.com t post my resume to potential employers. several times i have gotten emails (which may i add are VERY tempting) that offered me a job electronically transferring money, just like in the dateline shows. i read over the "contract" they sent and you can find the scam in its self. i'm so glad that i watched these dateline shows, i really think they have saved me from losing it all.

Have you been scammed?

Tim Leighty — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 03:24:23 GMT

Hi Chris. Let me start by saying you should run for President. Unlike Mr Bush, I believe everything you say. I have a scam out of South Africa from a poor dirt farmer that his father was killed by Pres. Robert Mugabe and all white farmer's asset's where taken, Oh the best part, His father safeguarded 5.5 million dollars and deposited in a security account. Well I've played along with this and I've got this guy to a point he's almost ready to board a plane and meet me in London to make arrangement's to pick up my money. My point his at least these thieves are good for one thing. CHEAP LAUGH'S THANKS AGAIN CHRIS.

Tim

Have you been scammed?

Steve B. — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 03:35:06 GMT

I wish you guys would go after these scams, not only shown on the internet but TV commercials! All you do is pay for some booklet and you can earn $5000 a day?!?! Yeah right, I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday. These are all pyramid and MLM schemes -- lets see some reports on these sites!!

Have you been scammed?

Ollie L. Peel — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 21:48:48 GMT

Because i've watched your show often you've made me aware of a lot of potential identity theives. Today I received a letter with a 2,895.10 check inclosed in it from a company named Global Strategies Group & Royal Alliance. Stating that I had won a crruise and cash totaling 28,500.00 and the check was for the service charge and ,international cllearance fees. the check would be deducted from the total amount. I know this is got to be to good to be true. So im not biting. The phone # that was in the letter had a filled mailbox and was unable to answer my call. It has a canadian adress but the company does'nt have a web adress nor listed number.

Have you been scammed?

lisa NJ — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 05:58:00 GMT

Would it be interesting to catch a post office scam? people are stealing are stuffs and selling it to ebay, craiglist, or amazon. Its sad the government cant do nothing about it. We have to pay for insurance or whatever , just to cover our butt, Please, please, try to investigate about this issue, POST OFFICE SCAM! In New Jersey and Delaware !

Have you been scammed?

Sally Fortson , danielsville , Ga. — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:02:26 GMT

well call me stupid but i fell for one of these scams , now i am out $3655.00 ; when i talked to the lady after recieving the check she was the nicest lady and promised me it was no scam ; but guess what ; now every time i call no answer or the mailbox is full ; am i stuck with this loss ; or is there anything that can be done ???

Have you been scammed?

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 02:28:39 GMT

hey there this is my name i J i would like you guys to setup a undercover sting in lubbock tx and because it would be interesting to see who shows uopp at your under cover house i find this very informative and we have alot of crime in lubbock tx and it would be interesting to see who in lubbock takes you guys bate

thanks J

Have you been scammed?

Michael Blackburn, Arlington, Texas — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 08:07:02 GMT

I saw your show about the online scams. I have recently received some of these same type emails from overseas. I would love it if you guys were able to bust them on TV. If you would like their information please email me. Thanks and I love the show!

Have you been scammed?

Sue Adkins — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:12:20 GMT

I just received an emiail from a gentleman named "Caleb Mac" who spoke as if he and I had been engaged in a business agreement and he was wiring me 920,000 (well, his secretary in S. Africa would be wiring the money). While he did not mention me sending money, I'm wondering if this could be one the scams you have reported on and if so what should I do about it? I would like very much to report it.

Have you been scammed?

Miranda — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:36:14 GMT

Hello Chris - I like to see when these con- artist are caught. I would like to report a recent attempt by someone to try to scam me. I received a live check in the mail for $1,880.00.....the letter with the check advised me that I had been selected to be a secret surveyor and I was instructed that my 1st assignment was to survey Wal-mart Moneygram center....I was advised to send a money gram for $1,550.00 to Stacy Walker...132 Oxford Lane Whitby,Ontario ....once this is done I was to call in the money gram receipt # ..for doing this I would get $250.00......there was a breakdown on the letter...$250.00 for me; $1,550.00 sent in money gram; $80.00 Money gram service charge....which equals the total amt of the check $1,880.00.....I called the number on this letter and a man answered statinf this is SurveyLot.com and he sounded foreign...also the name on the bank check -Hunterton National Bank 1-888-364-2001 goes to voicemail when you press an option....this really sounds like fraud...I'm just amazed how people come up with all of the cons. I have reported this to the ferderal trade commission to investigate.

Have you been scammed?

anonymous, MN — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:21:06 GMT

I was recently met a man on the internet who convinced me to accept and send packages to Benin, I have never heard of this scam til a friend told me about your program, I refused all packages after that and just a few days ago UPS tried to deliver another, how can I help or protect myself?

Have you been scammed?

Don Bassler, Newport Beach, CA — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:15:25 GMT

Mr. Hanson, please contact me. Mt Aunt inherited millions and has been bilked for many months to the tune of over 1 million. The con man that frequently calls her is claiming to be an FBI agent who is trying to get her money back from Internet Lottery losses. Yes, she actually sent money via WU to "pre-pay winnings taxes".
If I could offer you some quick details of this ongoing scam via telephone it would be best. I am certain that this crime is being perpetrated upon MANY seniors and would make an incredibly eye-opening, interesting and highly-rated segment. Please contact me asap, sir.

Have you been scammed?

Lillian Farrell — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 21:54:19 GMT

Mr Hansen
I love your show and the information you are giving to the public. Pleae tell me how to report these scam e-mails that I recieve at least 3-4 times a day.

Have you been scammed?

M. L. Sterling Kansas — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 04:26:54 GMT

Chris. Today we received an E. mail from a Johnson Malaga claiming to be a representative of a bank in Kerewan Repiblic of Gambia. He wants to split an unidetified bank deposit 50/50 of several million dollars. Of course we have not responded but wanted you to know he [or whoever] is still pishing.

Have you been scammed?

Rick White, Monroe Twp, NJ — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:55:08 GMT

Hello Chris, I am a big fan of your work. I just received the same e-mail that is mentioned by one of your writers above. It claims to from a Mr. Johnson Malaga from the Republic of Gambia, who just happens to be in control of a 8.5 million dollar inheritance that was left by a man who shares my last name. In the e-mail he asks for my home address and phone number. I responded by sending him the address and phone number of the FBI headquarters in Washington D.C. He has since sent me two more e-mails. One of which is asking me to sign a contract and return it to him. After he receives the signed contract he will send further instructions. Needless to say, I will not be signing any contracts with Mr. Johnson Malaga. It is a shame and outrage that there are people out there succeeding at cheating hard working citizens out of their savings. Keep up the good work!! We need more Chris Hansen's out there exposing these predators of our money and more importantly our children. I would be more than happy to assist in anyway that I can in exposing these scam artists. ~ Rick

Have you been scammed?

TAMMY TWOMEY — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:36:37 GMT

I HAVE BEEN SCAMED ONCED,BUT NOW FROM THE CENTRAL BANK IN NIGERIA,IS GIVING ME SO CALLED FUNDS,THEY DON'T WANT ANY BANKING INFO,THEY ASKED FOR CERTAIN INFO,AND THE NEAREST AIRPORT TO MY COUNTRY,THEIR MAIL CARRIER IS SO POSABILE BRING IT TO MY FRONT DOOR, THEY SAID IT WAS REGISTERED WITH THE FBI.AND THEY GIVE ME 48 HOURS FORM TODAY NOV 12,2007, TO COMPLY WITH THEIR DIPLOMATS,WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Have you been scammed?

Jessica R. Spokane, Washington — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:38:02 GMT

I am currently involved in what I believe to be a scam. A man by the Jubril Bello will not stop calling me. He claims to be a Lawyer who is helping a woman who befriended me. He is tryng to get someone appointed as her next of kin in order to have the money go to someone good instead of bad. The lawyer has conned money from me to secure documents and reactivate the supposed account holding 5.5 million dollars. I have tried to get him to leave me alone and he will not. I have a private investigator working on some things however nothing is making any sence. I want him caught and I believe that he is here in the state of Virginia because he calls me from a number located in virginia. I believe he has several people involved in this scam.

Have you been scammed?

Jessica Spokane, Wa — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:35:10 GMT

Chris,
I need your immediate assistance. I have been scammed and I have been recieving emails from the economic & financil crime commission based in Nigeria. They claim that they are helping me to recover my money I have lost and yet I don't know if I can believe them. I have contact with a Jubril Bello claiming to be an Attorney for a woman that I am suppose to be helping. He has sent me documents that say I have become her next of kin. I believe these documents to be fake. With your help and immediate intervention I believe that we can lure them in. These people are contacting me 2-3 times a day to assist them and I want to see them caught. I will be extremely grateful for your help. Jessica

Have you been scammed?

roberto cruz,weslaco,texas — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 02:16:03 GMT

i keep on getting all types of e-mails like the ones you report on,all the offers look so good$$i would like to ask you where i could report these types of things cause its like if every time i log in they just show up???thanks for your time!!!

Have you been scammed?

Brenda, Ceres, Ca. — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 18:40:21 GMT

Amazing how easily scammers can take advantage of anybody. they always find somebody to fall for it. I watch all of your investigations and believe me. It had made me conscious of whats happening and has opened my eyes to be aware of all this. We've received lots of this(scams)to the door of our house through regular postal service. We almost fell for it but we decided to be smart and go to our bank and ask about the misterious letter we had received.Of course they immediately noticed it was fake. A zip code that didn't even exist and stuff like that. Also be aware they try to confuse you by using fancy codes that you have no idea what they mean but makes it sound legal since we do not know much or anything at all about government codes. Make sure to always ask what you don't know and don't understand; our pride is sometimes our biggest weakness and the scammer is ready to attack it.

Have you been scammed?

Ding Ding, Solano, Calif — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 04:16:32 GMT

When Will You do more episodes of To catch an ID theif and Con Man Because I like the show. But next time lure the Con Men and ID theives to america so they can be arrested an shamed in front of hidden cameras so they would stop doing this

Have you been scammed?

Mike Ciak, Pittsburgh, Pa — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 18:37:05 GMT

Hi Chris, I rent out properties through the local universities and have recently received an email from the UK with photo attached to it of the interested person. The photo was of a girl with a flower in her hair sitting on a rock. It is the same photo that you showed on one of your shows regarding interent fraud.I belive the man and women you confronted were of different national backgrounds, overseas, actually, I believe you went overseas as well. My wife and I were in awe when we saw the photo, esp. months later after your show. if you need this info please let us know.

Have you been scammed?

Rama Nadendla — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:58:57 GMT

I was close to getting scammed by a individual(s) that want to sell car from abroad. They send you emails, and authentic looking ebay safe purchase program mail to lure you into sending money through moneygram. I have all the emails and the address the person gave in London, and the vin number of the car. I really want this person(s) caught, and i am not sure how to go about it.

Have you been scammed?

Diane Marhelewicz, 82 Mason Street, Palmer MA — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 11:34:50 GMT

Hi, How can I purchase this vedio to show a high school class that I teach or when will this show be aired again. It was a great show!!
Thanks Mrs. Marhelewicz

Have you been scammed?

Marsha Walters, Lincolnton, NC — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 12:29:05 GMT

Chris, Your investigations have got to be the most important public service reports that have aired within the last decade. Your latest reporting on the credit card scams left me speechless. I read your impressive bio and am so glad that we have someone like you out there exposing predators. Please continue your extraordinary reporting. Your millions of viewers, like me, need constant reminders that there are predators in every conceivable walk of life. You should have a weekly spot on Today Show.

Have you been scammed?

Dave Raymond, Pinellas Park, FL — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 12:56:17 GMT

Chris, Just wanted to let you know that you are one of only three journalists for the last 20 years or so that I trust. Thanks!

Have you been scammed?

Mike , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:39:47 GMT

Just finished watching "to catch an I D thief"
I am shocked !! When Chris talks to the fake lawyer I figued he would get arrested when he walked out of the room as with the internet preditors. why weren't local authorities contacted. Credit card companies let this happen because it is cheaper to pay the bad guys than to pay for greater security. They have insurance or just make the card member pay for it or all of us with higher interest rates! Make the credit card companies liable for ID theft and I'm sure ID theft throught credit card companies will stop. Why don't they make you use a pin number like you have to with a debit card?? Also if it is proven someone is a victim of ID theft then why does it afect there credit for the rest of there lives. Something is wrong.

Have you been scammed?

Glenn G. Millar, San Francisco, CA — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 21:43:43 GMT

Chris,

Caught the ID thief program (both parts) at 3:00 AM last night, (insomnia - don't ask.) Loved the show.

What I noticed was the three people being scammed were victims of what we call dating scams, something that is a huge problem in the online dating industry. Some people are so desperate for love, they agree to do things that they would never do if they were not personally involved in the situation. In your particular story, all three were also victims of identity theft which is what you concentrated on, very successfully.

We run a blog, www.onlinepersonalswatch.com, dedicated to the online dating industry that is read by 2,500 executives in the industry. We hear about online dating scams all the time and actually work with a non-profit organization which helps to publicize scams and the scammers. The scams are often (like yours) for identity theft.

However, many of the scams are designed just to get people to send money domestically. This could make a good story because these are American con artists who you could track down.

No matter what your level of interest, domestic or international, please feel free to contact us whenever you need industry expertise on online dating scams. We would love your help and publicity in eradicating this problem.

Have you been scammed?

