Email scam targets global science community.
The science community around the world is being targeted by another email scam....
Previously the fraudsters were using the British Science Association, AAAS and Lloyds TSB to try to encourage scientists to submit abstracts of their work to potentially win $70,000 research grants under the guise of the 'BSA International Science Research Conference'.
However, now they have changed tack and started using the British Science Festival in Birmingham as bait to con people into submitting research abstracts.
The fraudsters are offering large research grants for those submitting their work, but before this money is released, the researchers must first pay 750 euros to attend the Festival.
The content of the emails are quite accurate and they are even using the names of real people from the British Science Association. However, closer inspection reveals that they aren;t listing British Science Association phone numbers or email addresses.
An example of a conversation with the fraudsters is below, so if you receive something similar, please let us know at info@britishscienceassociation.org
Hello xxxxx
This email is to serve as an official invitation to the British Science Festival which comes up in Birmingham, United Kingdom on the 14-19th September, 2010. You are expected to submit an abstract or research thesis that would be reviewed for presentation by you at the conference. A Research grant has been made available for you at the conference in addition to flight and accommodation if your abstract is approved. Research abstracts should be sent in either pdf or word format and should be suitable for a one hour lecture. The Deadline for submission is 17th of June, 2010. Please ensure to reply urgently.
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Reply: Can you send me more details about this please
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Hello xxxx,
The Festival's theme for this year is "Better Lives Through Science". A research grant award has been available if your abstract is accepted by the Conference Review Board. You are expected to submit an abstract that is related to any area of advancements in Science, Medical or Engineering Design.
We look forward to receiving your abstract
Regards,
Joanne Coleman
British Science Festival
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Reply: Joanne,
please find attached my abstract.
Can you provide me with more details about the conference and dates.
Thanks
xxxx
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Hello xxxxx,
It is my honour to inform and congratulate you that your abtract titled xxxxx has been approved and accepted by the Conference Review Board for presentation at the conference. You have also been approved to receive a research grant monetary award on presentation and flight tickets and accommodation has been made available to you.
Conference Registration has commenced, to proceed, please ensure you register for the conference. Deadline for the registration is 25th June, 2010. The registration fee for conference attendees is 750 Euros.
Payment is via Western Union Money Transfer.
Payment should be made to:
John Gagg,
Director of Finance
The British Science Association
Wellcome Wolfson Building
165 Queen's Gate
London SW7 5HD
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 756 416 8719
email: britishscienceassociation@post.com
After payment has been made, fill the attached form and send along with the Western Union transaction slip via email.
Good day,
Joanne Coleman
British Science Festival
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