Mike Bolhuis, a Private Investigator, Becomes Victim of Internet Scam

Iol.co.za reported on 12th March, 2014 stating that the name of Mike Bolhuis, Private Investigator and Head of Specialized Security Services of South Africa, has been exploited in an attempted online scam.

The email sent to more than 3000 people in his mailing list on 11th March, 2014 asking them to deposit R43,555 ($3,200) via Western Union into an off-shore account to "assist" Bolhuis in returning to South Africa from Europe by catching a plane. The email also said he had been attacked and beaten while operating as an undercover and the matter should be kept secret."

Iol.co.za published a report on 12th March, 2014 quoting Bolhuis as saying that the scam was the result of his exposition and investigation of an online scam organization in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa).

According to Bolhuis, he started getting of text-messages expressing concern minutes after the email was sent.

Private Investigator Paul O'Sullivan also received such mail and knew that it was a racket immediately informing all the recipients.

Iol.co.za published a report on 12th March, 2014 stating that Bolhuis later sent email saying that the mail is a scam and not authentic and he is safe at home doing normal duties.

Experts analyzing the scam email comment that unfortunately Bolhuis was stung by stranded overseas scam.

In this trick, one receives an email from a known person saying he or she is stranded abroad (like in this case where Bolhuis is claiming that he has been stuck in Europe) and needs cash loan quickly through Western Union wire transfer to return home (like in the above case where bolhuis is requesting for $3200).

Experts observe that there have been many diverse versions of such scam attempts as names and other details fluctuate depending on account holder of webmail the crooks have compromised and the countries where the "friend" is allegedly stranded. Money desired in the emails may also vary and in spite of such superficial variations, all such messages are editions of the same 'basic' scam which is stranded overseas scam. Experts conclude that even then it is unfortunate that many Internauts have been victimized of such scams and lost their money to these crooks.

» SPAMfighter News - 3/19/2014