Cuevas Family, Huntsville, AL — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 23:26:40 GMT

Chris Hanen and Crew Members,

I wanted to thank you for all the reporting you and your crew do. It is exposing so much and helping the public. Thank GOD for your Brave Team!
I also was a victim of fraud. This is how they did it. I own an After Market Rim and Tire Retail Shop in Huntsville, AL. I open it after moving from the New Orleans area because of Hurricane Katrina 2005. My family and I started our lives over in North Alabama.

The thieves contacted us through a temporary e-mail with the @aim.com and a pre-pay cell phone in September 2006. The customer wanted 2 sets of wheels and tires total cost of $9,600.00. One set of 26” wheels and tires. Those wheels were TIS brand (kind of the Rolex of wheels status) and the 22” wheels were player wire wheel. We told the customer/thieves they hand to pay shipping up front with a post office money order. The product shipping location was Chicago Illinois. After a few days we received the shipping payment in the amount of $200.00 and shipped the merchandise through FEDERAL EXPRESS GROUND SERVICE. With a COD TAG on each box. This was a HUGE MISTAKE because the customs/thieves paid the FEDERAL EXPRESS DRIVER with a Counterfeit check. My bank notified me of the counterfeit check a few days later. I contacted Federal Express and told them what had happen and they refused to take claim and said even though I paid for the shipping insurance they could not help with a fraud situation. They did no investigation and did not even question their driver. They simply washed their hands and refused to help me. The FBI said they could not help me because I was not out 100,000.00. I told the FBI I had a copy of the money order that they paid with and it had the location of the post office and the clerk number and maybe they could get a picture off the Post Office surveillance cameras and I was told they don’t watch 8 hours of video for that and again it was only $9600.00 not a hundred grand. Well it does not take 8 hours when you have the clerk number, date and money order number.
I also reported this to the Chicago Police Dept through the mail with pictures and details. To this day no one has contacted me. I think they just don’t have the resources to fight this kind of fraud. Now we ship nothing out until we have the full payment amount and I only take U.S. Post Office Money orders. Businesses beware of this. It was a huge loss to a small family business like mine.

Chris and Crew we appreciate all the hard work you all do! We will pray for all of you in Jesus name amen.

GOD BLESS,

Cuevas Customs

Have you been scammed?

Mark Shipman, Dallas, Texas — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 04:10:38 GMT

What hit me about the ID thieves and getting the stolen merchandise out of the US, is that they could not do it without these middle men, conned in to thinking they are doing a legit work from home way to make money.
The real story behind the story is that if you are looking for a home based business opportunity, DON"T RECEIVE STOLEN MERCHANDISE AND SHIP IT OVERSEAS! YOU ARE AIDING CRIMINALS AND ACTING IN A CRIMINAL MANNER AND COULD GO TO JAIL FOR IT!!!
come on people, wake up!

Have you been scammed?

ronald vincent, ocean springs, ms. 39564, 228-343-1078 — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 06:58:35 GMT

Dear Chris! Thanks for exposing these developments. I would like to be of assistance in these matters also. I have numerous logs and multiple id's on these romance scammers. Feel free to contact me. The scripts I have compiled are quite informative, as well as entertaining.

Have you been scammed?

Exotic Performance Plus — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:46:48 GMT

I have an automotive performance shop located in Indiana called Exotic Performance Plus. We specialize in a few key areas including the sales and installations of superchargers from a company called Accessible Technologies Incorporated (ATI ProCharger)
We drop ship a lot of these expensive supercharger kits all over the world, and occasionally a stolen credit card is used. Many people think that the credit card companies take the hit when this happens, which is totally wrong. The credit card companies are not held liable in these cases, it is the merchant that gets hurt. If I process an order from an individual, and it turns out they used a stolen credit card, and the merchandise is shipped to them, I am out this money. I have the potential with what I sell to lose $6,000 or so if a stolen credit card is used, which would be a major blow to us.
I found this Dateline show to be extremely informative and interesting. It would be a huge benefit if merchants like me had a place to call who would try to catch these thieves when we have a name and address. I have had several (actually more) occasions where I take an order for a supercharger from a customer, and next I receive a phone call from someone wanting to know why I just put a $6,000 charge on their credit card. Now we are in a position where we know the potential customer is a thief and lucky for us the person whose card they tried to use caught the charge right away. These potential customers or thieves, have at times repeatedly called me back to see how soon they can get their supercharger. I'll hear excuses that they need it shipped right away as they are heading out of town on a vacation, etc. We have tried calling their local police departments to see if they want to catch them, and none of the departments are ever interested. It leaves us very frustrated, as many times we have names, addresses, phone numbers that I know are real as I have called these people back before, and no one wants to get involved.

Thanks for a great show!
Bob Beam
Exotic Performance Plus

Have you been scammed?

Judy — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 01:38:09 GMT

Hi Chris,
I have recently been the victim of a scam. I was unaware of such dealings and I was smart enough to take action quickly. I met a Ghanian online and we have been talking for sometime when he ask me if i can do his friend that lives here a favor, immediately I know something was wrong, he asked me if I can collect some packages and he will give me instruction how to send it to him. Immediately I says no. He went ahead and use my address anyway, my daughter came home from school noticed a package and call me I know I did not order anything and was furious because I know what happen. I came home got intouch with the company the package came from, and the person whom it was billed to. He told me his credit card was stolen the day before and used. I went to the police station I really did not get much help there. They told me I was not a victim and they could not file a report. by the time I get back from the station two more packages came and I call the company and let them know I did not order anything. I returned them the next day by ups. I also had to let ups block my address from anything coming there which is a big inconvienence. I did not do anything and I find myself in this mess. Chris I hope there is something you can do about this. Pleeeeeeeaaaase

Have you been scammed?

Shelah, Oregon — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 20:59:25 GMT

My husband recently recieved a very official looking letter from the "Emirates Group". It is an offer of $5 million for a business grant. It sounds too good to be true, but at this point doesnt ask for any information. I am extremely sceptical, but what if it is legit? I emailed the FDIC and haven't heard back from them. I just emailed the group, and I wont be surprised if they ask me for my bank account info or my SSN. They wont be getting any information from me. I hope that if it is a scam no one falls prey.

Have you been scammed?

jesse colchester vermont — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:44:01 GMT

i saw your to catch a con man on tv. recently, i have recieved a lot of emails claiming i can recieve millions in us funds because someone has died in iraq, i would really think it would be interesting if you guys would do a show on this person

Have you been scammed?

Moira Mamea, Tacoma, Washington — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:56:48 GMT

Hello Mr. Hansen,
I watched your show called the "catch an Id Theft" one morning and you did a great job covering the story.Well, to my surprise when I opened up my yahoo account there it is, several scam emails saying that theres a million dollar here and there, but two Locations were most commonly used and that was Africa and London. They were asking for my Name,address, age, bank and phone number and what not. So one of the email I responded putting the follwoing "fake information" The name I sent was funny, but I got a response back with those makeshift certificate of deposit and all these receipts, but little did they know that the dates makes a lof of difference.The name I put down was

Name: Stu padasso (in reality would pronounce stupid ahole)
fake address and all

They went ahead and made out a fake cerificate to this name, but they kept sending and sending me all these emails to confirm two trunks and to top it off when I read one of the receipts it has $25,000.00 total shipment amount. For some reason they are stuck in the $20,000 something thousand dollars.I think you should continue to broadcast your show at least at an earlier time, because it came at 4 am and I don't know if there is alot of people that are actually awake at that time, lucky thing I woke up just about that time and saw it, because it made a huge difference. Thank you very much.

Have you been scammed?

AKP, St. Paul, MN — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:41:30 GMT

That was an excellent story on id thieves and scammers. I work at a college and I was just told about one of the students here who was trying to sell a book on an internet site for $16. After a few emails were exchanged with increasingly difficult payment ideas given by this man in the Republic of Benin, and her emailing him saying it was all too complicated and she wanted to sell the book to someone else, today she recieved a check for $3,000 drawn on a bank in Hawaii with a different name. After calling the bank (knowing it was a scam) the account number isn't valid and the address listed on the check is for a snack shop. There was an involved email with instructions on what to do with the money and code words, it was all very shady. What can we do to put a little scare into these people?

Have you been scammed?

nelly Torrance, CA — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:27:43 GMT

I am a victim of fraud, I put an add in the recycler to sell my car a man called with an operators help like he was sick or handicap, said he was interested in the car, but is not in the same state he will have to get an agent to pick up the car, he sent the money order for more than the price he said to send the rest to the agent to pick up the car. my bank said it would take 3 days to clear the money order we waited for 3 days sent the guy who was picking up the car via western union $600 then my bank account bounce after a week or two, I then realized I had been hit he tells me the agent wants more money so he is going to send another money order asked me if I could send it to him because he will be out of the country and he trust that I will take care of this because he trust me, but he wants me to send it to Nigeria so I told him I am out of the state for the holidays when I get back I will talk to him, so he is currently waiting on my response. I need help to catch these people he is still emailing and calling me.

Have you been scammed?

amber muhl,Glen Burnie,Md — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:59:29 GMT

my name is amber and i've recently been a victim of a scam.A scam also known as the scam gram,they sent me a check and had me send some of the money back to them. Two days later the check was marked counterfit now my bank is sewing me i'm still in school working to pay my tuition and now i owe the bank over 800 dollars.Is there any advice anyone can give me to help me get the money back or at least enough to pay the bank.Thank you for taking a look at this and hopefullly someone can help me.

Have you been scammed?

Catherine Watters New Hope, PA — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 03:10:02 GMT

This probably is not going to be a very popular post but,,,,what do we expect? There are people out there,,,desperate,,unskilled,,,underdeveloped,,,coming from,,,,we can only imagine what kinds of circumstances,,,People need help and their no getting it,,,what else are they supposed to act like?
If we aided people more so they can be Honest citizens,,,so they can get on their feet,,,, I feel people are forced into criminal behavior,,, just trying to survive,,, not everyone is born into supportive families,,, Some live in unimaginable conditions.

Have you been scammed?

Ken Johnston — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 03:13:40 GMT

the report was very interesting ...
however, the end was very weak .... why didn't you give us 5 minutes on how to prevent id theft ... instead of the rather pathetic " check your bank account often and check our web site """

Have you been scammed?

Bonita 4U, San Diego, CA — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 03:29:18 GMT

Mr. Hansen,
Thank you so much for reporting and re-airing yur show on Identity Thief. After watching your show, I purchased an Identity Thief package with my bank that insures me in the event that I even become a victim of Identity Thief. One of my college professors offered a few words of advice that I would like to share with you viewers:

a.) DO NOT respond to any e-mails from your bank requesting that you update your account information online. Banks RARELY send e-mails requesting information via e-mail, it is usually requested via US mail. (I was sent one from Bank of America and I don't even bank there!)
b.) DO NOT read your social security number out loud in person or over the phone. Thieves are constantly eavesdropping and will use your number to gain your identity to commit Identity Thief.
c.) Invest in whatever fraud/identity protection your bank offers. For the minimal fee the bank charges you, they will insured you in the event that your bank information is stolen by thieves.
d.) Never order anything online using a public computer such as an internet cafe or library. These are easier to hack into.

Have you been scammed?

Richard D, Orlando, FL — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 03:51:54 GMT

Chris:

I just finished watching to catch an id thief and would like to congradulate and commend you on what you are doing. I takes a lot of courage to confront these perps not knowing if they are carrying weapons.

I have been getting solicited for 14 years, the first solicitations started with send me $200 and now they are asking for much larger amounts. The stories have ranged from deposed government officials to oil barons to widows and I am amazed that so many people are so easily dupped especially the poor soul that spent about $40K for shipping the stuff.

I think the problem is more severe that portrayed and I think the credit card companies should share the blame and ALL the financial loss. With the technology that exists today it would be quite simple to freeze a card when charges from all over the world occur in a matter of minutes. Credit card companies are making so much money that they simply write off as cost of doing business whatever charges that they can't get from the poor sucker whose credit card id was misused.

I have become so paranoid about credit cards that I don't accept them for payment in my business. People say are you crazy you don't takes credit cards. I routinely lose several sales a year because of it, but I don't have to worry about someone hacking into my computer and stealing my customer's information.

Keep up the great work, we need more help like this from the media.

Have you been scammed?

Scott C, Masontown, PA — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 03:55:59 GMT

I was watching the show tonight on "Wendy Kenson". At first it didn't hit home until the end when Chris is in South-Africa talking with "Michael" the so-called lawyer. I heard Chris mention something about money being in a security account in Europe. That's when I remembered getting an IM from this "Wendy Kenson". I engaged in several chat sessions online over the next few days, there was nothing out of the ordinary. Then out of the blue she starts talking to me about meeting and how she thinks that I seem like somebody she could be happy with. She said that she was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. That her parents were divorced and her dad was recently killed in a car accident. That her mother moved back to Africa where was originally from and that she was sick so Wendy had gone back to Africa to take care of her. About a day or so later she starts asking me how much money I make and that she has a proposition for me. She said that she is on her way to somewhere in England I believe it was, I can't remember the exact city, to claim some financial belongings left to her by her father in his will. It was to be left for Wendy and her husband. This sum of money was in the 7 figure range and was being held in a security compound somewhere in Europe. Well, she said she didn't have a husband and wanted me to act as her husband, sign some papers that were to be sent to me verifying that I was her husband. I was also to either send a check for, what I believe was around $1500 to cover the retaining fee for this establishment for holding this money for her and in return she would sign over 10% of this enheritance to me. I have a hard time trusting anyone so naturally I didn't buy into it. The whole story was just way to weird for me. I declined and she politely thanked me anyway and went about her business elsewhere and I never heard from this person again. This happened a few months ago and I didn't think anything of it so I don't remember the specific dollar amounts are probably a little off but the story is accurate. It wasn't until watching the show tonight that I remembered this and wanted to share this with you.

