‘Engr. Goren Needs Your Help’ Advance Fee Scam [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have been a persistent problem in the digital age, with fraudsters constantly devising new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained notoriety is the ‘Engr. Goren Needs Your Help’ advance fee scam. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this scam, including what it is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, technical details, and relevant statistics.

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What is the ‘Engr. Goren Needs Your Help’ Advance Fee Scam?

The ‘Engr. Goren Needs Your Help’ advance fee scam is a type of fraud that preys on individuals’ willingness to help others in need. The scam typically begins with an email or message from someone claiming to be Engr. Goren, a wealthy individual facing dire circumstances. The scammer presents a compelling story, often involving a large sum of money that needs to be transferred out of their country due to political instability or personal reasons.

The scammer then requests the recipient’s assistance in facilitating the transfer of the funds. In return, they promise a significant portion of the money as a reward for their help. However, to proceed with the transaction, the recipient is required to pay various fees, such as legal fees, taxes, or bribes, to ensure the smooth transfer of the funds.

How Does the ‘Engr. Goren Needs Your Help’ Advance Fee Scam Work?

The ‘Engr. Goren Needs Your Help’ advance fee scam follows a well-defined process to manipulate victims into parting with their money. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam typically unfolds:

  1. The initial contact: The scammer reaches out to the victim via email, social media, or other communication channels, posing as Engr. Goren. They present a convincing story that appeals to the victim’s emotions and generosity.
  2. The promise of a reward: The scammer entices the victim by promising a substantial financial reward in exchange for their assistance. This promise often plays on the victim’s desire for financial gain.
  3. The request for fees: To proceed with the fund transfer, the scammer requests the victim to pay various fees. These fees may include legal fees, taxes, or bribes, and are presented as necessary expenses to ensure the successful completion of the transaction.
  4. Multiple payment requests: The scammer may continue to request additional payments under the guise of unforeseen circumstances or bureaucratic hurdles. This creates a sense of urgency and compels the victim to continue paying.
  5. The disappearance: Once the victim has made several payments, the scammer disappears, cutting off all communication. The victim is left empty-handed and financially devastated.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

Discovering that you have fallen victim to the ‘Engr. Goren Needs Your Help’ advance fee scam can be distressing. However, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimize the damage. Here are the steps you should follow if you have been scammed:

  1. Report the scam: Contact your local law enforcement agency and provide them with all the relevant details of the scam. This will help authorities in their investigations and potentially prevent others from falling victim.
  2. Inform your bank: If you have provided your banking information to the scammer, notify your bank immediately. They can take necessary measures to protect your account and prevent any unauthorized transactions.
  3. Scan for malware: Run a thorough scan of your computer using reliable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free. This will help identify and remove any malicious software that may have been installed by the scammer.
  4. Be cautious of further scams: Falling victim to one scam puts you at a higher risk of being targeted again. Stay vigilant and be skeptical of any unsolicited messages or requests for personal or financial information.

Technical Details of the ‘Engr. Goren Needs Your Help’ Advance Fee Scam

The ‘Engr. Goren Needs Your Help’ advance fee scam relies on social engineering techniques to manipulate victims. Here are some technical details of the scam:

  • Email spoofing: Scammers often use email spoofing techniques to make their messages appear legitimate. They may forge the sender’s email address to make it seem like the email is coming from Engr. Goren or a reputable organization.
  • Phishing links: The scammer may include phishing links in their messages, directing victims to fake websites that mimic legitimate financial institutions or government agencies. These websites are designed to collect personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims.
  • Impersonation: The scammer impersonates Engr. Goren to establish trust and credibility. They may use stolen or fabricated personal information to make their story more convincing.

Statistics on Advance Fee Scams

Advance fee scams, including the ‘Engr. Goren Needs Your Help’ scam, have been a prevalent issue worldwide. Here are some statistics that shed light on the scale of this problem:

  • According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans reported losing over $667 million to imposter scams in 2020.
  • The Better Business Bureau (BBB) received over 28,000 reports of advance fee scams in 2020, with reported losses exceeding $28 million.
  • A study by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that Australians lost over $48 million to advance fee scams in 2020.

Summary

The ‘Engr. Goren Needs Your Help’ advance fee scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on individuals’ willingness to help others. By understanding how this scam works and taking necessary precautions, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to such fraudulent activities. Remember to report any scams to the authorities, inform your bank, and stay vigilant to avoid further scams. By staying informed and cautious, we can collectively combat these scams and create a safer digital environment.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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