is this a scam?

I opened a modem mayhem account, and after 10 days it finally got activated. The very next day I get this email basically saying they are a ceo of a worldwide communications company *came from a gmail account, with out the name of the company, and I cant find them on facebook or myspace using the email address provided or name* saying he is having a birthday party in my town. I am in the middle of no where, almost literally, it takes 5 or 6 hours in any direction to get to a major us city. The email also doesnt look like english is his first language.

Anywase I respond asking for a few more questions, like where the party will be and what time he wants me to be there to begin the 4 hours of photography and want end result he wants, prints, digital files, album, etc.

I got a response with worse english than the first one, and that is coming from me. he gave the address, and after googling its a house for sale, and givign me his laywer info, and that he might be hard to gt a hold of, and wants me to provide the laywer with my cell number, address and bank name so he can issue payment. it looks like he wants to hire me although I havent given him a price yet.

This all sounds very fishy. I am tempted to respond, with a very nice amount to cvoer the party and cover all my digital files *wont be cheap*, tell him I will accept a certified bank draft *think thats the proper name* and that any amount above what I ask for will not be returned, but will be considered a retainer towards a print order, and that no work will begin until the money clears. And I wont provide them with bank information.

Any tips or suggestions?

Yes, ignore it! No point in any further communication as it's wasting your time.

Sounds like the usual scam, there's a ton out there.

Yep....I'll agree....it's a scam.

If they asked for my bank account numbers, or ask about if they pay to much if I will give them a check for the difference, I would know for sure its a scam. the fact the house is for sale seems really fishy but at the same time it could be "rented" for the party. and they referred to it as a parlor party.

SCAM.

I think you answered your own question...

Just give him your bank numbers, phone numbers, SSN, address, proper email, IRA info, and any other information to help him identify you.....I am sure he is just an honest guy from Nigeria trying to make a buck!

but my point was they didnt ask for ssn or bank numbers, just name, cell and bank name. im just trying to figure out hwo they can scam with just those generic things. you provide more information when you pay someone with a check.

They gather any information they can get over an extended period of time and then collate it.

It is surprising how it adds up very fast when you don't realise it is going to the same source. If your guard is down even slightly and you don't piece it together because the caller/emailer does not ask for too much detail to raise instant suspicion, they get a little bit more info on you each time.

We had one ring the other day claiming to be from our Telco, they wanted to offer us a better phone/internet package and wanted to know my wifes maiden name. It twigged with me straight away because our Telco does not have that information. It was the only question apart from birth date asked (which I also did not give them).

Keep your guard up because as it gets harder, they get more inventive.

yikes, gotta be careful.

I guess the reason they want my cell number is to start phase 2 of their information collecting. I figured it was a scam from the first email but thought I would see how it went, not providing any information that could be harmful. Just in case it was legit. But even if it was real, I can imagine how crazy a "birthday" party could get for this kind of person. im not sure Id want to be there.

Cell#er 1-800-eat-beans
Address
14156 KMA lane
You Chump, Arse 77340

Bank info
Shicken Chit
#er YOOYFM-baghose

Your lawyer can reach me by stuffing there head in the Lav and flushing till I get back to them.
For further correspondence, please direct your inquires to the, US Government Fraud Office as I will be e-mailing them concerning you legitimacy.

Uh an Have A Crappy Day LMAO

I got this email a few minutes ago:

How are you?

I have been waiting for you since to come down here and pick your bank draft but did not hear from you since that time then i went and deposited the $1.200, 000.00 USD Dollars (One Million Two hundred thousand Us dollars)draft/cheque in the bank.

We have arranged your payment through swift card payment center Asia pacific, this card center will send you an atm card which you will use to withdraw your money in any Atm machine in any part of the world, but the maximum is One Thousand, Five Hundred USD Dollars Per-Day.

Kindly contact the below person who is in possition to release your ATM Payment Card.Send your information which they will use to send the card to you.

1::Your full name::
2::Your home address were you want them to send the Atm card::
3::Current occupation::
4::Age::
5::Your current home telephone number/mobile phone number:: ::
6::A Copy of your identification::

However, kindly contact the below person who is in position to release your atm card.

Rev Vincent Ukpai,
ATM Payment Department Oceanic Bank
Email: rev.vincent_ukpai@inMa​il24.com
TEL:00229 93 48 34 15.

I have paid for the processing and delivery charges and the only money that you are to pay is to obtain the certificate of ownership from the federal high court of Benin Republic.

Try to contact them as soon as possible to quicken the processing of your card before your draft gets expired . Let me know as soon as you receive your card.

Await for your respond.

Thanks,

Mr Larry Usman.

I can't wait to get the money!

Oceanic Bank?!? Is that connected to Oceanic Airlines from LOST??? Maybe the money will have transferred to you via the LOST island and will disappear until you go to the island and kill a smoke monster.