A basic human trait is that we all want and appreciate recognition from time to time.
Unfortunately, there’s always someone looking to take advantage of this fact in order to manipulate and swindle others.
Case in point, the fake “Who’s Who” awards regularly found in spam circles.
A typical example comes from “Emerald Who’s Who” notifying you of your nomination for inclusion in their long and prestigious publication…. assuming you consider an invite from “EasyClickMarketing.com” prestigious and January 7th as a long time, because that’s when their domain was first registered on the Internet.
Here’s the full scam:
Dear Stephen,
You were recently chosen as a potential candidate to represent your professional community in the 2010 Edition of Emerald Who’s Who.
We are please to inform you that your candidacy was formally approved February 15th, 2010. Congratulations.
The Publishing Committee selected you as a potential candidate based not only upon your current standing, but focusing as well on criteria from executive and professional directories, associations, and trade journals. Given your background, the Director believes your profile makes a fitting addition to our publication.
There is no fee nor obligation to be listed. As we are working off of secondary sources, we must receive verification from you that your profile is accurate. After receiving verification, we will validate your registry listing within seven business days.
Once finalized, your listing will share prominent registry space with thousands of fellow accomplished individuals across the globe, each representing accomplishment within their own geographical area.
To verify your profile and accept the candidacy, please visit here. Our registration deadline for this year’s candidates is March 25th, 2010. To ensure you are included, we must receive your verification on or before this date. On behalf of our Committee I salute your achievement and welcome you to our association.
Sincerely,
Anthony Miller
Vice President, Research DivisionEmerald Who’s Who
954 3rd Ave Suite 817
New York, NY 10022-2013, USAConfidentiality Notice: This e-mail communication and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information for the use of the designated recipients named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, disclosure, dissemination, distribution or copying of it or its contents is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please delete the communication and unsubscribe from the mailing using the options available in this email.
What’s especially clever about this fraudulent award is the generic offer to “represent your professional community” which is just vague enough that you can send this to anyone with a job and an ego and they might just be fooled.
Another nice touch, added to mimic a legitimate email is the “confidentiality” notice at the end and particularly the part about being sure to “unsubscribe” which will have the benefit (to the spammer) of verifying that your address is valid and you’re the kind of person willing read spam emails to the end.
While the name of the “Who’s Who” list changes from campaign to campaign and month to month, the offer of prestige in exchange for money never goes out of style.
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