Badly worded scam

Despite email filtering the odd scam stills comes through.

This one is particularly bad and is so obviously a scam it almost doesn't seem worth to copy here

But still since it is the first tourism one this year it has the privilege of been added to our scam posting. .

Searching on google shows nothing on these people so looks like they have started the new year with a new identity.

So what are the clear giveaways that this is a scam:

• The to address is their address which means this has probably gone to a large number of people via BBC.
  
• They have sent the email in both English and French. If they are really booking with you they will know the main language you speak
• Payment in advance requested.
  
• A large number of rooms (six)
• The bad grammar
• The mention of West Africa
• NTIC doesn't seem to exist
• Use of a gmail address

This is a sure indication of a scam. Of course scammers will get better as people get smarter which is why one should look at a number of means to stop this type of behaviour.

Here are some simple things which will help.

• Run a secure booking system such as Seekom
• Insist all bookings are made via this means.
  
• If people want to pay in advance insist on getting a faxed copy of both sides of the credit card.
• If they want a refund only refund via the card they booked on. If they want a refund any other way then you will need to wait till the credit card charge has been finalised which is at least six months.
• While bookings for a large number of people may be legitimate do some quick research - a simple visit to google will help identify inconsistencies.
  
• Remember to google the phone number - you might even find the real owner of the phone number.
• Finally listen to your gut reaction. If you have doubts then contact you bank with the credit card details and your suspicions. All banks now have excellent credit card fraud units who can assist you to make sure you don't become a victim.

So here is the lastest accommodation scam in both English and French.

Date: Sat, 5 Jan 2008 11:21:13 +0000
From: "PEROUSSE OLIVIER"
To: olivier.perousse@gmail.com
Subject: BOOKING

GOOD DAY

Mister and Madam, My name is OLIVIER PEROUSSE, person in charge for one limps of NTIC (new communication and information technologies) based in WEST AFRICA mainly in Ivory Coast partnership with several structures of NTIC of Europe and Asia. We will accomplish a stay in your country, and would like resider in your hotel with an aim of taking part in a seminar with partners and economic operators of your country during five (5) days. I would like to pass a reservation in your establishment. I would wish for this purpose to make you share of our needs.

Please take note below: Date of arrival JANUARY 10, 2008

Starting date JANUARY 15 2008

Numbers people: 06 We would like on the whole six (6) simple rooms with the complete menu. Following that, we would like that defect of the 6 simple rooms has you find us 3 double rooms. I would like to know if I could pay all the expenses by international Credit card ( Card. Visa, Master Card.) remotely. NB Forward a proforma invoice of the rooms and menu to us. In waiting of a favorable continuation, please receive our greetings.

THANK YOU AND I AWAIT YOUR ANSWER. OLIVIER PEROUSSE

Bonjour Monsieur et Madame,

Je me nomme Mr OLIVIER PEROUSSE, responsable d'une boite de NTIC (nouvelles technologies de l'information et de communication ) basée en AFRIQUE de l'ouest principalement en COTE D'IVOIRE ;en partenariat avec plusieurs structures de NTIC d'europe et d'asie.

Nous effectuerons un sejour dans votre pays,et aimerions resider dans votre hotel dans le but de participer à un seminaire avec des partenaires et des operateurs economiques de votre pays durant cinq ( 5) jours .

je voudrais passer une réservation dans votre etablissement.

Je souhaiterais à cet effet vous faire part de nos besoins.

Veuillez prendre connaissance ci-dessous:

Date d'arrivée 10 JANVIER 2008

Date de départ 15 JANVIER 2008

Nombre de personnes : 06

Nous voudrions au total six ( 6 ) chambres simples avec le menu complet. .

Suite à cela , nous aimerions qu'a defaut des 6 chambres simples vous nous trouvez 3 chambres doubles.

je voudrais savoir si je pourrais payer tous les frais par Carte de Crédit internationale

(Visa Card., Master Card.) à distance.

NB/ Faites nous parvenir une facture proforma des chambres et du menu.

Dans l'attente d'une suite favorable ,

veuillez recevoir nos salutations.

MERCI ET J'ATTENDS VOTRE REPONSE.

OLIVIER PEROUSSE.