Have you been scammed?

Rich Harrison, Annapolis, Maryland — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 05:09:57 GMT

Hello Chris--great job you're doing. If you ever need any new leads, just let me know and I will forward some to you. I get about 2 per day. "You've won the Internet Lottery", "Please be our payment representative", "We will certify you as next of kin so we can split millions", etc..... I'ts really too bad that so few of these people are ever caught or prosecuted. Hopefully this will change in the immediate future. Keep up the good work.

Have you been scammed?

Aaron Johnson, Tracy, California — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 05:19:11 GMT

Hello,

I recieved a "job offer" from my postings on careerbuilder.com and monster.com from a company in europe which supposedly had an office in Ft. Lauderdale Fl. They offered me substantial pay to recieve packages and re-ship them. They said they would send me pre-paid shipping labels and money for packaging. They made it sound legit emphasizing record keeping, shipping/recieving practices as well as the importance of confirmation of reciept all of which would be conducted by fax machine. The business relationship was supposed to begin with them flying me to thier "corporate office" in Europe to sign papers which they would pay for. At the time, I found the offer interesting, but being skeptical, I did an internet search for the company worldwide and tried to locate them in Ft. Lauderdale. When I could not verify the existence of this company I deleted the e-mail and didn't think much of it.
After watching your show, I am convinced that it was a scam to acquire a "drop" for the card thieves. I wish I had the information on the company that was sent to me but I deleted it well over a month ago. So these people are probably targeting people looking for jobs on Monster and Career builder as well as the relationship sites. If I get any more e-mails I will forward the info to you.

Thank You,

Aaron

Have you been scammed?

Melissa, Mattoon, IL — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:33:17 GMT

Dear Chris,
You have a lot of courage to go after these criminals. I hope you go all of the way. This show was done very well. Thank you for this report and the "buyer beware".
I would like to point out that we had to endure "Wendy's" endowment too many times.

Have you been scammed?

Matt, Encino, CA — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:40:11 GMT

Craigslist has most definitely become another forum for these people to continue scamming individuals. I recently posted an ad for an external hard-drive (priced for less than $100.00 USD), and on the same day I received an email from someone asking if they could send a cashier's check via Western Union to me (including shipping costs to Africa) and then asked me to forward excess funds to his client in the U.K. Thanks to your investigations on MSNBC, I had the knowledge to know this, in fact, was an international scam... Thanks, Chris, for making people more aware of the fraudulent activity in Africa.

Have you been scammed?

Megan, Indianapolis, IN. — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 23:10:09 GMT

I saw the show 'to catch an identy theft' last night and as I discovered, it was quite an old braodcast. After watching the special, I realized my boyfriends bestfriend was just targeted for the Nigera online money scam. Our friend checked the I.P. number on his emails and it traces back to Nigera. Althought our friend has not sent any money to the women, who calls herself "Karen Nikki", or to her "Lawyer", named Micheal- same name as the man from your coverage, she contuines to ask for anything that will help. Karen Nikki refrences England and Africa, asking for money and electronics (PC, laptops, ect.), and discusses future business plans that will make millions of dollars. He is still in touch with this "Karen Nikki" character and I felt it was the perfect opportunity to contact a perfessional that cares about the safety and worth of Americans!!
Please respond to me by email if you would like to pursue this and help bring the situation to justice.

Thank you!
Megan

Have you been scammed?

J.C. - West Virginia — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 01:16:27 GMT

After reading the comments, I noticed one that sounds exactly like a scam my husband fell for early last year. He received an email from a company that said they saw his information on monster.com. The man told him that he would not get rich quick, but furthermore, make a little extra part-time money. I told my husband to proceed with caution because I didn't like the sound of things from the beginning.

Anyway, the man was from Canada and had a contact in Texas. My husband was supposed to receive a check, cash it, then forward 90% of it to the account in Texas, keeping the remaining 10% for himself. The first check he recieved was for $22,000. My husband had opened a second bank account at our primary institution for this "business." Of course, he deposited the check. The bank said it would take 7-14 days to clear. It did! So, my husband waited an additional few days, and then proceeded with the wire transfer. Everything seemed to be okay. A while later, the man send he would send another check and to wire transfer 90% of the amount to another bank account in Texas. The second check came, and the bank said again, it would take 7-14 days to clear. This check was counterfeit! Still, the bank never said that the first check was counterfeit.

Unbelievably, the bank sued us for the amount of the FIRST check! We tried to explain what happened, but they said there was nothing they could do. They froze our primary checking account, and eventually transferred ALL of our money to the "business" account, leaving us with nothing! We've spoken to the police, and filed consumer complaints, but no one would help. The police were actually against us. We even kept all envelopes (for the possiblity of fingerprints), and correspondence. They even talked on the phone. Afterward, my husband tried contacting the man. At first, he said that he would find out what happened to the check. The next time my husband called, the phone was disconnected.

Not only did we get scammed by the man, we also felt scammed by the bank for the way they treated us. Soon after, they posted numerous flyers at the bank to be wary of the scam we fell for. We felt so embarrassed. We even tried to settle, but they wanted ALL $22,000. To this day, we still owe the money, and my husband is unable to open another bank account.

I know now that these scams are more popular than they were when we got scammed, so more and more people are cautious with these things. I just want to make sure everyone is aware of this type of scam. I would also like to know if there is anyway you may help us, or that we may help you. Please contact me if you wish.

Have you been scammed?

Diana, Orlando Florida — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 04:15:04 GMT

Chris, you are one of THE BEST top rated investigative reporters in our day. You go all out, make it personal and always end up catching the bad guy in the end and if possible making him answer for what and why he's doing this. Yesterday's show was no small task, and you even carried your new role undercover off so well. I wanted someone else to see it but he didn't get the station. Will it be available online? If so, please let me know. There used to be a published Hackers magazine I used to read years ago, since I'm kind of a old days computer geek and like to keep up with what the "kids" were up to. I'd have to find an old edition, but looking back, the stuff in those magazines, published 4 times a year would be blocked now due to Homeland Security. Write me, I'll tell you more if you like askdiana@flash.net Otherwise I have seen samples of Internet theft with my past clientele (as a Realtor) but nothing so serious as you exposed. In your first show, I did though attempt to help a poor Nigerian ex-military General (he said) to get rejoined with his son who was by then in Canada to meet a gold bar shipment across the border. That was back when this whole thing was relatively new (1999) maybe. After my son found a site exposing by name the names already reported to the Nigerian government that were currently under investigation (he wasn't one of them), but my cell bill was more than $300/that month from his calls in from London. I took his questions to my local advisory counsel (Attorney) and dropped him soon after.

Have you been scammed?

charles blankenship mpls.MN 55406 — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:25:17 GMT

i wish you would tell us how to trace the origin of an email .people lie on the internet and it would be nice to catch them in that lie!!they start the lies
with where they are.if you could help i would be greatful.

Have you been scammed?

Robin Hearon, Las Vegas, Nevada — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 23:23:09 GMT

Dear Chris, your show about ID theft in Nigeria really hit home with me. I have a page on a website called BlackPlanet.com and I met a guy from Nigeria who ended up scamming me for love and emotional attempts to get to the US. He scammed another BP member as well. The significant thing was that the other girl that he was attempting to scam was scammed in the very same way that the NY gentleman on your investigative report was scammed. She was contacted by a Nigerian to forward packages. He sent her packages as well as fake checks totalling over $350,000. He scammed her for over $4000. I think this is horrible and if it wasn't for your report the two of us would have lost more. I would like to thank you for a job well done in exposing these scammers and I look forward to seeing what you come up with in the near future. You really should tackle the many scammers of hearts that these men are doing to women out here via BlackPlanet and MySpace. I think it would be a very interesting report. Please feel free to contact me if you have more detailed questions. Again thank you.

Have you been scammed?

Denise Mclean, Spokane, Wash — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 05:22:53 GMT

I was just wondering if you'd like to investigate another story. about a month ago i realized there were some online purchases that were unauthorized. i immediately called the bank and closed everything and opened a new account. today at work i received a phone call from a gentleman (I don't really know if he's a gentleman) from an Arizona number stating he was officer Stuart Wright and he also gave me his badge number. Then he told me there was a fraud case against me for an online internet payday loan co. that I had borrowed from and never paid back. He then proceeded to try to verify my personal info. He did know my ss#, dob, all my phone numbers and my home and work address. He got really upset because I wouldn't verify any info because I didn't know who he was and do not have any payday loans out. He then told me I was going to be arrested that afternoon and that I could discuss further with the police but not to contact him any more. I called the local police dept and they said there wasn't much they could do but that if I put his phone number in google -which I did- all these other people he's called and harrassed he told one lady if she left the state she would be in danger. Please let me know if you can investigate this and help all of us figure out who this guy is and how in the world he has all my personal info.

Have you been scammed?

patricia neal- galley — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:49:46 GMT

Hi Chris, my name is Patricia Neal-Galley. i am writing to get help from you. i suspect that my husband in ghana africa is a scammer. i need your help to confront him and bust him. we have been married since feb. 2007. and he has not been honest with me about his scams that i busted him in. also i am not aware of the laws in africa because i don't know what my options are for an annulment or divorce. please help me. i watched your show on how to catch an i.d. thief. he attempted to send a package of cell phones to my home with another persons name on it, and told me to ship it to him in accra, ghana. i called the person who's name was on the box with the phone number on the box and she told me that her debit card was being charged fraudulently. i returned the package to at&t by way of fed. x. please respond, because there is more to tell. thank you, sincerely Pat.

Have you been scammed?

seffner,fl.33584 — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 20:02:30 GMT

your show about internet theft was the most interesting show i have watched...it kept me spellbound the whole time...i too just happened to be talking with someone on the internet just like the few you showed on your site...almost word for word really...he to was coming to america to meet me...but an unfortunate thing happened while he was in nigeria on business...robbed by 4 armed gunmen!!! even the taxi driver was shot protecting him...he was only hit with the gun and was recovering...but they stole all him raw money and he needed a small cash loan from me of $1500.00...i was becoming wary of him before your show but your show really convinced me of what it was and when the time came for him to ask me for money it was all too predictable...no money was sent or lost to this scam...but please print this as i am sure he will use this scam again...he goes by john williams and j_will004 at both hotmail and yahoo...and he is on many dating sites world wide...thanks again chris....keep on keeping us informed!

Have you been scammed?

San Diego, CA. — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:09:33 GMT

I am pretty cautious of emails from someone that I don't know, but I was offered a position to send packages and get paid for every package that I recieve, I filled out an application and everything. I never recieved anything back, who can I contact to make sure that none of the information is going to be used against me? Thanks in advance!

Have you been scammed?

Beverly, Coram, NY — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:59:13 GMT

I met a man in eHarmony. He's asked me to buy him a cell phone from exoticphone.com, he has also asked me for to wire him cash, and today he told me about sending me checks for so that I can cash them for him. I have several telephone numbers for him in Ghana, and three in the US. Do we want to catch these theives. I called the FBI but they don't seem to want to do anything but run his name. He forwarded me hotel and airline reservation confirmation under the name STEVEN WILLIAMS to prove that he was on his way to the US, yet he asked me to wire him funds under the name A. Kahad A. Somed. He he says he works for Northlink construction and they helped to build the stadium in Ghana. I have a picture of this man he claims to be Dutch but I think the picture is fake. Are these people unstopable? He claims that the reason that he did not come to the states is because he had so much gold that customs held on to the gold because he did not have an antiterrorism certificate. Thank you. Beverly

Have you been scammed?

ugochukwu — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:12:33 GMT

i am a nigerian and i know of this issues but i will like to inform poeple that there is another scam going on right now the scammers goto job websites and post a job offer then the obtain your e-mail and send you a mail for a job offer as a financial whatever and ask you to send you inforation for the interviewfor a job. please inform the viewers about this thier new scan system.

Have you been scammed?

Bubba Wilmington DE — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:41:25 GMT

I just literally had someone use a social networking site called BP to scam me, they sent a message via the instant messenger, (Thanks to Chris' investigation I already knew it was a scam) I decided to do my best to scam the scammer. This con, called herself silvia from Ghana, she asked me if I had yahoo....I quickly made a bogus yahoo account, and she asked me if I had file sharing I said no, she then asked me if I had a cell phone, she then wanted to know could she have some money so she could talk to me...At this point and time, I wanted to turn the tables on Miss "Silvia"..She had told me she was 6'2 tall, I waited about 2 or 3 minutes and typed, you said you were 3'11 right?" She typed back, yes that's correct...
Then I began to get her to promise me all sorts of stuff, if I gave her this money...She thought she had me hook line and sinker....So then I began to get her to repeat things that just made no sense....I guess I took it too far because whoever was using this profile there emotions and frustrations took over, they began to tell me how they weren't from ghana but they were actually in the united states, and they were going to find me...She started saying things like "YOUR MOTHER" and all sorts of other profane things, now that I think about it I really hope it was a con artist....Uh wait...IM SURE IT WAS A CON ARTIST...

BUT THAT'S HOW PEOPLE SHOULD BE, YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO SCAM THE SCAMMER.....

Have you been scammed?

