Blog : Email Scams

Email Scams

Written by Rohas Nagpal
Friday, 16 April 2010 12:53 - Last Updated Monday, 19 April 2010 09:05
Emails are fast emerging as one of the most common methods of communication in the modern
world. As can be expected, criminals are also using emails extensively for their illicit activities.
In the first step, the suspect convinces the victim that the victim is going to get a lot of money
(by way of winning a lottery or from a corrupt African bureaucrat who wants to transfer his ill
gotten gains out of his home country). In order to convince the victim, the suspect sends emails
(some having official looking documents as attachments).
Once the victim believes this story, the suspect asks for a small fee to cover legal expenses or
courier charges. If the victim pays up the money, the suspect stops all contact.
Usual motive: Illegal financial gain.
Applicable law (Before 27 October, 2009): Section 420 of Indian Penal Code.
Applicable law (After 27 October, 2009): Sections 66A and 66D of the Information
Technology Act and section 420 of Indian Penal Code.