Name:
Date:
Score:
There are several emails here. For each one, please look and say whether they are real or fraudulent. For the fraudulent ones please list the warning signs BY NUMBER. You will complete this test via GOOGLE DOCS. (Instructions follow.)
Note that I have not copied the graphics that came with these emails. So, don't think they are spam just because they don't have graphics.
Here are the possible reasons for suspicion:
To take this quiz, please create a google document. This document should have the title "NAME - CAOT 97 - EMail Security Quiz".
For example "Jim Pickrell - CAOT 97 - Email Security Quiz"
In the body of the email, copy this entire quiz, and paste it in. Make sure you get the whole thing ("select all") and make sure the formatting comes through in a readable format. Type the answers in the appropriate place. Then share it to my gmail address, which is jim.pickrell@gmail.com.
Grading: Each question is worth 10 points, minus one point for each incorrect answer. An answer is incorrect if it is missing or has too many answers. For example, if the correct answer is 2,4,6 and you have 2,4,7 that will be 10 - 2 = 8 points. You will also get 25 points for successfully submitting via Google Docs, and 25 points for correctly naming your document, so that it's easy for me to sort. Total maximum score is 100 points.
Real or Fraudulent:
Reasons:
Subject: NOTICE: Your $1200.00 Deposit is Now Ready.
From: "Pre-Approval Notice" <LoanCenter@ballisterhomeheating.com>
Date: Mon, April 16, 2012 8:35 am
To: jimp@brandx.net
Tight on cash? Confirm your deposit below and pay nothing until July 2012!
During this season many Americans are completely overwhelmed with bills plus the added stress of unavailable credit. As a result many have been utilizing a new option called 100 Day Loans who can actually wire you money the same afternoon. Practically everyone gets approved as a credit-check is not required. Most can get authorized for $1500 and payback doesn't begin until July 2012.
You've Been Pre-Approved So Access Your Funds Here.
Real or Fraudulent:
Reasons:
From: TD Ameritrade Client Services <client@notifications.tdameritrade.com>
Subject: April Options Expiration Notification
Date: April 16, 2012 8:32:40 AM PDT
To: Jim Pickrell <jimp@brandx.net>
Reply-To: client.2151604298.2157516.0@notifications.tdameritrade.com
Your account ending in 3110
Date: 04-16-2012
Dear Valued Client,
This is a reminder that Friday, April 20, is the last trading date for April equity options.
TD Ameritrade, Inc. follows the Options Clearing Corporation's threshold guidelines for automatic exercise. Options that are at least $.01 in-the-money will be automatically exercised at expiration. The consolidated closing price or last sale of the underlying security on the final trading day of the option will be used to determine the in-the-money or out-of-the money amount.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUR ACCOUNT?
If you wish to exercise your long option that is less than $.01 in-the-money you may use the electronic exercise request located on the options trading page of the secure web site or contact Client Services before 4:30 p.m. ET Friday, April 20. To request that an option not be exercised, you must submit a "Do Not Exercise" request with a broker by 4:30 pm ET. Friday, April 20
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR POSITION
If you wish to continue to hold the stock created by the exercise of your option(s) please make sure you have the necessary funds in your account prior to Friday, April 20. We reserve the right to close any option position, without prior notice, that may pose a risk to your account on the final trading day before expiration.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR CASH ONLY ACCOUNTS - Long put positions need the matching underlying stock in the account for automatic exercise. If you do not notify us of your intentions to close this put position, it may be closed for you at any time on the final trading day.
QUESTIONS?
Please log on to your account or contact a Client Services representative.
TD Ameritrade | PRIVACY STATEMENT | BRANCH LOCATOR
This is an automated email, and replies will not be delivered. If you need to contact us, please log on to your account and click the "Contact Us" link to send an email.
TD Ameritrade understands the importance of protecting your privacy. We are sending you this notification to inform you of important information regarding your account. If you've elected to opt out of receiving marketing communications from us, we will honor your request.
Market volatility, volume and system availability may delay account access and trade executions.
Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors.
TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC / NFA. TD Ameritrade is a trademark jointly owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. and The Toronto-Dominion Bank. Copyright 2012 TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Distributed by: TD Ameritrade, Inc., 1005 North Ameritrade Place, Bellevue, NE 68005.
TDA 8169 E-M 07/10
Real or Fraudulent:
Reasons:
Subject: Get a Free $500 Costco Gift Card for Thanksgiving!
From: "Costco Wholesale"< info@ailetubig.com>
Date: Fri, November 18, 2011 2:07 pm
To: jimp@brandx.net
Get a Free $500 Costco Gift Card for Thanksgiving!
Click here to visit! Details apply.
Real or Fraudulent:
Reasons:
Subject: AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT
From: "ENGR.Amandzeba Kofi" <charlotte@mailbox3.myptsmail.com>
Date: Wed, September 14, 2011 3:06 am
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Dear Sir, I am Engr. Amandzeba Kofi ..The director of ESTELDAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED FIDUCIARY AGENT/CONSULTANTS P.O.BOX S.D. 297 STADIUM ACCRA- GHANA PHONE:
A Ghanaian. I was mandated by our new ruling Government under the economic
development and Ministry of Agriculture that institute a four year program of food
abundances in Ghana. To solicited for a foreign contractor that would be awarded a
four years contract, to supply agricultural machinery Equipment throughout the ten
regions of the country.
The first phase of this program was voted a total sum of U$ ($150. 000 000) one
hundred and fifty million dollars. Because of the urgency of this program and the
promise of the president to the people during his camping tore that brought him to
power is that food will be in abundances in Ghana through out his regain , the
committee has resolve to give capable contractor a mobilization fee of 40% upfront
to enable the contractor to commence supply immediately.
Please if your company or firm is interested in this contract, don’t hesitate to call me back for more information and there would be a round – table face-to-face meeting with ministry of agriculture contract awarding committee member’s and the parties involved. This contract can be sprit in a small or sub-contracts. Note the following: - That the country needs modern agricultural equipment like:
LIST OF MODERN AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE LIST OF:
1. AGRICULTURAL MACHINEARY/ EQUIPMENT
2. TRACTORS [ 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND 2 WEEL DRIVE,FAIRLY
USED/NEW.
3. COMBINES USED/NEW
4. FORAGES ‘ USED/NEW
5. BALERS USED/NEW
6. HARVESTERS USED/NEW
7. BACK-HOE LOADERS USED/NEW
8. WATER TANKERS USED/NEW
9. CULTIVATORS USED/NEW
10. PLIERS
11. HARROWS
12. SEEDING EQUIPMENT
13. LAWN EQUIPMENTS
14. WEED RADERS
EXPECTING YOUR MODER QUOTATION. Thanks. Waiting to hear from you. Please feel free to call me on my direct no. kindly response to this email:
BEST REGARDS.
ENGR.Amandzeba Kofi
Real or Fraudulent:
Reasons:
Subject: Unusual Activity
From: "Wells Fargo" <accounting@serviceinc.com>
Date: Wed, March 9, 2011 12:10 am
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Dear Wells Fargo customer,
We have detected unusual activity in your online account, which may be the cause of logging in from several IP addresses.
To prevent fraud and unauthorized access to your account, we have decided to limit your account.
You are required to verify your online account and confirm your personal details by clicking the following link:
Please note that this measure is intented to protect your account and failure in verifying your profile details will result in account closing.
Thank you,
Karen M. Morowitz,
Security Manager,
Wells Fargo.