Rachel Pinson, Chicago, IL — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 06:08:58 GMT

I am so glad that I watched this episode. My daughter has just recently signed up for this part-time job she found online (without my knowledge) where she had to accept packages at my home from someone we never heard of and then wait for someone to email her with the location of where she was to ship the package. When I found the package, I opened it and found that it was a very expensive camera. To make a long story short I called the Federal Trade Commission to report the incident and give them the numbers to company that "hired" my daughter and I also called the company that the camera was purchased from and informed them that this maybe an identity theft scam and that I would be returning their merchandise. Again, thank you so much for your informative programs.

Have you been scammed?

Jonnette Kofoid, Floral, Arkansas — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:43:23 GMT

A few days ag, I received a letter and check for$3850.00 in the mail. There was no return address but a Canadian stamp. The letter says I've won $1,000,000. The check is drawn on a Puerto Rican Bank and has Greenleaf Financial Group as the owner of the account. I called the number I was given and got a message that there is no more room to record messages. Just another foreign scam. The letter is signed by Christi Johnson Account Manager.

Have you been scammed?

Bob Caranci, plantation, Florida — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 22:33:16 GMT

Chris could you please investigate internet dating scams from Russian woman trying to get American men to send them money for visa and airfare and Western Union fraud. I recently was communicating with a Russian lady who pretended to love me after talking via email and instant messaging. She started asking for money and claiming to be poor. I never sent the money thank goodness but I was disappointed it was a scam. She even told me I could send the money to a travel agent that she knows, if I didn't feel comfortable sending it to her. They tell you they love you and many bold face lies. This must be big bussiness. Can you check into it before these scammers take advantage of unsuspecting well meaning American men. Thank You

Have you been scammed?

Marlayne Wesley,Warren,Ohio — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:06:52 GMT

I have recently played an International Lottery, a few days later it came back saying I AM A WINNER! A winner of 2 million u.s. dollars! they didn't ask me for any money,but, they want me to come to Africa. I am supposed to contact a man named Frank Mayo, if I remember correctly, you did an episode of a man by that name. I was wondering if you could investigate for me? Here is the number he wants me to call: +27-73-110-8227. PLEASE HELP ME! PLEASE contact me ASAP at my email or at my home phone numbers:(330)553-1079 or(330)298-3847.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME,
Marlayne

Have you been scammed?

Marlayne Wesley,Warren,Ohio — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:09:33 GMT

It's Marlayne again, I forgot to mention that this lottery is stemming from Johannesburg, South Africa.

Have you been scammed?

Marie, Tampa FL — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 04:23:09 GMT

I was involved in what I believe is a much different scam. I truly hope this word gets out and you can do something about this, Chris or anyone else appropriate at Dateline. I have been involved what I believe to be a "romance scam." I met someone supposedly from the UK about a month ago. This person, man or woman, convinced my heart to have him deposit funds into a bank account I set up so I could wire this money back to a middle person to give to him from US. The funds being electronically deposited into my account ended up being illegally stolen from some other unknowing person with an account at the same bank. I withdrew the funds not knowing they were illegal because I foolishly trusted the person who said they would be deposited from his "business agent"'s account at the bank. I had never met this person face to face. I saw red flags prior to this, but I ignored because my emotions were involved. I have several emails from this creature/criminal that duped not only me, but the bank as well. HELP!!! I also eventually found out that the funds were in the process of being wired to Nigeria NOT transported in cash to the UK like the criminal originally told me.

Have you been scammed?

Candy O uniontown, pa — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:25:01 GMT

I was selling a car on the local online website. I thought it was going to be a legit sell until I got this last email:Thanks,
I'm will be making a travel tomorrow cause i just got a call that my Son is sick and i love him so much he his all i got. i will want you to know i will be purchasing the buick,as far as you are someone i can trust as i will not be able to come and see the buick again. I really have to make my travel tomorrow,in Noord where i normally stay each time i come for purchase like this.

I have a workshop in the Noord where i want all my buick i have purchased to assemble as soon as i get there. I have purchased some other motor`s down(Ford,Chevrolet, a Kawasaki plus yours now) but yesterday,i had the time to check on some of the motor i have purchased,unfortunately i discovered the advertised ford i purchased from a man is really not in good
condition(not as described to me, which is why i want to know if you are actually someone i can trust) and I've already wired payment to him $$4,500 .just couldn't purchase such an unworthy ford , so i terminated the deal with him. He has promised to make the payment out to you in form of Postal money Order/ Certified cheque(whichever is okay by you), although i tried to convince him to wire the fund, but he gave the excuse of the nature of his job.Please as soon as you receive it,and it is confirmed cleared by you,do
deduct the $$900 for the Car and send the rest to my shipper (DIAMOND LINE INT'L) who will help me get the Car

I have purchased down to my workshop and pick-up the buick at your location immediately they receive the payment. I hope to get this buick quick, work on them and make a sale fast as i really need the money for some further projects. Please get back to me with the following
payment information ASAP
FULL NAME.........
CONTACT ADDRESS....
ZIP CODE......
PHONE NUMBER
COUNTRY.....
I'm really counting on you as regards this transaction and hope you
are someone i can trust.
My regards to your family

P:S If you are willing to sell the buick to me am going to compensated you with $$ 50

He must of thought I was really stupid.

Have you been scammed?

Myra Findlay Ohio — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 16:57:16 GMT

Dear Chris,
I have been talking to 4 men online in the last month, they could all be con men. it starts out with them wanting to be my boyfriends or lovers, within a few days they need my help, they need money for some buisness deal or they want me to cash checks for them. The latest is a man that wants me to mail some things for some company he is going to send me some softwere that he said i need to do this job. I need to talk to you about busting these men, and stoping them from doing this to other women that don't think they could be taken by someone like this. thank you, please email me i have saved all of their emails and IM's if you need them.
Myra

Have you been scammed?

Myra Findlay Ohio — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:09:45 GMT

Dear Chris,
I just posted a message to you about some scam artists that want my hepl on a scam and i forgot to tell you that they want me to start mailing this stuff out on 1/7/2008 or 1/8/2008 at the latest. I really need your help from here. I don't want to be an ali for these people, I don't want to put anyone in a bad spot where they will fall for this sort of thing.
Myra

Have you been scammed?

Tina Gammage Midland Texas — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 07:52:04 GMT

I am a mom disabled trying to send my daughter to college and I received a email for bookkeeper payment processor It was from a girl that was going to college and she could not do it any longer because she was going to school full time and got my email from some search engine for at home job that her boss was voice relay that he would only contact me be email if I was interest to email him...I would make at least 1200 a month. That his customers would send me checks and I would deposit them in my account and keep 10-15% and then send payments out to pay his clients...well I am gupple did not know anything about these kind of scams I quess I was desperate and did not do research like I should anyway I am in trouble because I put a counterfeit check in my bank account sent out 5000.00 money gram to whomever he told me to (And I wait pass 10 days to do this) after about 15 days my bank wrote me and told me it was counterfeit and now the bank has file on me and I do not have a extra 5000 dollars so now I have to find away to come up with 5000 dollars where I do not have to go to jail so I am trying to sell my car to pay back the bank...so I just want you to get these scams out where people like me(who is a honest person just trying to make extra income) will not be scammed like me...Research....Since that check came in I have receive at 5 more check but I do not know what to do I just know I will not deposit them...I wish you would catch these scums....they have turn my life upside down....Not stupid just gupple Tina in Texas

Have you been scammed?

Saeed, twin cities, minnesota — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:17:04 GMT

Hello Mr. Hansen:

I recently was a victim of stolen credit card number. I contacted the credit company as well as the business who had a charge on my card and resolved the issue but I just could not stop there so I called the business again and got the address and email address of who used my card to make online purchases. I emailed him pretending I have a few stolen credit card numbers for him if he is willing to pay a small amount. I have recieved a response from that person and he provided me with his phone numbers to be contacted immediately. However, those phone numbers are international and I don't resources to contact him and nail him down. Can I use your help or suggest me a way to contact appropriate authorities. I think local police may find it humourous if I present them my case.

Thank you.

Have you been scammed?

Saeed, twin cities, minnesota — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:18:40 GMT

Have you been scammed?

Suzanne Fields — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:07:18 GMT

I am now being used as a drop off of packages I did not order and will not accept them from DHL how do I have someone look into this so it can stop permanetly?

Have you been scammed?

Tammie Payton, Huntsville, AL — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:05:43 GMT

Yesterday, I received a call from Dell regarding my "recent purchase". As I had not made a purchase, I returned the call, and found that a purchase of a $1,027.14 Dell projector had been made on my Visa card. My Visa card was, and still is in my wallet, so I don't know how "they" managed to charge it. I called Visa, and found that there were several other charges made. The merchandise was to go to a Mary Taylor in Maryland, and had a fake phone number attached. I closed the account, and alerted my other cards, and bank, but neither Dell nor Visa seems too interested in following up to find the ciminals. That is why it is such a good scam. If you get away with it, great! If not, just try again.

Have you been scammed?

Jean M Miller, Pompano Beach, FL — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 22:29:54 GMT

Hi,
My name is Jean and I HAVE BEEN SCAMMED: I recently moved to Port St. Lucie because my child needed better education in the Public Education realm. When I looked for employment, I downloaded my resume on one of the leading web sites. At that time I was very interested in working at home. I received an email from a gentleman(?) who claimed to work for a charity company within the "Woolworth Co" with a link to that website. He then sent a very lengthy application, which I filled out. Anyway, I was hired. He then sent me 2-One Thousand dollar ($1,000) American Express travelers/gift checks. He explained that when I received the checks to contact him and he would tell me what to do with them. When I received them and after I contacted him, I noticed that the 2 gift checks had "void" on the back of them. I then took the checks into SeaCoast Bank to ask the teller if they were good checks. The teller looked at gift checks, showed them to the teller next to her and both of them agreed that the gift checks were good and she proceeded to cash the checks. I then contacted the gentlemen (?) with Woolworths who told me to keep $189 for myself as wages and to send the rest of the money western union/money gram to Rev Olayemi Cole in Lagos, Nigeria and the identification question was: What For? Answer: HIV Awareness.
The following day, I sent the money as instructed. Several months later (approx. 6) I was arrested and charged with 2 counts of Uttering a Forged Bill, Check or Draft and 1 count of Grand Theft. When arrested, I had no idea what I was being arrested for. Here's the scoop: SeaCoast contacted Martin County Broward Sheriff's Office with Officer Rastrelli responding and taking the tellers statement who according to the Complaint Affidavit never bothered to mention that I was seeking her assistance in determining whether the checks were forgery or not. The Officer never contacted me regarding the checks stating in the affidavit that "I have been unable to locate the suspect as her license is suspended and the address listed is no longer valid." It is true because of a car sale and not turning in my tag, my DL was suspended. As to the address being invalid, my mother-in-law would be glad to know that she lives at an address that MCSO considers invalid! To go on, I was arrested on a $55,000 bond. I had to to take out a loan of $5,000 to get released from jail through a bondsman had to have a Public Defender, John Hetherington represent me and because of the uncertainty of a trial, I entered into a Plea deal for 2-years probation, restitution of the $2,000 to SeaCoast, 60-hours community service and court costs of 1,165.00. Judge Schack did however, give me up to 30- days to withdraw the plea. After I see what probation is all about, I contacted several attorneys to see what the cost would be handle the case and was quoted a minimum of $10,000. After already putting out almost $7,000, I can't afford a private attorney, so if I want to withdraw the plea, I will have to resort to a Public Defender again. I feel like I am the one who has been scammed and because all of the money is going into the county, I am now thinking that the scammer has to be the county. WHY DIDN'T THAT OFFICER EVER COME TO THE ADDRESS ON MY SUSPENDED DL? WHY WERE THERE NO ATTEMPTS TO ASK ME MY SIDE OF THE STORY? MY OWN PUBLIC DEFENDER HASN'T EVEN GIVEN ME THE TIME TO TELL HIM THE STORY! If there is anyone out there who can help me, I sure would be greatful.

Have you been scammed?

CHRISTINA ALBANY, GA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:47:20 GMT

I HAVE BEEN SCAMMED BUT THE SCAM ARTIST DOES NOT KNOW THAT I KNOW IT IS A SCAM. WHAT DO I DO? IT IS ABOUT ON LINE JOB INVOLVING THE EXCHANGE OF MONEY. AND SENDING IT OVER SEAS. CONTACT ME PLEASE

Have you been scammed?

Sherry, Murphy, Texas — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 04:06:39 GMT

Chris,
My Father is involved in the ultimate scam. Which has cost him Thousands, his marriage and almost his family. But most of all his integrity. I am so disgusted by the e-mails that he receives from these scammers. From sick people needing help, inheritance of a relative we never had etc. He seems so convinced that these are real. I have tried everything I know to help him uderstand that this is a scam and he will lose everything unless he tells these people where to get off. And shuts his computer down. He is now thinking of going to a foreign country to yes, give more money to get nothing. I am afraid for his life. I have called all the authorities but there is only so much they can do because this originates in other countries. Is there anything that you can advise me to do? Or can you direct me to someone who can show him that this is not legitimate? Thank you in advance.
Desperate in Texas,
Sherry

Have you been scammed?

Noah k. Ngobe Las Vegas Nevada — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 18:30:23 GMT

Hi chris
Please keep up the good work you are doing ,and i hope many people will learn from your program,and mostly the adults who are trying to destroy the life of our young kids.
Thanks and God bless.

Have you been scammed?

Jo Doe New York, NY — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 23:34:35 GMT

Hi I live in NY and was just scammed out of $163 along with dozens of others. There is a co that claims to be a modeling agency and then says you need headshots, and you never see your headshots or money again. It is sad and I want this co to go under. Five others were scammed along with me in under a half hr. I went to pic up my pics and they said they werent ready and were trying to charge more for colored pics. This place is awful and I want others to be warned and wish I could get my dignity and money back.

