Check out several examples spotted by Kaspersky experts

Oct 28, 2013 18:21 GMT  ·  By

Experts from Kaspersky warn that scammers have been sending out several types of scam emails that leverage the situation in Syria to attract the attention of potential victims.

The scams, also known as Nigerian scams, often use words like “revolution,” “crisis” and “turmoil.” Some variants analyzed by researchers appear to come from the representatives of well-known Syrian and UK banks.

The crooks claim the banks’ customers want to transfer millions of dollars out of Syria. Of course, those willing to help them are promised considerable rewards.

In another 419 scam, the cybercrooks pretend to represent the International Committee of the Red Cross. The emails tell the story of an oil trader who died in Syria. The Red Cross representative allegedly has his fortune and wants help in transferring it out of the country.

Other messages appear to come from regular people. One of the samples analyzed by Kaspersky purports to come from a teacher, while another one from the “mother of two kids.”

Here are a few variants of these emails. You might also want to check out the gallery to see what they look like.

Variant 1: “I am Mrs. Fadilah Rajha from Syrian present in hospital. I got your contact from your country directory and my trust rely on you. My decision to contact you is to offer my husband (A Syrian Defence minister killed in the civil war “General Dawoud Rajha”) fund to you for charity foundation in your country.”

Variant 2: “I am Mrs. Jamila Hussein a Teacher and Muslim Convert here in Syria, I had sent a previous mail which I am not sure you got. I need your assistance to invest and assist relocate 3 kids who are 17 years and blow so that they can get a better life there in your country due to the ongoing crises here in Syria.”

Variant 3: “I hope this message meets you in good health. I am Michael E. Porter, assistant coordinator of the ICRC’s logistics in Syria. I am contacting you in regard to a very Confidential business with hope that you will not let me down now and in the future.”

Variant 4: “Due to the recent turmoil in Syria a customer is urgently looking for a reliable partner in your country to transfer his investment capital of 17.2 million dollars to his company account for investment, if your company accounts can receive this account contact him with his email address.”

Photo Gallery (4 Images)

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