Opinion : Scammers are out again

I had a note from a "friend" asking if I used Amazon. Having just placed an Amazon order I thought it was referring to something else.

So I said, "Yep." I thought this was odd because I never talked via email with this guy. Usually, if there is an issue that we need to discuss it's on the phone or in person.

I suspected that I might be talking to a scammer so I answered in one word answers. Anyone who knows me would know that this is NOT normal!

A response was quick.

"Happy to hear back from you, I need to get an online Amazon E-Gift Card sent to a friend who is battling (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) a type of Blood Cancer and has been undergoing treatment lately . It's her birthday , I've tried to order it online but my card was declined.. Can you purchase it from your end for me? I am just trying to put a smile on her face in these trying times. Let me know so I can provide you with her email address. I'll reimburse you with the money spent."

Bazinga! As Sheldon would say, I KNEW it!

So I kept playing along wanting to get more info. I replied, "Sure!"

"Thank you very much for the help, Amount needed is $100 (3) Quantity total is $300 Amazon E-Gift Card

Email: nstetson@sbcglobal.net
Message: "Happy Birthday Love. You deserve the very best "
Let the delivery date be Now." the scammer responded.

The above is my response scammer boy.

Dear readers, don't EVER fall for this scam, or any other scam that tells you a friend or relative needs your monetary help. Using AI, now they are able to use voice recordings, for example from the message you leave on your phone for missed calls, to use that into what SOUNDS like a loved one calling to ask for help. Ignore their call, but call another relative to verify that there is a need. Even if the call comes from "their number." Call back to see.

The scammers are getting slick. Be aware.

I expect my next email to be a prompt to send the gift cards, and in about an hour they will get cranky. And that is when I will send a link to this article.

So stay sharp out there, and don't be a victim!

Update: After not responding I had a gentle reminder to send the information for the gift cards. I looked in my spam folder and found another scammer who had the information for "my $500 in gift card purchases "

I forwarded that scam to my first scammer, maybe those two will find true love...