Have you been scammed?

Geoshawa(Josh) Andover CT — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 22:25:06 GMT

Hello,
Im writing this on behalf of the saying "If it sounds to good to be true then it is" I recently posted an add on a website to sell tires & rims. Well within a few hours i got two emails that looked really how do you say
staged, fake, similar. Well they were sent from two different people using a yahoo email address. And this is what i read Ill let you make your own judgement befor i tell you where they are from and what this was
trying to attempt
"Hello.
Thanks for the mail and i really appreciate what you said concerning the tires and rims am much interested in buying the tires and rims from you well am fully satisfied with the purchase,also i have seen the price and its ok by me but am willing to beat the asking price with extra $50 to make it $600, but am currently out of the state right now for a business trip, then i will instruct my client in the state to issue you US Cashier Check or Money Order for the payment to you.meanwhile i also instructed him to include ($2,000) . on the payment so you should expect a cashier check of $2,500 .. the excess is for my shipper that will be coming for pick up.the funds will be used for the shipping of the (tires and rims) along side 3 other goods i placed order for in care of my shipper.i'll imploy you to wire the balance via western union money transfer to my shipper as soon as you RECEIVE the cashier check.My SHIPPER will come for pick up on a specicified date that will be convenient for you.i hope i can count on you for my balance I ALSO WANT THIS TO BASE ON TRUST CAN I TRUST YOU?...P.S i will like you to give me ur contact info...Hope
this is understandable by you.
Name in full...
Adresss..
City...
State...
Country...
Zipcode...
phone..
I wait a reply from you for the payment have a great weekend..
Regards."

Well i traced the IP address and it came from Nigeria, when i contacted the FBI i was informed yes they have heard of this and it sounded like they were trying to use me in a money laundering operation. So to end this long report. IF IT DOES SOUND TO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT MOST LIKELY IS. Be careful who you deal with. :)

Have you been scammed?

Gizmo, DC — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:34:57 GMT

Hi Chris,

I would like to find out what information is out there regarding HYIP (High Yield Investment Program)scams, particularly Minvestment. A few people I know (including family members) have become victims of this. Basically they were promised high daily compounding interest rates if they kept their money for 150 days. Most of them invested $1000,what appeared to have been a legitimate business venture with them received daily emails showing interest payments and the company having a professional website, seems now to be a scam. The website is NO longer accessible and the telephone calls are messages are not being answered. The registration information for the website is addressed in the USA and also the telephone numbers. The interesting thing about this is that there is another company out there Minvest.com - " Markowski Investments" located in FL that has the same telephone and fax numbers as the now missing minvestment.com. I had documented information regard the transactions and know of several forums online where people are trying to figure out where their money went.Please let me know if there is anything that can be done.

PLEASE everyone BEWARE the scammers can also be here in OUR country.

Have you been scammed?

Lisa Jordan ,Easley ,S.C. — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:16:51 GMT

i was talking on line (MYspace) with a guy that began to send me gifts gift cards and laptops.In which he would like me to send to a country in africa. When i got the first computer i called dell and they told me that it was mine and that it was paid for buy a gift card.I tired to explain to them that i havent ordered a computer.Also he tired to send checks that even seem to make it.I have been contacted by the people at dell in referance to these computers and the Scotland County sheriffs office.I'm facing criminal charges, because they have no proof that their is a second person involved, and they say i ordered these items.I believe all these could be stoppped if us officials would set up a sting ring inside the us to try to catch the people here and abroad.Please help me!

Have you been scammed?

Mary Howard, Linwood, North Carolina — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:13:43 GMT

Chris, I am in the process of communicating with a person via yahoo im who is asking me to send money to Accra, Ghana and that he is a business man opening a store and electronics will be sent to my home for me to forward to him. I have kept the communication open and have been stalling him for two days now and calling the FBI to try to get them involved. They said National Security is #1 right now and unfortunately unless there is a terroist threat from this, they can not help me. Is there something you could do to help catch this person while it is happening? But it would have to start quickly, I don't know how much longer I can talk love to this guys and stall him. PLEASE HELP

Have you been scammed?

Brittney Renton,wa — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 01:25:23 GMT

Yes I would like to say I think you are doing a good job on identity theft. More needs to be done in this country to protect honest Americans. This is suppose to be a free country but it sure doesnt feel that way when someone steals your identity. I have been a victim for 11 years with an illegal working under my number. Nobody can seem to help and it is really stressful knowing the irs could come after me for debts I dont owe. My daughter is recieving ssi to due to her disability and so I fear the social security administration could think I am committing fraud. If no one can protect the freedom of Americans identity why do we call ourselves a free country. I feel to much emphasis is on credit identity theft and not the other types which are affecting Americans to.

Have you been scammed?

Nancy Rhea, Manchester, Tennessee, 37355 — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:32:07 GMT

I get these letters all the time and yes I am on SSD, meaning limited income. In fact in the last 2 weeks I have gotten about 6 letters from people in Singapore, the UK, Africa, Nigeria and other places or countries. These all want me to help them get monies from their banks which is supposedly in someone else's name but is deceased. Lot of them want me to accept money because my address was picked at random for a lottery or something. I do answer them back, but not the way you might think. I tell them that I know that they are trying to scam me and that I have notified the authorities about just such a scam. I have indeed done that, notofied the authorities, but with county and city cops, you dont get too much, except a report done, so now I am doing the next big step, taking it to the news media. I am trying to let the world know that there are some really bad people out there that would do anything for money and power. Mr Hansen, I have saved these letters on my computer and I have also printed them out. Now would you please tell me what else I can do.

Have you been scammed?

zain2141 — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:42:54 GMT

Chris,

You have the best show catching these crooks, this is great help for our community.

thanks
Muhammad

Have you been scammed?

L.W.G. Kihei, Hawaii — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 05:57:48 GMT

Dear Chris,

Recently my fiance and I were scammed with some counterfeit Traveler's Cheques! We had a put an entire household's worth of items onto Craigslist and recieved $3000 worth of Travler's Cheques from a couple from The Mainaland as we live in Hawaii. They said that they were moving here and did not want to ship all of their furniture as it would be too costly and just wanted to buy everything that we had.

There was 6 $500 Traveler's Cheques. They were blank in both signature places. Having never used one before, we did not know that THEY should have been the ones that signed by them on the top. The only thing I ever knew about Traveler's Cheques was from the American Express commercials that said how safe they were.

Consequently when I went to pay our electric, cable and other bills with them, using my name on both top and bottom, I am now being prosecuted for forgery. Having never used a Traveler's Cheque before it made sense to us that they were blank since I needed to pay the bills.

So now not only have we lost our belongings, we are also out the $3000 since I have had to pay back all the places that we used the Cheques at.

PLEASE get in touch with me as I also have another story to tell you where I have some VERY INSIDE FIRSTHAND information of how the Nigerians transfer money from victims of cashing these bogus checks and I would like to help you catch them. I want to help you nail a largescale international ring of scammers and when I tell you what and who I know, you will have a MAJOR story to tell!!

Please help me and I'll help you.

I hope to hear from you soon

Have you been scammed?

Remy Hair Extensions — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:09:25 GMT

I get e mails like that all the time it hard to believe that they actually work.

Have you been scammed?

jerry haushahn atkinson,il — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 22:59:17 GMT

My name is JR.It's been 10 years since I quit committing crimes.I am a master certified locksmith.I was raised into what I would call organized crime. My crime of choice involved picking locks and using code programs to obtain credit cards and personal information.To this day this crime is extremely rare!Enough time has passed that I feel I am ready to discuss the paticulars.This is just one example of a variety of rare crimes involving credit cards,idenities,and various money and vending machines across the U.S.I have worked as a locksmith with places like Wal-Mart stores,banks,law enforcment,ect.I have known some of K.C.s most wanted.People profiled on Americas Most Wanted.People on the federal witness protection program.Just to mention a few.Look...I committed crimes for most of my life.I looked like the boy-next-door,I am intelligent,and I had a sharp sense for the extrodinary.Needless to say,I am older now and I live a life full of regret because of my past!I have a lot more knowledge of things.More than was previously described.I feel you would be surprized at the things I know.Also,I know that these scams are being done today! IF INTERESTED

Have you been scammed?

Linda H, Maryland — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:28:02 GMT

I am currently in communication with a man claiming to be a Doctor in Africa. He contacted me thru myspace and then switched over to yahoo chat He is very romantic and encouraging. I want to believe so much that he is real but nothing in his communcation ever gives me real details about who he is and who he works for. He is now asking if I will participate in his fundraising efforts to help the children he is there to help. I am suspicious and keep asking for details of the charity but he never provides them. Trys to turn it to a matter of trust and belief in him. I have saved all the chats with him so if you would like to see how he operates. I have called him once on a number he provided and it went to Nigeria, he never told me he was in Nigeria and when the phone was answered was much conversation in the background, he said he was in his hotel room and the noise was the bar nextdoor. So who answered the phone and why did I have to ask for him? Many pieces don't fit but am still communicating with him to see just how far he will go.

Have you been scammed?

philip perlman — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:08:41 GMT

We have seen a big rise in fraud. The thieves have gotten better than ever. I have been working in retail for 15 years and have learned so much about fraud and how they do it. I have spoken with UPS about this and now the thieves have been able to have UPS do the dirty work to make it harder to catch. Would welcome the chance to tell you more. Did see you story back when it was first run. This fraud is helping to put retailers out of business.

Have you been scammed?

Ivan Lopez Tucson, Arizona — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 20:20:03 GMT

Chris,here is one scam that you might already know about and I really did'nt think would happen to me since I'm always on the look out.
On the 29th Feb. this year I returned a call which was supposed to be to a Doctor, it was a young lady by the name of Kathy Smith who represented herself as a representative from the jamaican lottery, stating that I had won a sizable amount of money in the lottery(#500,000+) that this money wass being held by the Union Bank of Jamaica and a fee of $520.00 by Western union to a Robert Wells would have to be made for the certified check be delivered ( by Global Express), after requesting emails and attachments that I could'nt open I sent her the fee in good faith thinking that this was legitimate, after she verified the MTCM# she called back saying that the check would be delivered next day in the morning,the following day she called and said that because aset back the check will be delivered on monday, on monday she called and stated that the check was in Florida and that an additional $1000.00+) would be needed for freight tax. Something told me that a scam was underway. She persisted and said that the company will pay 80% that I would have to come up with the rest. Naturally I told her no. Still I am surprised that as old as this scam is there is people trying to impliment it and people like me to fall for it.
can anything be done to stop this sort of scam?

Have you been scammed?

Shamos Farley — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:17:17 GMT

Another craigs list scam came my way. A half an hour after submitting an ad for a trailer someone contacted me claiming to be a Dr. in england that had very poor writing skills. they wanted me to send money to a shipping company and then receive a check for the full reinbursement and trailer money plus a little extra for my trouble........ really? how nice.

Have you been scammed?

secret, somewhere — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 20:47:51 GMT

Dear Dateline.com,
You all have done the most wonderful things in helping public. I'm very grateful for your works.
Sincerely,
a good citizen

Have you been scammed?

Lekeisha Fason, Memphis, TN — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:49:22 GMT

Hello Chris. Apparently these cons are still going at it. I received an email today from Max Sisulu. I'm not going to display his email address nor his phone number, but if you're interested in this information, I will be more than willing to give it to you. It's a sad situation that they prey on us to become their victims. I remember seeing this on Dateline before. I am so glad to have embraced this information. Unfortunately some people have become victims to these predators before being informed of how they operate.I did reply to his email, but it wasn't a very nice one. I also let him know that I did see this on Dateline before, and I will be informing someone of a higher power. Thank you so much for being so informative, and putting this on the air. You saved another potential victim.

Have you been scammed?

alex zaidi — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 06:01:19 GMT

Hi, i'm trying to get of hold of some one here at the msnbc, where chris hansen did a story/eposode on these nigerian con/scam artists from Africa in England
I have recently come across an individual from Ghana (Africa) who has send a check in the amount of $5,000 to buy my BMW rims, which placed an add to sell them for $1,500. I recieved the check to from a UPS carrier, the person who has send the check to me, told me to cash the check, and mail(send) the balance back to him in the amount of $3,500 (which happens to be his remainder of the balance). He also said to me, the reciever for the rims, will send a carrier service to pick them up. I believe this is a " Money Loundering Buisness ". The guy from Africa has also told me, if i could open an account for him, and that he will be sending a checks in the amount of $40,000 to $50,000, and will give me commission to cash the checks for him, he needs my Trust

Have you been scammed?

Stacy King Kensington, CT — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:04:45 GMT

I need an email adddress to send an email to. I am sending it to attorneys and other officials and want dateline to get it as well. It has to do with real estate and a broker stealing from an agent. I am looking to change the law and add some sort of protection for independant contractors. Please email me or call me with an address that I can forward this on to. I wanted to send it in one lump but cannot find an address for dateline.
Thanks

Have you been scammed?

Alex Sarzo, Montclair, California — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:19:32 GMT

Chris,
I just saw the show and I know that Wendy has been on My Space. I logged on as your show was on and she changed her name to Linda and changed her pictures. Also, I have a TV show concept that is registered with the WGA and would like to discuss it with you. Thank you for everything that you do to protect and educate us.

Warmest regards,

Have you been scammed?

