A word to the wise:

Below is an email string which you should read... people are getting more and more sneaky and preying on people's desire to improve their way of life through "great opportunities".

Have a read...


Original email sent to me:

Attn Mr Scott Weller:

I want to thank you for your interest and prompt response to my company's proposal. I am Ms.Karen Wood, Company Secretary of BHP Billiton, Formed from a merger between BHP and Billiton, BHP Billiton is one of the world's largest diversified resources companies. Operating in major commodity businesses, including Aluminium, Base Metals,

Carbon Steel Materials, Diamond and specialty products, Energy coal, petroleum, stainless steel materials, we import and export raw materials into Canada, America and Europe.

As an international agent, you shall serve as a link between us and our clients and you will also be responsible for the collection of payments from customers within your region on our behalf.

Note that you shall be on a 10% commission on every transaction you carryout on behalf of the company. We need you to fill and return the form below and we shall send you an approval for you to work with us as our company Agent in your Region.

Please you are advise to fill and return for company records:

1,FULL NAMES:
2,AGE:
3,SEX
4,PHONE/FAX NUMBER:
5,COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE:
6,CONTACT ADDRESS:
7,OCCUPATION:
8,BANK NAME:

Regards,
Ms. Karen Wood
Company Secretary.

Of course this seemed like a great opportunity but the way it was signed "Ms. Karen Wood Company Secretary" really sent sirens off in my head. So I researched the company and sent them an email directly through their website.

It read:

From: Scott Weller [mailto:sweller@tahk.ca]
Sent: Thursday, 22 January 2009 6:14 AM
To: jobs@bhpbilliton.com
Subject: hi

I just wanted to follow up on an email I received from someone who claims to be a part of your offices…

I have cut and paste the message below. With all the fraud and identity theft going on, I just wanted to cover my basis. Could you please notify as to whether or not this email is real or not?

Thank you

Scott Weller

Edmonton, AB

Canada

I then received an email late last night justifying my concern...

Greetings Scott,

As you have correctly surmised, the email communication that was sent to you is a hoax and has certainly not been sent by BHP Billiton.

Recently a number of hoax emails, claiming to be issued by senior executives and other company employees have appeared in circulation. These emails attempt to trick users into providing personal details in the belief that they will be contracted by BHP Billiton as an agent for the sale of our products and/or offered employment.

Thank-you for forwarding this onto us.

Regards,

Be careful when you are looking at potential opportunities... trust but then confirm!