The Curious Case of Terry Sutton
ByYou see them every day. Emails pushing something that is too good to be true; whether it is deeply discounted Viagra, name brand prescriptions from Canada, or real Russian women seeking husbands. Most are boilerplate spam messages send from Middle Africa or Eastern Europe.
In addition to the run of the mill spam is the phishing (fishing) email scams looking for personal information to exploit. They run from the polite and deferential to the official and demanding. You may be corresponding with a prince or a government official or an esteemed business man; but, for whatever reason, he needs access to your bank account to help out a new friend from a tight squeeze. Your trust and kindness will be handsomely rewarded, or so it is promised.
These are my favorite because they most resemble the scams of old pulp fiction novels and detective shows. It takes some cunning, and more importantly, some investment of time to pull off such a caper. A spam email is just cyber lazy and exhibits all the skill of panhandling. Please help, send money, God bless. Now, pretending to be a prince or banker hiding money…that takes some real nuts to pull off successfully.
I like a caper that takes some real effort…and costumes.
All good scams rely on inherent human weakness (with a touch of dishonesty) and it is no wonder that when the economy is down the success of these schemes increase. Sure, you know it sounds too good to be true or it sounds not entirely legal, but you need the money. Besides, the bankers (government, businesses, or others) are screwing us anyway you will rationalize (why do you think John Dillinger was a folk hero in the 1930s?). Once you convince yourself it is right then you are fully hooked.
Recently, I got an email here at RealDuPont and the subject line caught my eye. It stated simply “CAN I TRUST YOU? {PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL}.” All caps. Begging an emotional reaction that I may not be trustworthy. I had an idea!
Telemarketing Laid the Groundwork
I opened the email and read. It was typical in many ways but I appreciated some of the effort. Still, I knew it was completely bogus when I read the email but something inside of my head clicked. I remembered back to the glory days of telemarketing phone solicitation calls. I grew tired of them like everyone else but I decided a response was in order. First, I thought, “what kind of people would take such a job?” “What catastrophic set of circumstances would lead to someone selling light bulbs by telephone?” I also thought about their pay scale. It had to be commission based, so the more calls meant the more possible hits. You may dial for an hour and only get one or two leads. Over the course of a shift, you may only get a couple of sales. So, if you got someone on the hook, you had to let all of your other cast lines go unattended so you could reel in your big lunker.
I am that big lunker, I thought. I am not a runner, pulling out the line and soon tiring. I am a fighter. I wait to get near the net before I break the line.
I would employ two methods in the telephone solicitation. One, is I would engage the caller by asking them about themselves. “Was it drugs? Did drugs prevent you from getting a job other than calling people and disturbing them?” “Were you abused as a child? Why the low self-esteem?” The point to this was that the longer I could keep them engaged the more other possible suckers were getting away and the guy two phones away in their boiler room would get the sales commission.
You waste my time it is just annoying. I waste your time, it costs you money.
When I couldn’t bear the interchange between me and the caller I resorted to another arrow in the quiver. I interrupted the sales pitch at just the right moment and said, “Sorry to interrupt. This sounds exactly like what I need but I have to run and pull something out of the oven. Hang on a second.” At that point I would set down the phone and go about my day. The person on the other end could hear me milling about, but they were left to wonder when I was coming back. This left them with the dilemma of hanging up after I said I was really interested in what they are selling. One minute? Five minutes? How long would they wait?
Surprisingly long, as it turns out.
Eureka Moment
That gave me my eureka moment with my email scammer. I will begin a dialog and see how long it could move forward. I will provide you with the full email exchange so you can use it as a cautionary tale or as a template. Feel free to use it yourself. In fact, I implore you to use it yourself. Imagine if all of these email scammers had to make that same decision of whether to continue on or punt. Let them get their hopes dashed for a change.
Date: Fri, 6 May 2011 17:19:44 +0700 [05/06/2011 03:19:44 AM PDT]
From: TERRY SUTTON
Reply-To: sutton2t@live.com
Subject: CAN I TRUST YOU? {PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL}
Attn: Sir/Madam,
I am the Finance Manager of a leading bank in Scotland seeking partnership for a pending business project I have at hand ready to be executed without hitches. I will give to you a detailed explanation of this project which I prefer to call a “DEAL” if I have your positive response. The business is 100% risk free because I have fashioned out means to give it an excellent outcome.
In an attempt to throw light on this business deal, a month ago a Kuwaiti multinational company opted an overdraft from our bank and was over invoiced with an amount of 12,000,000 GBP [Twelve Million Pounds]. I seek your partnership to enable me transfer this funds to your account for both of us and I am open to negotiate your percentage. Your utmost attention and sincerity is needed due to the nature of the business.
Please if you are interested; get back to me via my private email: sutton2t@live.com for further details.
Best Regards,
Terry Sutton.
Kudos for the Scottish sounding name. Probably plays midfielder on the Rangers FC. I also like the use of legalese “DEAL” as if henceforth that would be the way the long named project would be referred. Very official sounding! I responded to the email address provided.