D Brown, Nashua, NH — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:32:43 GMT

This series along with to catch a predator by dateline is fantastic. News over the years has degraded into a method to twist facts or cover not so news worthy material in which to gain ratings, politcal clout, and ultimately financial gain. Dateline and MSNBC have brought back ethical standards into news reporting, by covering material in which to help America rather than helping themselves. They have effectively helped their owners, and their consumers at the same time.
I commend your program for all of the fellow Americans you have helped.

Have you been scammed?

Susan, McDonough Ga — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:44:48 GMT

Chris thank you for the program. It made me think
is it safe to do my banking online and to shop?

Have you been scammed?

Joe F. - Boston, MA — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:42:06 GMT

I wanted to take time out to commend Chris Hansen and NBC for all of the "To Catch A..." programs. To me, they have all set a very high standard. Everyone talks about "reality shows" on television when a lot of them are nowhere near that. But I feel Chris Hansen's shows are true reality captured in a way you will not find elsewhere. The thoroughness displayed in following predators from the internet to traveling overseas to Europe or Africa is a lot of dedication. I am sure that these programs have helped reduce the amount of people being scammed and that the "To Catch a Predator" shows have reduced sex crimes involving minors. It's not just entertaining real television, but also gets strong messages across. A lot of journalists would not have the courage or thoughtfulness that Chris Hansen has with these kinds of broadcasts. Anyone who watches even one program of his has to walk away feeling more knowledge about the subject covered than before. And you will not find that with many other television programs out there these days. Keep up the good work, Chris!

Have you been scammed?

Jessica Woods, Sierra Vista, AZ — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:37:59 GMT

Hi, I just watched your airing of "To catch an ID Theif" last night and it really opened my eyes up to all that's going on with scams these days. I get e-mails all the time trying to get me involved in all kinds of scams. The funniest part though is that when I checked my email this morning I actually had received an email from none other than "Barrister Michael". I could not beleive this. That name had stuck in my brain from watching your show. Just thought you might like to know.

Have you been scammed?

Mary Reed, Aptos CA — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 01:54:43 GMT

Dear Sirs: It seems to mean that 2 laws should be put into place to deter ID theft: 1) any person in the U. S. sending more than 5 packages per week oversees must be informed by the post office that if these packages are found to be involved in ID theft, that this person is liable to 5 years in federal person- since they are obviously receiving something for doing this. 2) Every delivery service must notify any person receiving more than "X" number of packages per week, that the delivery service needs to notify the appropriate authorities. Hopefully these laws would make it more difficult for foreigners to receive items purchased with stolen ID and also make individuals in the US more responsible for their foolish actions.

Have you been scammed?

S. Blood, Brookline, MA — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 03:34:29 GMT

I watched the program on ID Theft. You deserve an award for your perseverance and fitting the puzzles to a very serious crime that is affecting so many people. We who have been victimized are alone. The police are not too interested, the credit card companies are neither. That is why ID theft is a growing industry. I am a victim of ID Theft. Someone got hold of my personal information, including Soc Sec. I know someone must have seen my information in a business transaction as I am very paranoid about ID theft. I shred everything, I only give my Soc Sec no. for bank transactions. Five months later rec'd calls from security dept of AMEX about an outstanding $19,000 bill. I've never had an AMEX credit card. I learned that the thief got on the internet filled a business application for credit cards. One under my name and two for employees. The business cards (three of them) were mailed to Atlanta, Georgia. I live in Mass. The application had the wrong year, was filled out at 5 a.m., left blank many questions such as bank inf., no information on the two employees, just names.

AMEX did a credit check on me. It was excellent and overlooked everything else - that I was close to retirement, that I had never been in business. Nothing in my credit background showed that I ever lived nor done business in Georgia. AMEX never called me, nor mailed me a letter about issuing these credit cards to a business address in Atlanta, Georgia.

I spent three months tracing every transaction, gathered lot of information where the thieves lived. There was even id photo on record. Some investigation was done and the case is still open.

Please do a segment on the scam of the credit card companies. Both police and detective told me that card companies don't like to pursue id thieves.
Expose these companies and the whole system.

Have you been scammed?

Bazlul Wahab, Boston, Massachusetts — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:57:39 GMT

Dear Chris,

Yesterday, I watched your part II of "Catch the ID-Thief" show. Great job done! You did catch the so called lawyer of so called Wendy. But did you contact the Swiss Authority about this? If so, did the Swiss Authority say to you that they can not arrest this person? It should have been a great lesson, had this so called lawyer been arrested. You did have irrefutable proof against this man. Another fact that I find interesting that the gentleman who was tricked by so called Wendy did not recognize you, even though he was talk with you face to face and even though he watched your "catching a Predator" show.

Now a days, spammer emails people claiming that they have millions of dollars in a foreign bank account, but want some help to transfer that money! The spammer wants to establish an email communication to get the personal information. Why would someone want to transfer million of dollars to an unknown person? It does not make sense. This kind of email must not be replied, rather must be deleted immediately or sent to "spam" folder.

I have a Bank of America Credit card. Recently I got few emails from spammers. The emails said there were soem security issues with my Bank of America Credit card, that is why, they are asking for my personal information (social security number, credit card number, expiration date, online account profile's password, etc). These emails looked real with "Bank of America" logo. But I know that Bank of America or any financial institutions never asks for its customers' for their personal information by email. So I forwarded those emails to Bank of America immediately. I want to add another thing that if you look at this spammers email carefully, you will notice grammatical errors, spelling errors in their emails, though their Bank of America logo seems real.

I would like to forward any future spams of this type to you, if I get any, if you send me an email. Thank you very much. Please keep up the good work.

Have you been scammed?

Lincoln, Ne — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 20:15:44 GMT

I was a victim of Identity theft, my bank account was drained and the police refused to help me in my situation. I had an address of a woman the merch. was being sent to. The police in my state and the police in the state this woman was living in would not do a thing!!!!!!!!!! Why is this happening to innocent people and the authorities refuse to do their duty and help before someone else becomes a victim!!!!!!

Have you been scammed?

Kelly Fairchild,Chattanooga,Tn. — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:16:35 GMT

Myspace is so full of these scammers.When I first got on myspace...I was asked to befriend a man in South Africa.I became his friend and soon he started acting as if he wanted more.I then wrote him and told him if he had been any friend at all,he would have noticed that on my myspace profile,It Says many times that I am Gay.....I am a lesbian.He wrote me trying to say he was gay too....I kept ignoring him and finally I told him I knew he was part of a scam or a money launderer and he stopped writing.I am so sik of these people.I wish you guys had somewhere I could turn these people in and maybe everyone will follow suit and do the same.I would be more than happy to catch I.D. and sexual predators.These people are Scum of the Earth.One of the main things I have had them say to me is that they are international art dealers.

Have you been scammed?

Deserie, Albuquerque, New Mexico — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:34:45 GMT

I wanted to first off thank dateline NBC and Chris Hansen for their series on scam artists. I never thought I would ever fall victim to a scam artist but to my amazement I almost did a few days ago. I have been looking for an English Bulldog puppy so I thought I would find someone locally on the internet. When I found a puppy for a great price (first red flag) the female wrote me an email saying she was no longer in the area she was apart of a missionary and was re-located to West Africa (second red flag) she wanted me to western union money to her to an address in Nigeria and she would then ship the puppy to an airport near by but I would need to give her the western union conformation first. So because of datelines series on scam artists everything that was aired on these episodes made me realize that this was a scam. I can't believe something as small as buying a puppy would have been linked to a Nigeria scam ring.

Have you been scammed?

t.s. southeastern usa — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 20:27:01 GMT

my girlfriend was recently scammed out of over $35,000 by a very elaborate and cunning con artist in another state. it all appeared very legitimate at the beginning but i guess that's how they do it. we contacted the fbi in an effort to try to stop these people but said that they only go after much larger amounts. local & state law enforcement are not interested because it goes out of their jurisdiction. who is going to help with this? this well devised scam is going to continue to bilk others out of all that they have and no one is interested in stopping them. my girlfriend has a very detailed and organized paper trail and timeline for whoever wants to take this on. i don't want to post our contact info here so hopefully someone can reply with an answer or better yet, msnbc might hopefully want to investigate this. i just find it sad and pathetic that law enforcement has better things to do than helping scam victims. we're not talking about a few hundred dollars here.

Have you been scammed?

elier g hernandez,ft lauderdale, fla — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:38:19 GMT

Hello, i wanted to eamail Chris directly but was not able to. (1st): i want to congratulate Chris on his bravery in exposing this new era of bandits that are bombarding us here in the us with their schemes to scam us out of money. (2nd): i want to share the fact that this collective group of individuals have an arsenal of creativity to their disposition and they do not hesitate to use it. (3rd): i have been analsing just this now for a while, since i have been exposed to the many different creative tactis that this bandits use. i would like to share with the whole country just this and i figured through Chris it can be achieved. obiously through this means i wont be able to do so since space is limited, i would greatly appreciate it if i could be contacted so that we can make everyone aware of this malicious group that are even now infiltrating mobile chat rooms were our young unite to share other less then damaging events.

Have you been scammed?

Nowell Rydalch, Smithfield, Utah — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:26:48 GMT

Chris:

I believe you just hit the tip of the iceberg when it comes to being scammed. I have something better I have passports and jpegs of people, forms and so call actual checks which is in my name and they say they would send to me. I also have kept every email in files of these people who use government officials to scam or swindle millions of dollars. I would love to help you catch them by getting them to come to this country instead of the going abroad. There have been some people say they would fly to the United States to meet with me personally to prove to me this is real. Sometimes I can play on there sympathies to let them know how dire straits I am in when in fact I play there game right back to them.

Have you been scammed?

Camille DeJean — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:30:26 GMT

I am so happy i watched your show. I strongly believe that an exroommate of mine is still a victim of this ongoing scam. This socalled person is out of Africa and her bank account has been wiped clean she also continues to send him money. Even though he's an artist. His name John Smith. They were suppose to meet but he just so happened to get shot the day before arrival. I really need your help convincing her because she doesn't believe me. He is suppose to be here sometime this month and i told her that she will never meet this man. I was able to get his screen name.PLEASE HELP!!!!

Have you been scammed?

Brian Lemon, Tacoma, Washington — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:25:18 GMT

Hey Chris,
I have encountered a brand new online scam that involves Myspace and single young women looking for single young men. Contact me for more information.

Have you been scammed?

Monique, Syracuse, NY — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:16:18 GMT

Hi Chris,
Thank you so much for airing shows that puts awareness out there. We watched "to catch a thief" a few nights ago and it was an eye opener for sure. Yesterday, we almost made a big purchase that was actually a scam but having watched your show, we were ready and on our toes! Thank you Thank you Thank you and keep up the fantastic work!!!!

Have you been scammed?

Joanne White, Carson City, NV — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:20:47 GMT

Chris
How do we get on your show or get your help? My husband is a victim of identity theft. This situation has been going on for us for 3 years, now. One of our credit cards was the source. The financial institution said it could have been an inside deal as they had other problems, but we will never know. When that credit card was used everyone was very helpful. All charges were dropped and our account information was changed. We had protection put on our his credit. In months to follow we received calls of credit applications going in with my husbands name. Because of the fraud alert on the credit they contacted us before opening the account. Well, low and be hold, after the fraud alert was done we received a bill from Dell. We had an account opened and merchandise shipped to us. Problem is - we never received any merchandise and we did not open an account with them. After going rounds with Dell it was determined that it was a fraudulant account and it was closed but the person did receive the TV. We even got an address to where it was shipped. But nobody could help us. We went through the proper routes of filing police reports, contacting the FCC ect. ect. There was nothing anybody could do to the person. Only that they could close the account. That was a year ago. Now, because we applied for credit - my husband found out his score was really low. After looking into it - sure enough - they have done it again. We have an address. It's in the same area of the country as the TV was shipped. They opened a credit card (they did so over the phone) in my husbands name. Maxed it out. And never paid the bill. So now my husband is in collections and has to deal with the whole system again. We do not feel this will ever be over and that his credit will ever be safe again! Please help!

Have you been scammed?

Danny Vaughn, Hattiesburg, Ms — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:09:54 GMT

I am a victim of a romance scam and Identity theft. I have lost alot money to a so-called young lady in New Orleans but she was really in Accra, Ghana. My identity was stolen, I didn't know until the law enforcement came to my place and arrested me for false pretenses on Feb. 13, 2008. I am totally lost at what to do. I am having to use a public defender because I am unable to afford a lawyer since I am totally financially wipeout. I was told by the law enforcement that my story would make an excellent book or movie. I have been totally deceived. I hope anyone can offer any advice.

Have you been scammed?

Monica Pestana, West New York, NJ — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:42:57 GMT

I have also receieved hundreds of those letters. I have even received ones claiming they are from Microsoft and I have won the lottery. But Most are more about that I have inhertied money. I found them to be very wierd. I even save most of them for this reason. If by any chance. The team at dateline needs any of these address I will be more than happy to hand them over. I would like to help in the capture of these scammers. I wouldnt want anyone close or who I loved tobe scammed.

Have you been scammed?

Lisa Comeaux, Metairie, La. — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:31:33 GMT

Dear Chris,
I was scammed by a ring of peoplel in Nigeria.
I think I know how to find them. For some reason, one stays in touch. Some of these people are 17,18. and 19
they are originally from the USA and their parents moved there just to run the scam. I have two names in my files, I call them the idiot files. So if you would like to discuss the idiot files, how you can run the ring down, and catch more of them, send me a note, I will be glad to talk.

Have you been scammed?

