Bogus emails are being sent apparently by a fictional mouse

Feb 27, 2013 12:31 GMT  ·  By

ESET Senior Research Fellow David Harley has identified an interesting advance fee scam that’s currently making the rounds on the Web. Bogus emails invite recipients to attend a conference on “Human Rights and Global Financial Crisis” that will allegedly take place in May in the US.

As you will see below, there are several clues which suggest that these emails are part of a malicious scheme that’s likely designed to trick unsuspecting users into handing over their money.

First of all, there are several variants of this scam. Some say the conference will take place in another city and they’re signed by another individual.

Secondly, they’re very vague. None of them contains proper contact details and a link to a website.

Finally, this particular variant is signed by Angelina Ballerina, the name of a fictional mouse featured in a series of children's books.

Here is the scam email in full:

“Dear Sir/Madam, It is a great privilege for us to invite you for the upcoming International combined conference meeting on Human Right and Global Financial Crisis, taking place from May 6th to 10th May 2013, here in United States of America, California.

The aims of the conference is to bring together researchers and practitioners in an effort to lay a ground work for future collaborative research, advocacy, and program development as well as to educate social service, health care and global financial sectors.

An expert faculty of speaker from Australia, Europe, Asia, Africa and USA will present a comprehensive review of leaders to discuss relevant, timely topics related to Global Financial Crisis with dynamic educational sessions, invaluable networking functions, career advancement opportunities and cutting-edge resources.

The 3rd Annual ECD Conference & Exhibition offers the most comprehensive learning experience in the field. Registration is freely open to all interested participants; interested participants should contact the conference secretariat via Email below for more information for registration and accommodation. Secretariat Email: [email protected]

If you are a holder of passport that may require visa to enter the United States, you are to inform the conference secretariat at the time of sending your detail for registration, as the organizersof the event is responsible for all visa arrangements and travel assistance.

Once again we thank you for taking out your time in your busy scheduled to attend this conference meeting and we hope to see you at the event venue. Yours Sincerely, Ms. Angelina Ballerina Program Coordinator”