February 27, 2010
Sta. Ana, Manila, Philippines
Mr. Jun Asuncion;
Dios marhay na hapon po.
Last Thursday (Feb. 25), on my way to Manila from Davao City, I was bombarded with calls and text messages from friends and relatives abroad and also in the Philippines to confirm the message/s appearing and circulating in the email accounts, particularly the accounts of my contacts, allegedly coming from me that I am asking people for financial assistance amounting to 1600 pounds to pay for my hotel bills, as I was stranded in UK for a project and that I am in dire need of money and asking for financial assistance, etc.
Apparently, the same messages were sent and forwarded to my other contacts, if not all, by the impostor, who was able to gain access to my password (benjiegaspi@yahoo.com). Even “dora the mouse” (Angelita Kowalewski) was shocked upon reading the message, and according to her, she was already contemplating of sending money to me, had she not received my email to her disclaiming the doing of the hacker/swindler. Worst, upon my arrival in Manila, I could no longer open my email account, its password has been altered or changed by the hacker/swindler. Even worst, I could not recall the email addresses of all my other contacts out there, and because of this incident, I could not anymore send information or clarification to them on the matter.
Jun, thru your blog (BO), I would like to take this opportunity to inform everyone that the message/s appearing below (italics in Red) are not true and fictitious. Because, I’ve never been to UK and I did not even attempt to enter UK. I am here in the Philippines, working as Legal Officer in the anti-narcotics agency of the government. I would assume that the message/s herein below is the work of a swindler/crook to deceive the public, using somebody’s name for personal gain, advantage and interest.
I denounce and condemn this act in the strongest possible terms. Thank you very much, Jun.
Sincerely,
Benjamin “Benjie” Gaspi
NB: My new official email add: (attybenjiegaspi@yahoo.com) but, I am also using (gwapo_sagitarius@yahoo.com) as my unofficial alternate email. Kindly disregard or delete the email add (benjiegaspi@yahoo.com), salamatunon tabi, mabuhay ka!
REPRODUCED hereunder are the email message/s sent by the swindler/hacker to all my contacts to deceive people, and enrich himself/herself at my expense.
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From: Benjamin Gaspi benjiegaspi@yahoo.com
Sent: Thu, February 25, 2010 5:38:02 PM
Subject: Please help
“Hope you get this on time, sorry I didn’t inform you about my trip in UK for a Program, I’m presently in UK and am having some difficulties here because i misplaced my wallet on my way to the hotel where my money and other valuable things were kept. presently i have limited access to internet, I will like you to assist me with the loan of 1600 pounds to sort-out my hotel bills and to get myself back home.
I have spoken to the embassy here but they are not responding to the matter effectively, I will appreciate whatever you can afford to assist me with, I’ll Refund the money back to you as soon as i return,let me know if you can be of any help.I don’t have a phone where i can be reached.
Please let me know immediately.
Regards.
Benjie”
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Bulan Observer 