Date: Thu, 05 May 2011 09:03:25 -0700 [05/05/2011 09:03:25 AM PDT]
From: admin
To: sutton2t@live.com
Subject: Re: CAN I TRUST YOU? {PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL}
Dear Terry,
This sounds like a fantastic opportunity. I have an account at Chase that currently is being unused. It has a balance of $3.67 (USD).
You can trust me.
For the record, I do not bank at Chase. I am a credit union kind of guy, but I liked the fact that it sounded iconic. Nor can I be trusted. I awaited his response.
Date: Thu, 5 May 2011 16:52:02 +0000 [05/05/2011 09:52:02 AM PDT]
From: TERRY SUTTON
To: admin@realdupont.com
Subject: RE: PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL
Hello Friend,
Thanks for the prompt response to my mail and enquiry on further details of this project. I want you to know that this is a 100% risk free business deal because all modalities have been mapped out already to make it a success. This type of business deal happens daily by the so called leaders of the world and since I have this opportunity on hand now I deemed it fit not to allow it pass me by because it may never come again. We can conclude it in the next few days if we work diligently and closely together.
Before we begin, it is important I educate you on the process carefully and please ensure to follow my advice step by step so that we will not have any problems at any stage as you know this is my field. The fund in question is ready for transfer and all I need from you now is your TOTAL COMMITMENT hence send me your Full Names, Address, Phone number, Age, Occupation and Company Name (if any). With these details I will retrieve the original information of the company and replace it with yours in our records. When the transfer is effected from my bank to your nominated bank account in your name I would destroy the records from our file then we can both share our percentage as we will agree upon.
I will share with you 70% for me and then 30% for you since I am the originator of this business and would also need to grease some hands in my office to make sure that we have a smooth transfer. A very important aspect we must take into consideration is that we must make use of an OFFSHORE BANK that has a very high levels of customer protection and secrecy in a country that has relaxed banking laws and financial regulations and also a bank that is a corresponding bank to my bank so that the transfer will be seen as an in-house transfer thus will not attract any financial regulatory body although I will advice you carefully on this.
With all these been said I would prefer to get your response and also build a relationship with you since we have not met before and you will agree with me that it is not easy to transact and entrust such magnitude of business in your hand without building a relationship. Please I would want you to handle this matter with utmost confidentiality due to the nature of my job since I am still in active service.
Regards,
Terry Sutton
A tad long winded, and there is emphasis with all caps again, but at least he called me friend (which was nice).
Date: Thu, 05 May 2011 11:55:54 -0700 [05/05/2011 11:55:54 AM PDT]
From: admin
To: TERRY SUTTON
Subject: RE: PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL
Greetings. I am heartened by your prompt reply. The 30% you mention sounds like a fair amount to me. This money will be welcome because I have recently fallen into financial hardship at my business. I am facing the prospect of making redundant 10 positions or more but as it stands, I cannot even make payroll for next week. These employees have been loyal and many have families, so I do not want to disappoint them.
I assume that it is OK that we use my personal bank account rather than that of my business. As I mentioned, the business is having liquidity issues and I fear creditors may try to garnish any funds put into it. My personal account is safe from such issues.
However, I will need to ask what city in Scotland you are located. You do not have to provide street address, but I would like to know the city and district of your location before I proceed with personal information.
Kind regards.
Innocent request and I am sure that one he can easily Google an answer but it will show whether he is still paying attention.
Date: Fri, 6 May 2011 09:41:29 +0000 [05/06/2011 02:41:29 AM PDT]
From: TERRY SUTTON
To: admin@realdupont.com
Subject: RE: PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL
I live in Aberdeen District, Aberdeen City. Send your information and avoid further delay.
Great, but this is still not what I need to gain trust. He must sense I am just being cautious and that I am just another dumb American being lured into his web of deceit. Still, I need to know some additional data.
Date: Fri, 06 May 2011 09:01:51 -0700 [05/06/2011 09:01:51 AM PDT]
From: admin
To: TERRY SUTTON
Subject: RE: PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL
Part(s): 2 !banking Info.jpg 62 KB
Download All Attachments (in .zip file)
Terry,
Thank you, Aberdeen is a lovely place.
Before I commit I need assurances that this is a sincere endeavour. I will send all my pertinent information after you can verify your locale. I am requesting that you take a photograph exactly like the one attached with the inclusion of today’s Aberdeen’s Evening Express newspaper in the foreground.
Once this proof is provided we can look forward to doing business together.
Also, you will need to get two of your mates to help with this photograph.
Kind regards,
Email Attachment
Sure, it is a leap of faith to think that “Terry Sutton” will actually provide his own version of this photo, but if he did provide a similar picture it would be great! Sadly, I think this is the beginning of the end of our correspondence.
I try again.
Date: Tue, 10 May 2011 11:29:38 -0700 [05/10/2011 11:29:38 AM PDT]
From: admin
To: TERRY SUTTON
Subject: RE: PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL
Mr. Sutton,
Please update me on the progress of this partnership. I am anxiously awaiting your photo verification with your mates so that we may proceed. Things are growing desperate here.
