Someone impersonated an FBI agent in Yahoo Messenger to me today
By nonew3
@nonew3 (1941)
United States
August 6, 2008 8:13pm CST
This afternoon someone impersonated an FBI agent in Yahoo Messenger to me. He made numerous horrible misspellings during his conversation, as well, including spelling the words "bureau," "fraud," and "really." He spelled them bureu, fruad, and realy.
And, he kept harrassing me for my personal information, but of course I gave him none. I did, however, report his Yahoo nickname to the real FBI's internet-crime web site.
He had come to me with a different nick a while earlier, but I had blocked him.
So, undaunted, he soon harrassed me with a new nick, and this time I reported him because I figured that he wasn't really a prankster but was really after my personal information.
The creep had a rather authentic-looking FBI-agent badge that read: Federal Bureau of Investigation Department Of Evidence Investigation. And, he said that he was from Federal Bureu Of Investigation Of Fruad For Help. Those were his misspellings exactly.
After I reported him to the FBI's Internet-crimes web site, then I blocked him again.
Be warned: This type of thing is typical for identity thieves, and often times they impersonate FBI agents, CIA agents, and all kinds of other supposed governmental and other authority figures. Don't fall for it, don't give them ANY personal information whatsoever, and immediately report them to the FBI's internet-crimes web site, and copy and paste the entire transcript of the conversation on the report. The real FBI has ways of tracking criminal's IP addresses and whatnot.
And, it is a federal offense to impersonate an FBI agent.
2 people like this
5 responses
@sweetie1026 (1718)
• Philippines
7 Aug 08
I had the same experience before but he did not pose as an FBI but used another person's identity. Got me into believing him and have trusted him but then he scammed me. Then, started harassing me too and threatened me even my family. I was so afraid then, that i just stopped going online. I didn't know what to do so i just kept quite about it. Is it possible to report anything like that if it happens again, to the FBI internet web site, though i am not from there?
1 person likes this
@nonew3 (1941)
• United States
7 Aug 08
If you are not from the United States, I am not really sure.
On the web site where I reported the internet crime, it requested my US address.
Identity thieves are known to impersonate all kinds of identities, whatever it takes to steal victims' identities. They will stop at nothing, including threats and intimidation.
There has got to be some sort of internet-crime-reporting web site in your country.
1 person likes this
@nonew3 (1941)
• United States
7 Aug 08
Oh, wait!
I just had another look at the FBI Internet-crime-reporting web site, and it does have a drop-down box where you can put in another country. I just didn't see that before. You maybe could try that.
Also, do check and see if there are similar governmental internet-crime-reporting web sites and organizations in your country, as well.
1 person likes this
@nonew3 (1941)
• United States
7 Aug 08
I am deeply sorry that you were scammed and went through such horrible experiences. I can only imagine how that must feel. (((( hugs ))))
I am a twice survivor of identity theft, myself, as well as multiple counts of fraud. I have had to update my internet-security software, cut up all my cards and start over with all new accounts, and switch to a different, more secure, bank.
I am going to start paying for identity-theft insurance at my bank, as well, as soon as possible. That's something I would recommend.
1 person likes this
@acutedisaster (275)
• United States
7 Aug 08
Holy cow!
That's insane!
Good thing you did the right thing!
I'll put this down in my "Book of myLot user's tips and lessons."
:)
1 person likes this
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
7 Aug 08
Wow!! That's really something. I am glad that you eported this person to the proper authorities.
@nonew3 (1941)
• United States
9 Aug 08
On the FBI's official web site, there is a web site that deals solely with internet crime. I copy and paste the transcript from the chat session and write down the criminal's handle, and then report it, along with the date and time, on that web site. I hope that helps.
@_sketch_ (5742)
• United States
7 Aug 08
OMG! That is crazy. I've never heard that one before. That's so funny that he can't spell. What an idiot. Maybe one day he'll make it on that show America's Dumbest Criminals or whatever it's called. lol. I hope this guy gets caught cuz that's really F-ed up what he's doing.
@nonew3 (1941)
• United States
7 Aug 08
Goodness sakes! If you are going to impersonate an FBI agent, at least spell Federal Bureau of Investigation correctly! He even misspelled Bureau!
If he can't get a spellchecker wherever he is, there are free dictionary web sites on the Internet. He obviously did not do his homework.
I kept thinking, "Wow, this guy must be straight out of basic English as a Second Language classes in...say...Nigeria or something!" LOL!
Yes, it is VERY F-ed up!
I will keep you guys posted if I get a follow-up from the *real* FBI!
1 person likes this
