The most frequent scam I get is the Nigerian oil scam. Someone purporting to be a member of the family of a Nigerian government official asks to use your bank account to transfer money out of the country. In return, they will give you a percentage of the money amounting to several million dollars. They win in at least two ways. If you respond, they will ask you for some money for expenses to grease the skids. If you give them some they will try to get more until you quit giving it to them. They also will ask you for details of your bank account. If you give it to them, they will clean your account out. They have your account, your signature and many times, letterhead. With a good scanner, the bank will get a letter that looks just like it came from you. They will happily and give away all your money.
The second scam I see often is the Prime Bank Note scam. It may or may not include those words, it usually does. It always includes a special trading program that offers staggering returns with no risk to you. You put up a deposit at your bank. You give them permission to use it as collateral. They promise you profits from the trading the Prime Bank Notes. They often pitch this as a way to raise funds for a project. It often includes funds for the charity of your choice. As with the other, they have your bank details, your letterhead and your signature. Guess what happens to your deposit? Remember the basics. Higher returns always involve higher risk. ALWAYS! Anything that seems too good to be true is. If you have to sign a confidentiality agreement to even look at the transaction your antenna should go up. Legitimate deals will have a prospectus or offering memorandum. It will be more than a badly xeroxed page.
If they say a bank is involved, independently (don't use the number they provide, it will ring on one of their confederate's desks) call the security department of the bank. Give them the details of the transaction and the name of the officer they say is involved. Often, the officer no longer works at the bank. When they do, if you talk to them, they usually will have no knowledge of the deal or the person involved.
Be careful out there, there are people who want your money. I know very sad stories about each of the scams above. Don't add to my story list.
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