Ansett
3 December 2005, 00:18
The fact, the fiction and the scam.
1. The Facts
A doctor named Dr Larry Sheingorn was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer in 2001. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he decided to keep a diary on his website detailing his battle with the disease. He included photographs of himself in hospital and during various stages of the illness. These photographs have been stolen by the scammers, and are now being used to scam people out of money. Dr Sheingorn passed away on May 6, 2005. His diary remains on the internet, and is a testament to a brave man who fought this illness with great courage. It is an inspiring read. I have debated with myself as to whether to put the link to the diary here. The scammers already have the photos and they use them often. I tried to email Dr Sheingorn's widow but have been unable to reach her - if you are reading this please use the contact us page to get in touch with an email address so we can speak to you about what you want in this article, we will put anything you want here. For the time being, I will not put the link to his diary, until we speak with you. I am also not putting the photographs here.
2. The Fiction
The scammers stole the photographs and use them to convince victims that they are dying and need someone to give their money to. For example -
I have been diagnosed with Esophageal cancer .It has defiled all forms of medical treatment, and right now I have only about a few months to live, according to medical experts. I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone(not even myself)but my business. Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focused on my business as that was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the world.
I am Steve Bastiaan,a merchant in Dubai, in the U.A.E.I have been diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer which was discovered very late, due to my laxity in carrying for my health.
The opening email will often contain the following phrases -
As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I believe everyone will die someday.
It has defiled all forms of medicine, and right now I have only about a few months to live, according to medical experts.
I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul so, I have decided to give alms to charity organizations, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds I do on earth.
They may also pretend to have other forms of cancer or other health conditions. None of this is true, of course. They are very healthy scammers who just want your money. Don't give it to them.
3. The Scam
It's another standard 419 scam - you will have to pay fees for the funds to come to you. Don't fall for it. DO NOT reward these scammers who have stolen the pictures of a good and decent man to try and scam you out of your money.
This article Copyright:
Fraudwatchers.org 2005
Written by Ansett
1. The Facts
A doctor named Dr Larry Sheingorn was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer in 2001. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he decided to keep a diary on his website detailing his battle with the disease. He included photographs of himself in hospital and during various stages of the illness. These photographs have been stolen by the scammers, and are now being used to scam people out of money. Dr Sheingorn passed away on May 6, 2005. His diary remains on the internet, and is a testament to a brave man who fought this illness with great courage. It is an inspiring read. I have debated with myself as to whether to put the link to the diary here. The scammers already have the photos and they use them often. I tried to email Dr Sheingorn's widow but have been unable to reach her - if you are reading this please use the contact us page to get in touch with an email address so we can speak to you about what you want in this article, we will put anything you want here. For the time being, I will not put the link to his diary, until we speak with you. I am also not putting the photographs here.
2. The Fiction
The scammers stole the photographs and use them to convince victims that they are dying and need someone to give their money to. For example -
I have been diagnosed with Esophageal cancer .It has defiled all forms of medical treatment, and right now I have only about a few months to live, according to medical experts. I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone(not even myself)but my business. Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focused on my business as that was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the world.
I am Steve Bastiaan,a merchant in Dubai, in the U.A.E.I have been diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer which was discovered very late, due to my laxity in carrying for my health.
The opening email will often contain the following phrases -
As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I believe everyone will die someday.
It has defiled all forms of medicine, and right now I have only about a few months to live, according to medical experts.
I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul so, I have decided to give alms to charity organizations, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds I do on earth.
They may also pretend to have other forms of cancer or other health conditions. None of this is true, of course. They are very healthy scammers who just want your money. Don't give it to them.
3. The Scam
It's another standard 419 scam - you will have to pay fees for the funds to come to you. Don't fall for it. DO NOT reward these scammers who have stolen the pictures of a good and decent man to try and scam you out of your money.
This article Copyright:
Fraudwatchers.org 2005
Written by Ansett