In2Global is warning other event agencies to be wary of email enquiries after a recent request for proposal was deemed by police to be fraudulent.
Managing director of In2Global Liesa Coates said the initial email came from someone claiming to be ‘Kennedy John’ , inquiring about conference planning services for “the first International Geological Conference” to be held in the UK over four days in November 2010, with a budget of £70,000.
Coates said: “We were so excited initially, so we asked a few more questions and he got back to us with the right answers.”
However, alarm bells rang when the response came back: “I will send to you £5,000 via Visa credit card to secure the dates and all other services. Moreover, we also made an arrangement with a logistics agent who will take care of our logistics including international airport transfer, accommodation arrangements, transportation logistics during their stay
“However, because of security reasons and confidentiality reposed on you, I have decided that only YOU will have to handle the credit card information. So, once you receive credit card informations, you will be authorised to charge the total amount of £13,000 + bank charges then deduct your deposit £5,000 and send the balance of £8,000 to the logistics agent whose information will be forwarded to you once this is confirmed.”
Coates said: “I immediately contacted my bank and the police and both said, ‘it’s fraud, don’t touch it’. Looking at his details it was a UK address, with a UK phone number that didn’t work. There was no web site for the event. We understand he’s approached other agencies too.
“We just wanted to warn everyone – there’s enough time wasters in this industry already, don’t waste it on this.”
