Don't fall for email con trick (From Barry And District News)

Don't fall for email con trick

A BARRY man is warning internet users to be aware of an e-mail scam that could wipe out bank accounts.

Former 'Whispers' restaurant owner Derrick Batey, 69, and his wife Elizabeth, 67, surf the net to shop and keep in touch with friends by e-mail.

And this is where they first came across ruthless world wide web predators cheating people out of money.

Mr Batey said: "Everyone receives junk mail through the post. Most of it is binned, especially if it promises untold riches.

We just know that there's a catch. But that's is why I think e-mail scams are so worrying."

Derrick received an email which began: 'Hello Batey, still remember me?"

He added: "When someone uses your name, you wonder who this person is. It almost guarantees you'll read on."

The long document, which appears to be sent from a South African bank, details how there is $18million of unclaimed life insurance from unfortunate victims of an air crash in 1997.

But because the person who sent this letter is a civil servant, and cannot hold a foreign bank account, they need to borrow yours and in return you will receive 30 percent of the £18million.

It is very tempting to try for £600,000.

Mr Batey said: "As soon as they have your bank details, you are vulnerable. They can access your account and all your money."

The pair admit they are new to computers, but say they know enough to be cautious.

Mrs Batey added: "If people are unaware of the dangers, they could be taken advantage of.

This e-mail looked so plausible, using words like 'completely safe' and 'risk- free'.

"People should look closely at what they are being offered and apply the same rule as for junk mail. Bin it."