John Tisdel, Elkhart IN — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 02:38:38 GMT

thanks for your show after watching it I became more aware of the stuff going on just now I was on line and recieved a message from a lonley heart woman with a long drawn out story of being stranded in west africa after about 20 minutes of telling me how she was stranded she ask me if I would recieve a wire transfer from her and sent it back to her I said no don't you watch dateline if you are interested you can find her at yahoo messanger robin2cares2luv thanks and keep up the good work

Have you been scammed?

Ali Nieto, san francisco — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:07:11 GMT

hey well you wanna talk about dirty scams heres one everyone should love! there is a company in dubai which offers to sell kids fake id's. they have a string of websites that are linked to each other that provide "customer testionials". this is one of the dirtiest ways to scam someone because not only have i found a site that has thousands of postings from people that have been ripped off by this very website but it is international and fake id's are illegal, leaving the victims with no way to retaliate or stop it. and just ast week a friend of mine was scammed out of almost a thousand dollars through craiglist! this scammer also ripped off multiple people through the same advertisment cheap concert tickets with the excuse shes moving to new york. the only problem is she's already there uses pre paid phones and an email adress through a private server! beware of craigslist they will not protect you from scammers! i hope everyone will becom more aware of these sad people who make mony in the worste of ways, and always research the companies liability terms and fraudualant contidions before making money transfers, cashiers checks or wires of any kind!

Have you been scammed?

L.A.McLaughlin — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:22:14 GMT

I enjoyed watching the ID theft series, and the overseas scam series... and I have a sneaking feeling I am getting contacted by one... who should I contact for assistance in this matter??? thanks.

Have you been scammed?

Bob Tacti, San Francisco, Ca — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:06:43 GMT

Paul Desmond is really the name of a deceased muscian

Have you been scammed?

Yvonne Pollard — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:44:17 GMT

I just read an article in the(Maryland) Capital Gazette for ADORABLE TEACUP Yorkie (1Male,1Female). They listed a phone number and also and email address.
I called the phone number only to find out that it was not a correct number.I then decided to email this person. I had just recently lost my little 3 lb. yorkier very suddenly she was only 3 yrs. old. I rec'd an email back for this person stating they were out of the country on some kind of Catholic Charity.
They will ship the puppies via Pet Safe North American Airline. They also left another phone number, which I am sure is fake. They wanted my name, address and phone number and discussed about wiring the money. I was to send this information back to them, which I have NOT. I still have the newspaper ad and also the email I have received from them. If you need copies I will be glad to forward to you. Please have someone try to investigate this before people are taken. I am hoping that it can be traced if I just play along with this scam and email them back, but of course not with my real name, address, etc.

Have you been scammed?

Kathy Clarke Las Vegas, NV — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:03:36 GMT

We got a phone call from a man in Jamaica saying we won 1.5 million dollar sweepstake, if we wire $599. When we called the local number on the caller ID,recording said "not in service". We led him on to call again, then called the police and the FBI, but were told this happens all the time and there's nothing they can do. With all the technology in this country, something should be done to protect US citizens from these scams.

Have you been scammed?

Brenda Hearne, Gary, in — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:55:20 GMT

I have been the dummy, I met this man on christianmingle.com and we started talking. about 2 weeks later he tells me he has to go to ghana to do some work, a week later while there he starts telling me that he wanted me to try to get some money to send to help this little girl in the hospital who needed surgery. He sent me a form but it didn't look authentic. well as we continued to talk he started sending me flowers, candy etc....I fell for the bait. I sent him some money and then packages started coming and he wanted me to send them to him in ghana. I did twice but then I started getting suspicious. I started searching and trying to find out more about this man, without any luck. I now kknow I have been scammed. I have several packages here now, including 2 laptop computers, not sure what to do with them. So be careful.

Have you been scammed?

Richard, Arlington, Tx — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:07:35 GMT

You need to re-run this show or do a new episode. Our business has been hit recently with Nigeria credit frauders. They order, redirect to someone who is taking Western Union payments to forward received merchandise to a freight fowarding address. These people think that this is legit get rich and end up taking receipt of stolen merchandise. I've got the police in three states prosecuting people. The frauders are doing this by placing phony job ads in the Chicago Tribune.

Have you been scammed?

Shawn Veeren, Brooklyn, New York — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:54:47 GMT

Hello, I think I have been a victim of online shipping scam. I am unemployed and saw a job on hotjobs.com for a shipping clerk so I applied. I did the appropriate forms they asked including a photocopy of my state ID. I was wondering what exactly I was required to do in which they told me I would be told via email where to go and what to do. So yesterday morning I got an email saying there will be three(3) packages coming to me for other clients to my home address. I got them and was to email the company saying I did get them. Later on in the day I got another email telling me to send it to the Ukraine and that to throw away any invoices or extra shipping info and just repack or relabel box to ship via USPS prepaid on their end. They send a link for PDF file with postal online form for EMS transport. I don't want any trouble I plan to call the companies which sent the shipment to me to ask how to return to them and credit back whomever was charged these purchases. I contacted the shipping compant to tell them I do not wish to continue service with them and that I don't want to be paid anything just to leave me alone. I talked to a family friend who familiar with the law they suggested I don't continue this. I am afraid I will be help responsible for this stuff which I feel is a scam to somebody personal finances. I would not want to go thru this myself. Please if you guys can help me I would love the help.

Have you been scammed?

Tim Reis, Boone, North Carolina — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:02:07 GMT

I watched this episode and two weeks later got one of the letters from Linda Johnson, who's father passed away and left her nearly seven million dollars, but she needs a foreign partner to send the money to because she is in a refuge camp. I have been talking to them and fleshing out more contacts from them without giving them any actual information (I even used a brand new email address with a fake name). The question I have is if there are any authorities who could do anything with these addresses and telephone numbres that they have given me? I have different addresses and numbers for Linda, her pastor, and their attorney, Phillip Christopher, and even a number and email address for the "royal bank of scotland".

Have you been scammed?

Ruth DiGiovine — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:21:26 GMT

The STAR network was hacked sometime this week and my SecurityPlus Credit Union Check Cashing card account number was one of countless others that was compromised as a result. Yesterday, Friday, 04/25/08 I was electronically robbed of every ready red cent I had--save a $5 bill in my wallet by three transactions posted to my checking account from Salvador, Brazil. I went to one of the SecurityPlus credit union branch offices this morning and they told me that the STAR network had been compromised. They could not credit me back my money because it is now Saturday. While I was there yet another victim came in to report the theft. Like me the fraudulent transactions came from Salvador, Brazil.

Have you been scammed?

Bonnie Herrera, Austin, Texas — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:41:30 GMT

I was approached on a dating site by a man and we started talking seriously. He at first asked me to help him buy a plane ticket for his son, so they could both fly to meet me. I refused, so he next asked me if he could put $100,000 on my credit card and again I refused. I had given him my address earlier during our getting to know each other phase because he wanted to send me something for Easter. He send roses and a basket of fruit. Then I started receiving jewelery and clothes. He said they were for me, but none were my size. Next to arrive was perfume and cologne which he wanted me to ship to him in Africa. Then more clothes and shoes started arriving at my home. I kept all the invoices and started checking them. There were several different addresses on the invoices but always his name. I tried contacting the credit card companies to see if they could track the card by the address and make sure it was not stolen. The credit card companies said there was nothing they could do without the credit card number. So, I have a room full of merchandise and I am not sure what to do next. I have an address for him in Ghanna, Africa, but I do not want to ship the merchandise. If you could assist me in who I should contact with this I would appreciate it. I am not sure if I should contact the local police or a government agency. I have kept all his emails and I have kept him talking to me but I am wanting out and do not know what I should do. I have a young son and I am afraid of us both getting hurt by this man either directly or by one of his friends if he has any here. Please help me if you can.

Have you been scammed?

Clifford Pisano Revere,MA — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:59:43 GMT

I have a question for you all,on an episode of your show where Chris Hansen went to London to meet up with a suspected i d thief? If it was Scott Carr, which the name stuck in my head is the same guy that was the perp.Let me know if i was right and i could forward Chris Hansen the E-mail to go after the same guy, a sequel of the first show.

Have you been scammed?

Clifford Pisano Revere,MA. — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:09:31 GMT

Network:
Case File 331DMMA

Left: Savoie, circa 1974 Right: Age-progression to 37 years old (circa 2001)
Leigh Francis Savoie
Missing since April 7 1974 from Revere, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
Classification: Endangered Missing

Vital Statistics
· Date Of Birth: October 5 1963
· Age at Time of Disappearance: 9 years old
· Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 4' 4" - 132 cm, 60 lbs - 27 kg
· Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian. Brown eyes; light brown hair.

Circumstances of Disappearance
Savoie was last seen in the vicinity of Suffolk Downs race track in Revere, Massachusetts, where he was known to shine shoes.
He was last believed to be wearing cut off blue shorts, sneakers and a white T-shirt with the words, "Try it, you'll like it."

Investigators
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Massachusetts State Police
508-820-2121
NCIC Number: M-391627877
Please refer to this number when contacting any agency with information regarding this case.

NO CHILD IS A NUMBER
Now I am going to tell you a story that will put you on the edge of your seat - sit right back and listen. It happened in September of 1974, when I was a tender 9-year-old. One fall day I was with a bunch of friends down at Suffolk Downs Race Track in East Boston, MA when all of a sudden a man pulled up in a big white car asking if any of us would like to wash his car and earn ten dollars. Naturally, one of my 9-year-old friends and I bucked up. Well I won. So I thought – but right then, I thought “A fast way to make $20 bucks! Cool! I entered the man’s car and he drove off, we ending up near the waterfront in the Orient Heights section of East Boston. Then this man, 22-yrs-old at the time, lured me into the tall brush and made sexual advances toward me. I refused and it was either do or die - and you know I didn't want to die – and he hit me. And my world went black for the next six weeks. He then dragged me along the rocks by my arm –further onto Massport property, right where the planes land. To this day I retain scars on my back from it - and he took me further into the tall brush. He next picked up a 2X4 and started to bash my little body up, smashing me - like Gallagher would a watermelon - then picked up another one after leaving the first stuck through my forehead with nails sticking into my nine year old skull - God knows how rusty or dirty - and next picked up another to further bludgeon me, this second being left buried through my shoulder. He then leaves and abandons me there to die. Overnight I lay there slipping in and out of consciousness in a pool of my own blood a few feet from the waterline until the next morning, when a Mr. Frank Contrada had come to walk his dog, Shaggy. The dog smelled my blood and Frank let him go. Into the tall reeds he ran, stopping at my nearly lifeless body and laying next to me. Frank went to investigate and found his dog lying next to what he thought was a rag-doll that the kids had set fire to (picture all the dried blood made me look that way). He noticed only when I moaned that I was a human being, then, Frank had gone to nearby cottages to summon help. The second home he tried, there were people home who summoned all the necessary agencies and they responded rather quickly. Off they whisked me by ambulance to the Massachusetts General Hospital where the doctors had the task of putting me back together as I lay in a coma for the next six weeks, my eyes looking like tennis balls their being so swollen. My mother had told me, as my parents lay vigil at my bedside, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, my father worked and after work would come to visit his 9-year-old me, all hooked up to all manner of machines – various tubes going in and out of my body. But I would not give up. Because I was very close to passing on, they didn't think I would make it. Well I disproved all their fears in that I was a little fighter and was not going out like that… As the sixth week came I started to wake from my coma, and shocked all as I opened my eyes. When I was OK enough to start rehabilitation I was then whisked away to another hospital in Brighton, MA - The Kennedy Hospital - where the grueling task of rehabbing began. As they taught me how to walk all over again, talk all over again, I basically had to start life over at nine years old, but was determined to become as whole as I could again. I progressed dramatically, as people were coming to visit - my classmates in the 4th-grade and parents, and just about everyone (I retain all the get-well cards that I had received while recovering). Some months later, they released me when I was well enough to go home. Wearing a football helmet, off I went into the world again – affected today by only those scars, oh, and a seizure disorder for which I take medication and have taken since that frightful event. I then went back to school, having some - but not much - difficulty getting back into the swing of things with my peers. I graduated high school in 1983 and managed still to gain employment at such places as Gillette Razor Company, Hood Milk and many other companies.

Mr. Magnasco’s 9-year-old assault victim lived on to have two beautiful sons of his own, who are now 15 and 17½ - J. We live in the same house I lived in as a child.

I have, since the late 1990’s, opened up about my story after reading in the paper about a little 10-year-old child who was murdered after being offered a bike. His name is Jeffery Curley. I have since increasingly become very close friends with Jeffrey’s father and family members and like them have been advocating at the State House in Boston for tighter sexual assault legislation. Our laws are getting tougher everyday. I also gave testimony on a bill back in 1999 so as to bolster up the sex offender bill, which unanimously passed into law, and then I watched at a “press only” bill signing as then Governor Paul Cellucci signed it into law. I have amassed photos and news clippings and retain even a couple of interviews on videotape, one being of a Fox 25 interview of myself and the gentleman who acted to save my life, Frank – who, himself, was only a 19-year-old adult male at the time and who today is now 48 or 49-years-old; an interview about what he discovered, along with his dog, Shaggy, following the near fatal events of that tragic day. I also enjoyed an interview with Emily Rooney for her local issue-oriented PBS program, Greater Boston about my story and its fortunate, happy ending. And I would like to and intend to continue speaking outwardly and openly, through interview and all available means, all channels, all media in order to inform, to make children so completely aware that we no longer all read yet another after another tragic American story – with more often far less fortunate endings than my own - I know I am sick of reading that stuff, how it sickens me to see what these villains have done and continue to do and how they continue to thrive in this world, preying upon the most vulnerable of us – because, mind you: the man that did this to me was caught a week later, but he got out when I was only sixteen years old, whereas I am now going on having served my 30-th year, as a result of a crime from which, though I lived to tell, I well never see a chance of parole. I, along with all my co-victims – yesterday’s, today’s, and - tragically - tomorrow’s; we straightly receive a life sentence.

