From Russia with Love?
Iâm going to document some research Iâm doing so that I can use it as evidence to convince my fiancee that what Iâm doing is really work.
Let me explain, a few weeks ago, I noticed a spam campaign that got me intrigued. It was simply a plain message, offering âphotographsâ to anyone that replied. There was no link, no call to action other than to reply. My theory at the time was this was simply a method of harvesting email addresses, so I replied (using a disposable account I use for gathering information on spammers). All I said in my reply was was “please send pics”. I was expecting it to simply seed my account with more spam (which it did).
However, imagine my surprise, when I got a reply, with pictures (fully clothed I hasten to add) from a nice young lady called Tatyana who is currently in Russia but is planning to âwork in your country for three monthsâ and is looking for a ânice manâ, evidently she has a friend that moved to America and worked very hard having two jobs and she promises to do the same.
Tatyana goes on to say “I am not so beautiful like Hollywood Princess, but I do hope to meet my Prince and I am sure he will be not be disappoined to meet me in the real life!”
As you can see from the picture, sheâs being a little harsh on herself, although if my fiancee asks sheâs not my type. The picture of course could be someone completely innocent (let me know if you recognise her).
My theory now is that this is a variation on the Nigerian 419 scam, and sooner or later the lovely Tatyana will want me to send money for a plane ticket. But maybe Iâm misjudging her? Should I reply? If so, any suggestions as to what I should say?
Let me know at sophosblog@sophos.com
Posted on June 29th, 2007 by Mark Harris, VP of SophosLabsFiled under: General
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