An old spammer strikes back
So, do you remember a couple of years ago when you began to receive lots of unsolicited SMS.ac invitations to join a scam-looking network with dark purposes? Well, the nightmare is back. I don't really know if it's related with my recent job search, since I can't remember having updated my Zend.com account but I received this first e-mail:
From: Hande Ozel hozel@corp.sms.ac> To: me Date: Aug 2, 2006 1:30 AM Subject: Be Creative With Your Code Hi- I found you on zend.com and considering your development skills, I thought this might interest you. SMS.ac, with 50 million users worldwide, will pay you for your application. There's no cost to you, it's fast and easy, and you get paid quickly.Obviously I've removed the "click here" link. It simply brings you to a page with specifications of how to use (or that seems) the sms.ac api for doing who knows what. Obviously too, I didn't reply him. It looked SO spammish...For more details or to get started, click here. I’ve included some Frequently Asked Questions below. Please contact me if you need help. Best regards,
Business Development SMS.ac Inc. Phone: (619)696-1300 ext 1301 hozel@corp.sms.ac | 741 F. Street | San Diego, CA, 92101 | USA
Then 9 days later I got a second e-mail! I then remembered why the name of sms.ac sounded like spam for me:
From: Hande Ozel < hozel@corp.sms.ac> To: me Date: Aug 9, 2006 12:16 AM Subject: Re Application Development Hi Soledad,And even more, followed by the first original message, maybe just in case that I forgot what was that about... It's funny to look at the signature and notice his role has changed. From Business Developer to simple Developer Network Associate. Isn't it sad? And the phone number changes as well. Very suspicious. But I didn't care; for the second time I ignored it and guess what!I am writing to follow up and check if you got my email below.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Developer Network Associate SMS.ac Inc. Ph: 858-729-3330 hozel@corp.sms.ac | 741 F Street | San Diego, CA, 92101 | USA |
From: Hande Ozel To: me Date: Aug 18, 2006 1:14 AM Subject: Developer Network- Hi Soledad,Oh! another phone number change! What is going on with this people? do they have so many friends that they need three different numbers for the same person?I haven't heard back from you regarding my email below.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you get started, or if you would like me to remove you from my list.
Best regards,
Hande Ozel Developer Network Associate SMS.ac Inc. Office: (619) 817-1309 hozel@corp.sms.ac | 741 F Street | San Diego, CA, 92101 | USA |
Yes Hande, you can help me by turning off your damn computer and stop sending these junk messages. Of course delete me from your stupid list as I don't want to earn money fast and easily - at least not while giving any income to sms.ac.
And seems like he's done the same to more people. And do not forget sms.ac itself! Feel free to send Hande any kind of suggestion on behalf of me... :P