Well this story has a twist – nearly interrupting my happy ending, but I am present and available to assist you all in keeping fortunate outcomes such as mine secured for today and tomorrows tender victims. You see, it seems this other little boy, one also in his tender years, a mere10-year-old, was abducted in April of 1974. He was not so lucky - he never made it home. They never found his body. The State Police homicide detectives approached me during the summer of 2001, asking me questions about my personal assailant. I told them everything I knew. They have also interviewed Frank, who found me in that field all those years ago. Seems they had reopened that missing person’s folder on that little 10-year-old boy (as I was to learn a few weeks later upon opening my local paper, being confronted with “DA's Office Reopens Missing Persons Case from 1974”) in 2001. Can be made available at the request of any and everyone who similarly is striving to strengthen and ensure the protections around our children until they are no longer selected all too fearlessly as berries on the vine plucked from their lives to service and to sate ravenous birds that nearly liberally flock to, prey upon and thrive upon them; until the papers are quieted from the noise of their suffering, their shock, and their many silenced cries.

I have come a long way, have jumped often to overcome many hurdles in my life. God was watching me and kept me through the night, each night. Realize, I am here for a reason - I know there is a Higher Power that has had a hand in my being alive to speak out today. Taking it all in over the years and now speaking out feels great! I am doing this for the common good and invite you, if you are not on board, to get on board or otherwise encourage you to renew your commitment. And if you agree this sounds like a relevant issue and would care to avail yourselves of one of the public in bringing this issue to the fore, not just as a hot topic, but as a means to a positive and final end, then count me at your service and to that end will I always remain at their service to tell my story and prevent these situations from happening.

Very truly yours,
Clifford J. Pisano
781-526-7320

Revereman_p@yahoo.com

This Page is dedicated to Jefferey Curley,whom was murdered back in 1997, your thoughts are always in my head, and prayers for you are never dead,you will forever be remembered until eternity f or all they are all nice people and will always be with me and that is what is best

Have you been scammed?

melanie, Lincoln RI — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:54:54 GMT

i was scammed on craiglist.com when i decided to sell some of my items. I had never sold anything online before so i was not aware of the scam till after. The buyer told me that his secretary sent me the wrong amount in the cashiers check and asked me to send back the difference...my bank accepted the check and i did just that..the cashiers check was for over $3000 and my bank sent me a letter 2 weeks later stating that i defrauded the bank and needed to pay it back...i explained everything to my bank and their response was 'u should have known'!...how is that fair? Now i have no bank account and it has affected my credit..i don't know how to fix this and i don't feel i should have to pay all that money back for being scammed...what do i do?

Have you been scammed?

Adam Petrillo, Groton Connecticut — Sun, 11 May 2008 22:36:53 GMT

Chris, I need help, I've gone to every law enforcment agency including the State of Ct attorney generals office, fbi, and Local police. Their is a Scam that is occuring NATIONALY involving telemarketing calls. I will not use this blog to tell you about it i just hope your intersted in following up with me i will give you all the information you need. Other local media who refuse to assist me. Please I ask that you do follow up with me, Even If you don't want to persue this story. Let me explain what I have identified. Then tell me if you will persue it or not.

Have you been scammed?

Jamie Lister Gadsden Alabama — Tue, 20 May 2008 03:23:35 GMT

I need help with this scamming deal.I have a sister that is caught in this,How do i hepl her,who do I contact I need help with this Can anyone help me.

Have you been scammed?

Dayle Cantu, Van Wert, Ohio — Thu, 22 May 2008 21:15:03 GMT

I too met someone on BBPeopleMeet.com. At first he seemed okay. Then I gave him my personal email address and we started writing back and forth.

Soon I was asking questions and all I got in return was love poems. He never answered any questions that I asked. Finally the last letter I received from him stated that he and his daughter had been in a hotel talking about me, when some men broke in the room and yelled at him to give him some money. They wanted $1,000.

When he didn't cooperate they shot his 15 year old daugther and now she is in the hospital in a coma.
HE then proceeded to ask for $1,000 to be sent to someone in Nigeria.

Of course I didn't send it as I knew it was a scam.

The best part about it is I have ALL the emails he sent, even the info for the contact in Nigeria.

I had told him I would be on vacation, so haven't answered it yet.

If you would like this info, please contact me.

Have you been scammed?

Anita Flowers, Fairborn, OH — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:22:12 GMT

Dear Chris. I think I have just been scammed. Even though there is probably nothing that can be done now, I did save all the emails and did make copies of the 2 checks that I did cash. We were in a hurt for money and I looked to the web site that they told me about and it seemed ligit. Now I just tried to pay some bills here at home and I got an email from my bank stating that I have NSF and I will have to resubmit. I am devastated and feel really stupid. What can I do?

Have you been scammed?

m.kerns — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:31:33 GMT

we just recieved a check from fedex drawn on a wells fargo bank delievered to m,y house no note or anything just the check for 4990. sure it was a scam we called wells fargo they said it was a legit account but for that amount it wouldn't clear is this a scam or not please help

Have you been scammed?

Adeola — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:10:21 GMT

Hey Chris!
I am the biggest fan of your show. My husband and I watched the show on I.D. theft last night and I am compelled to help you guys out any way that I can. Every single time I watch one of these shows, I am ashamed to call myself a Nigerian. My hubby even laughs at me and tells me "those are my people". It is very embarrasing. Whenever I travel, I am treated very well until I show my green passport. I don't understand why and how Nigeria, my home country has become this way.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, let me help any way I can. I have almost been scammed by my own people. I CANNOT take it anymore.

Thanks Chris!!! It is a great thing what you do.

Have you been scammed?

Dixie R. Lovain, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:00:36 GMT

Dear Dateline,
Your shows regarding credit card thiefs really has hit home with me! I live in Iowa and have had my identy stolen. They did it online and paid off their Capital one credit card. I filed a police report, notified fraud alert and the company who issued them a card under my name (Wu-Mu}. Ironically, I am a 58 yr. old woman who is a chld advocate for Domestic/Sexual Assault agency in my town (13 yrs.) and I am living in a room at the YWCA due to my own bills. The thief is in TX and no one care. Help?

Have you been scammed?

Matt Ross, Wausau Wisconsin — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:13:12 GMT

Dear Chris,
I watch you're investigative reports as often as I can.
Too me, you are a true "average American" hero. The first time I saw you was during one of the "to catch a predator" series. I've been hooked since. I pumped my fist and said "I think we finally have a real "peoples" advocate. I can't thank you enough for you work and can only hope and pray the more people, even maybe our government will join you and fight back against criminals of all likes a try to bring some order back into our lives.

Have you been scammed?

D. S. Staps — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 06:44:45 GMT

hello I dont know if this topic is closed or not but I think ya'll missed the boat on how many type of scams there were going on @ the same time. Your story was about "ID" theft, but it was really a "Romance Scam". There is barely any warnings if any about what can happen on the net, and I a,m a victim of several types of fraud, as well as a "potential" victim if I didnt know what I know now. With very little effort Yahoo etc could educate the public about these things, but they dont. Go to yahoo groups "romance scams" and you will be in disbelief when your done. So many of us r just looking for someone, and we have our "issues"...working too much, shy, etc. Doesnt mean were fat or lazy etc. The most vulrenable is those that r new to the the net and sites like "my space" and "yahoo messenger" and their member profiles as I was a couple yrs ago. I know what to look for now, but fell in love myself w/a few pics...almost cost me dearly. After busting on my own the "friend" I thought was someone else I have became "friends" with him...but its a crazy relationship that has me wanting to go to Nigeria to meet him and see if I could belp him ligitametly. They r so poor and bad off there...who wouldnt do what they do if we had to? Even the guy you caught looked like he lived in piss poor conditions. They see how the reast of the world lives on tv and know they will never have anything that resembles a tv life, even @ its worst. I would like to share a ongoing relationship with my "scammer" and share my side of the situation, as well as expose the negligence of the big internet search engines for not doing anything to protect people from the scammers. My computer recieves fraudulent emails and Instant Messages @ least 3 tiomes a week from different people cause I leave my yahoo messenger up and running. Some r very clever, but i know how to spot them now...

Have you been scammed?

JT Mac, Albany, NY — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:53:44 GMT

$3,000 cash, $2,000 postage, phone charges and other expenses, brand new IBM laptop computer and ipod .....so, besides my heart, my love, and a lot of time, I lost money and other items in this romance scam who was sent to me as a potential match on this top online dating site. He (or they) are good, very very good.....I am not an ingorant woman and tried to catch him up, repeatedly. When I sent the computer and ipod the address he gave me was the same street address of many attorneys in Accra. Very very interesting details to the story and my continued research with Western Union, who delivered the money ignoring the physical description of the recipient, that I provided, the Accra police department being involved in the scam and the woman at US Customs in Ghana who I was working with that just seemed to vanish. I reported to IC3, local police, feds, etc....and, I'm sure I could contact my scammer if needed as I never completely shut the door. PS - I've busted many online scammers since and make it a hobby to bust at least 10 a week.

Have you been scammed?

John Sturgeon, Ann Arbor Mich. — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:54:59 GMT

Chris, scam artist is working me now. I'm getting all the info I can. Here's their email: vec_2000@yahoo.co.uk

Can I help take them down!?!?!?

Have you been scammed?

anthony bass — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:11:07 GMT

I just got a bogus cashier's check for $4900 to ship my refrigerator to London~! I played along until now, having watched Chris' expose on the scam. They contacted me to buy a fridge I had advertised for sale on the Web... If you all need a fresh lead, please contact me ASAP before I tell them the check didn't clear the bank..

Have you been scammed?

John Piccininni, Newport Beach, CA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:55:11 GMT

Chris:

Dateline once did a story on some phony MLM product that claimed to cure cancer. Actually, their independent reps made those claims, since no MLM company makes the claims directly. But there would be no other way for their people to sell their overpriced junk unless it is touted as some miracle cure that the pharma industry seeks to suppress. Unfortunately, for every one you expose, thousands exist.

One such firm that has contacted my wife markets a miracle fabric that will cure every disease known to man, simply by wearing it. Of course, it can't, but those who find no relief are told that they didn't wear enough, and that they need to wear it 24/7, and that they need to purchase the bedding and sleep under it, etc.

It is a scam of the worst kind on two fronts - it steals money from those suffering from real pain and illness, and it steals money from those they entice into their "business opportunity." They have ensnared my wife, and like most MLM's, act like a cult, trying to keep those in the cult from those of us who acknowledge the real world. And, of course, no one at the bottom amkes a dime. I would do anything to take these criminals down.

Nefful USA is headquarted in the City of Industry, CA. If anyone can expose these crooks, you can.

Have you been scammed?

Anna Sifuentes, Gilroy ca — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:15:34 GMT

we have been scammed - by a couple who became our friends and then asked to barrow some stuff and now will not return it ... do you know who I can contact
we are filing legal papers - it just doesn't seem like it's enough....

Have you been scammed?

Virginia Vierra — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:40:27 GMT

I am the CFO of Los Angeles Truck Centers. We are in the middle of a big scam perpetrated against thousands of people using bogus check with my companies name and bank account on it.

Someone saying they were from the UK saw our website and emailed a salesman saying they would buy one of our trucks. They asked for our bank wiring instructions. They never bought the trucks, never heard from them again. THEY had called the salesman, we never got a valid phone number from them.

A few weeks later we started getting calls from hundreds of people saying they were selling things on Craigs list, the person emailed them and sent them OUR check, with our bank information (but it was our general account, not our checking account number. The address was a branch of ours and the bank name was right but the address was wrong. Looks like a real valid check, but it's bogus) They called the bank and they said it was good. But they called us to check. They were supposed to deposit our check, then go wire shipping charges to a person through Western Union. We stopped the people that called, but then 3-4 checks a day started hitting our general account. We had already alerted our bank and they were sending all cashed checks back as fraud. So we haven't lost money, but the poor people cashing the checks and wiring their own money out have. The checks are from 3,500 to 19,000 each. It takes a week or 2 before the victims get notified by their bank that our checks were bogus. But by then they have already wired out the money. The scammers get mad and send mean emails about hurry up and wire me the money.

I'm dealing with the Secret Service on this. And I have been contacted by New York Detectives and other law enforcement person all over the US when people go to them after they get the notice that it was fraud.

Some of the people said they were applying for a job on Craigslist and got a check and they were to keep 10% and wire the rest to Western union.

I even had people call that just got the check on their door stop in a UPS envelope and didn't know why they got it, but they cashed it and their bank closed their account because it was a fraudulent check.

The NYPD guy said that the person that picks up the Western Union money will be arrested because they are part of the scam. THE SS agent said they might be an innocent victim also being used by the scammers as a middle man. What the police are after is the final bank account number that that sends the money to the scammer.

All the emails from several of the scamers were like ben.miller53@gmail.com, with the gmail.com suffix but different names.

You should do a show on this so people learn to stop falling for this. If it's too good to be true it usually is. Why would anyone trust a stranger and send them too much money? Never ever wire out your own funds to any one.

Have you been scammed?

Doug White ponca city Oklahoma — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:09:35 GMT

I got a 2850.00 check in the mail,A girl that i met on internet sent it,i am suppose to cash it and keep 500 of it and wire her the rest,write for more details if needed ,thanks Doug