spammed and worried!

[lungz]

a few weeks ago i received, in my mailbox, (don't know what was it with gmail not detecting the spam) an e-mail claiming i'm owed $1000 000 000. Stupid as I was that day, i replied to it, sending all my details. Mind you it was a very convinceing scam so I really thought it was legit. I also sent a scan of my I.D.

I found out it was a scam after googling the details of the e-mail. I'm worried the scammer may be able to do some harm regarding the fact he has the scan of my original i.d.

worse of all he's from Nigeria

[Perform Computers]

& you sent a copy of your ID ??

Wow.

[gordo]

Thats really bad hey. . . I dont even know what to say to that.

[AmithS]

I am with Andrew on this 1!!!

What was so compelling that made you send your ID copy?

[Just Gone]

That is NOT good news that you sent your id !!! There are lots of those e mails out there everyday - The latest are e mails from the "banks" saying that your account has been compromised and you have to follow the llink to log on . Banks do not send e mails ever relating to this - do not be fooled. If I had up all the emails I have received saying I have won money and the lotto etc etc I would be a triollionair over and over. Dont reply.

[Perform Computers]

Damage control...

Exactly WHAT details did you send them? Although I hate to say it, but the copy of the ID trumps anything bad.

[AndyD]

You might be lucky, some of these scams will contact you again requesting some kind of fee to aid with the release of the money you're supposedly owed. Just don't acknowledge any further communications from these people.

If you gave any credit card details then obviously cancel the cards.

[mother]

The first concern now is identity theft. I suggest you go to the police station and make an affidavit stating that your ID information may have been compromised, and how it was compromised, and that the affidavit is to protect you against any crime that may be committed in future, using your identity unlawfully. Such possible crimes could perhaps be to purchase something on credit or maybe a foreigner gaining entry into the country posing as you. The affidavit won't necessarily protect you 100%, but it might help.

What other details did you give them?

[Dave S]

OUCH!! I'm with Mother here, get to a Cop Shop super quick and get an Affidavit soonest, at the same time you can log the incident for criminal investigation. It might help.

[Dave A]

Reminds me of this identity theft story (just in case you need an incentive).

Seems Mother's advice is best.

[Just Gone]

Fully agree with Mother.

[AmithS]

Also keep printed copies of the emails received and sent to prove you not just making up a story that you ID has been used by someone else incorrectly!

[tasch_a]

You can try get hold of the SAPS cybercrimes unit. Not 100% sure of the contact details, but you can try fraud@saps.gov.za. Doing an affidavit stating your ID was stolen is a start, and most definately needs to be done or else you will be held liable if they do anything to defraud people etc with your ID. Remember to record any dates and times you went to SAPS and when you mailed/phoned the cybercrimes unit etc.

[lungz]

I feel so ashamed, maaaaan! I was really down and broke at the time so I did it on reflex. the e-mail was so professional, well written and there was contacts and an adress on the end of the e-mail. There was a 'shipping fee" for the check and it only clicked to me when he replied by stating the fee was supposed to go into his account.

Apparently, the e-mails have vanished! I hope mother's advice will help and the police can do something about it. Luckly I didn't send any banking/credit card details... but I still feel a little bit shaky about it...especially after reading the Ellerines fraud story

thanx guys

[AmithS]

Wish you all the best & hope it turns out okay