Order number 475456

[Katharine]

Recently my work email has contained many spam messages, all apparently from different people - unrecognised forenames. Each of the headers thanks me for setting order number 475456.

What's special about that number? Is anyone else getting them?

[J.R.]

Not received here, Katharine.

You sure someone at work hasn't been enquiring about 'organ-development' ?

[lonelymom]

I'm not getting those, but I keep getting emails in my 'junk' folder telling me that my Halifax account needs verifying. I don't have a Halifax account. A few days later I get another saying if I don't act quickly it will be suspended. I think I get them from other banks too. Total rubbish!

[J.R.]

I'm not getting those, but I keep getting emails in my 'junk' folder telling me that my Halifax account needs verifying. I don't have a Halifax account. A few days later I get another saying if I don't act quickly it will be suspended. I think I get them from other banks too. Total rubbish!

You should report these bogus e-mails to the banks the sender claims to represent. You can do it on line and they do follow them up where possible.

[jhopgood]

Bout 40% of the junk I receive is in Russian. Cyrillic script. Looks nice on the screen

[Kim2s70-77]

Isn't that 'phishing'?? They blast those emails out randomly, in the hopes that someone who DOES have a Halifax account will respond with the information. Then they can access the account.

[J.R.]

Bout 40% of the junk I receive is in Russian. Cyrillic script. Looks nice on the screen

I thought the K.G.B. had been disbanded, John ?

[lonelymom]

I'm not getting those, but I keep getting emails in my 'junk' folder telling me that my Halifax account needs verifying. I don't have a Halifax account. A few days later I get another saying if I don't act quickly it will be suspended. I think I get them from other banks too. Total rubbish!

You should report these bogus e-mails to the banks the sender claims to represent. You can do it on line and they do follow them up where possible.

I hadn't really thought about it, but I suppose I should do, shouldn't I? I will next time.

[J.R.]

I'm not getting those, but I keep getting emails in my 'junk' folder telling me that my Halifax account needs verifying. I don't have a Halifax account. A few days later I get another saying if I don't act quickly it will be suspended. I think I get them from other banks too. Total rubbish!

You should report these bogus e-mails to the banks the sender claims to represent. You can do it on line and they do follow them up where possible.

I hadn't really thought about it, but I suppose I should do, shouldn't I? I will next time.

It's one of Jan's little pleasures in life !

[jhopgood]

Bout 40% of the junk I receive is in Russian. Cyrillic script. Looks nice on the screen

I thought the K.G.B. had been disbanded, John ?

Could well be, but since I can't understand what is written, I am none the wiser.
It gets deleted unread, because I can't.

[J.R.]

Bout 40% of the junk I receive is in Russian. Cyrillic script. Looks nice on the screen

I thought the K.G.B. had been disbanded, John ?

Could well be, but since I can't understand what is written, I am none the wiser.
It gets deleted unread, because I can't.

Were you at University in Cambridge, perchance ?

[sejintenej]

I'm not getting those, but I keep getting emails in my 'junk' folder telling me that my Halifax account needs verifying. I don't have a Halifax account. A few days later I get another saying if I don't act quickly it will be suspended. I think I get them from other banks too. Total rubbish!

You should report these bogus e-mails to the banks the sender claims to represent. You can do it on line and they do follow them up where possible.

I hadn't really thought about it, but I suppose I should do, shouldn't I? I will next time.

Never ever open an attachment or follow a link unless you are 300% certain that it is from the alleged sender. Banks will never ever ask you for any info (such as acount number, a part or all of your PIN number, even your addrees so never ever give them.

Another check which may not work on every system;
a) Google the sending bank and look at the web address.
b) put your mouse over the link in the inward email; if they are not absolutely identical treat it as phishing. If (as often happens) it starts off the same and anywhere after the address you see the letters "http" or similar or an "=" sign it is phishing.

I recommend that you print out:
the message as you got it
the "headers" (which the icons on your reader should get for you)
write in by hand the address(es) behind the web links included in the original text.
Deliver by hand to the local branch of the organisation concerned and give them your phone number; you will probably hear no more.

I had an interesting attempt at a double fraud a few weeks ago. Could I please make a booking for a company conference for 6 people? Would I take their cheque in full payment? (The trick is that their cheque is for more than the bill and they want me to refund the difference - after I repay then their cheque is bounced.) Why on earth would some London firm be trying to book an internal conference in an out-of-the-way French near-mountain resort and how come my details semed to match what a corporate would require?
I looked up the company allegedly making the booking - their address is in a certain part of South London ('nuff said?) and on their internet site they claimed to represent National Commercial Bank and also were collecting deposits for Bradford and Bingley. A map was included in the site showing their location well south of the Thames. I know National Commercial Bank well - a reputable Saudi Bank located in the City and far from the map area and with absolutely no need for a marketing rep like that. As for Bradford and Bingley - this email arrived not too long ago!

Beware - if the email is not from someone you know well it is 9999 times out of 10000 an attempt to relieve you of your money in some way or other.

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

I NEVER even open an Email, about which I am not sure !
I am still intrigued about "Male Extensions", as I have said, previously, the question of Gender, never arose on Planning Committees !