Yours in commerce,
Now imagine if you’re waiting for millions of dollars to be deposited into your bank account. You might just be getting a little agitated at any delay, as I hope to convey with my next email to Mr. Sutton; besides, he needs consequences if he is dragging his feet.
Date: Wed, 11 May 2011 22:54:19 -0700 [05/11/2011 10:54:19 PM PDT]
From: admin
To: TERRY SUTTON
Subject: RE: PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL
Terry,
I have not heard from you in several days. What is the delay in this transaction?
Attached is a photo to inspire you to respond. Please do so promptly or the next photo will be of her nude!
Regards,
Email Attachment
Of course, there is no nude photo available, that I am aware of, but pondering the mere thought of one arriving in his inbox should elicit some sort of response, or you would think. At this point I am sure I know he knows that I know. He has moved onto his next mark from his computer located in Africa or the Ukraine. I hedge my bets and guess that this is a Nigeria scam, but there is an outside chance it is originating in Ghana. I hedge my bets and give him something to think about.
Date: Thu, 12 May 2011 10:42:39 -0700 [10:42:39 AM PDT]
From: admin
To: TERRY SUTTON
Subject: RE: PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL
Your tardiness is truly unacceptable. I am afraid that you leave me no choice but to seek out a juju curse on you if you do not comply with an immediate response!
Expect to see these two fellows shortly if you continue your manner of doing business.
Good day, sir!
Email Attachment
OK, I admit I lifted the sign off to the last email from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, but Gene Wilder is just so pissed off when he tells Charlie to get the hell out of his office. It is a righteous indignation. A juju curse has just been threatened and a visit from the Insane Clown Posse was now in his future.
However, just like in the movie, I relent and soften my stance (even though no candy was returned to me). I somehow have to mend this fence between me and this scam artist. It will take the mystical healing powers of something greater than the both of us so I was left with no other choice but to summon the restorative powers of a late, great diminutive rock legend. Rock on Unicorns, Rainbows, and dudes with scepters.
Date: Thu, 12 May 2011 11:52:56 -0700 [11:52:56 AM PDT]
From: admin
To: TERRY SUTTON
Subject: RE: PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL
OK, OK. I realize that the last email was a little harsh, but perhaps you can understand the stress I am experiencing right now. Things are difficult here, there have been many changes lately. I guess I what I am saying is that I really need a friend.
I like to golf, go out to eat, and sit at coffee shops complaining about the government. Will you be my friend, Mr. Sutton?
XOXO
P.S. I removed the juju curse on you from the last email.
May the power of Ronnie James Dio be with you!
Email Attachment
(Monday, May 16, 2011 will mark the one year anniversary of the death of Heavy Metal giant, Ronnie James Dio.)
Aw, I couldn’t stay mad for that long. Just about an hour. What is interesting is that I finally got a reply, albeit it was just not the reply I expected. In the course of the hour between the last two emails I received this notification.
Date: 12 May 2011 17:51:08 -0000 [10:51:08 AM PDT]
From: MAILER-DAEMON@gateway09.websitewelcome.com
To: admin@realdupont.com
Subject: failure notice
Hi. This is the qmail-send program at gateway09.websitewelcome.com.
I’m afraid I wasn’t able to deliver your message to the following addresses.
This is a permanent error; I’ve given up. Sorry it didn’t work out.
65.55.37.88 does not like recipient.
Remote host said: 550 Requested action not taken: mailbox unavailable
Giving up on 65.55.37.88.
Oh well, that is how it goes. Net sum zero. I did not get my share of £12,000,000 but I did not lose any money either. I can’t help but think that perhaps “Terry Sutton” actually believed I was going to cast a juju curse, which you can see from the following movie is a real possibility. Mere minutes after the mention of this bad juju I get the message back from the MAILER-DAEMON. The email address provided to me was no longer valid and thus ends my odyssey with Terry.
So my experiment worked. Even email scammers do not like to have their time wasted. I am just working toward the world where everyone responds to these phishing emails and wastes some more time of these guys. It will be for their own good.
My only disappointment is I did not get back a photo involving milk, fish, loaves of bread, cucumbers, and three guys wearing skirts. For that kind of surreal nonsense I will have to rely on watching the rebroadcast of DuPont City Council meetings.
Documentary on internet scams based in Ghana.
Wow! You have a lot of time on your hands! Want to come help save our creek & water supply? Funny posts, Mr G
No thanks. Too much hand wringing and not enough action from you creek people for my tastes. As you can see from this post, I already get enough pointless, non-actionable emails as it stands. Your solution needs to be revelutionary, not evolutionary.
I would reconsider if you guys actually showed emotion and got pissed at council meetings. As it stands, only Andy seems to get his blood pressure raised.
Good luck, though.
I guess I wouldn’t like being told I need a new hobby either.
Way to go Mike!!!!!
Do you think Dio was big in Ghana?
I am pretty sure Dio was 5′3″ wherever he played.