Crime
Urban legends and Netlore about crime and criminals: ATM Envelope Poisonings; The 'Blue Star' LSD Tattoo; The Body in the Bed; The Nigerian Scam; Double Whammy; Aren't You Glad You Didn't Turn on the Light?
The Knockout Perfume
Perfume hoax email: parking lot thieves allegedly knock out their victims by convincing them to sniff ether-laced perfume or cologne. The evolution of an Internet urban legend...
Perfume hoax email: parking lot thieves allegedly knock out their victims by convincing them to sniff ether-laced perfume or cologne. The evolution of an Internet urban legend...
#77 on Cell Phone (Rapist Impersonates Police Officer)
A female student driving home from college foils a phony cop's attempt to pull her over by dialing #77 on her cell phone to contact the real police officer ahead of her.
A female student driving home from college foils a phony cop's attempt to pull her over by dialing #77 on her cell phone to contact the real police officer ahead of her.
*677 on Cell Phone (Rapist Impersonates Police Officer - Ontario)
Female college student pulled over in her car by a cop-impersonating would-be rapist is rescued by a real officer after dialing *677 on her cell phone.
Female college student pulled over in her car by a cop-impersonating would-be rapist is rescued by a real officer after dialing *677 on her cell phone.
809 Area Code Phone Scam
More or less true! This email alert originated in a reputable newsletter and warns of a known telephone scam.
More or less true! This email alert originated in a reputable newsletter and warns of a known telephone scam.
90# Phone Scam
A half dozen or so variations of this alert have been in wide circulation since 1998. The scam is real, but it does not affect typical residential phone customers.
A half dozen or so variations of this alert have been in wide circulation since 1998. The scam is real, but it does not affect typical residential phone customers.
1994's Most Bizarre Suicide
The complicated demise of Ronald (aka "Roland") Opus. Was it suicide... or murder?
The complicated demise of Ronald (aka "Roland") Opus. Was it suicide... or murder?
Another Close Call at the Mall
A fiendish killer disguised as a mild-mannered, well-dressed businessman helps a damsel in distress, then demands that she give him a ride...
A fiendish killer disguised as a mild-mannered, well-dressed businessman helps a damsel in distress, then demands that she give him a ride...
Aren't You Glad You Didn't Turn on the Light?
Those murdering madmen can certainly put a crimp in your college career.
Those murdering madmen can certainly put a crimp in your college career.
ATM Envelope Poisonings
False rumor declares that a bank customer died after licking a cyanide-coated deposit envelope.
False rumor declares that a bank customer died after licking a cyanide-coated deposit envelope.
ATM Scam Warning
True! Various warnings describe how thieves rig ATM machines to withhold bank cards which are later retrieved and used to empty victims' bank accounts.
True! Various warnings describe how thieves rig ATM machines to withhold bank cards which are later retrieved and used to empty victims' bank accounts.
Attack of the Penis Shrinkers!
Rumors of penis-shrinking sorcerers roaming the streets cause outbreak of pubic panic in West Africa.
Rumors of penis-shrinking sorcerers roaming the streets cause outbreak of pubic panic in West Africa.
Attempted Child Abduction at Sam's Club
Three email versions are now circulating of this decades-old (and false) urban legend.
Three email versions are now circulating of this decades-old (and false) urban legend.
Backseat Killers & Ankle-Slashing Gangs
Two more well-known urban legends show up in an email warning.
Two more well-known urban legends show up in an email warning.
Bank ATMs Converted to Steal IDs of Bank Customers
TRUE: Email flier describes how criminals install special equipment on ATMs to steal unsuspecting bank customers' card numbers and PINs.
TRUE: Email flier describes how criminals install special equipment on ATMs to steal unsuspecting bank customers' card numbers and PINs.
'Blue Star' LSD Tattoo
Email alert claims that colorful cartoon stickers laced with LSD pose a threat to children everywhere.
Email alert claims that colorful cartoon stickers laced with LSD pose a threat to children everywhere.
The Body in the Bed
A classic urban legend. Honeymooners notice a strange odor in their hotel room and decide to peek under the mattress, only to find...
A classic urban legend. Honeymooners notice a strange odor in their hotel room and decide to peek under the mattress, only to find...
The Boyfriend's Death
They picked the worst possible night to go necking on Lovers' Lane...
They picked the worst possible night to go necking on Lovers' Lane...
Car-Bumping Gang Initiation Rite
Forwarded email warns that MS-13 gang members are participating in a 'gang initiation rite' wherein they bump a car from behind and then shoot the driver when he or she exits the vehicle to check for damage
Forwarded email warns that MS-13 gang members are participating in a 'gang initiation rite' wherein they bump a car from behind and then shoot the driver when he or she exits the vehicle to check for damage
Car Magnets Aid Child Predators?
Email purportedly written by an abducted teen warns parents not to 'publicize' the whereabouts of their kids to child predators by attaching car magnets containing info about schools and activities to their vehicles.
Email purportedly written by an abducted teen warns parents not to 'publicize' the whereabouts of their kids to child predators by attaching car magnets containing info about schools and activities to their vehicles.
Car Thieves Use VIN # to Obtain Duplicate Keys
Email flier warns automobile owners to cover the VIN # on their dashboard with tape to prevent car thieves from writing it down and using it to obtain duplicate keys from a dealership.
Email flier warns automobile owners to cover the VIN # on their dashboard with tape to prevent car thieves from writing it down and using it to obtain duplicate keys from a dealership.
Carjacking Scheme
Email flier warns of a "new carjacking scheme" involving the placement of an advertisement or other piece of paper on the victim's rear window to trick them into exiting the vehicle with the engine running.
Email flier warns of a "new carjacking scheme" involving the placement of an advertisement or other piece of paper on the victim's rear window to trick them into exiting the vehicle with the engine running.
Cash Seized in Mexican Drug Raid (Photos)
Emailed photos show a huge cache of money totalling $207 million seized from Mexican drug dealers in 2007.
Emailed photos show a huge cache of money totalling $207 million seized from Mexican drug dealers in 2007.
Cell Phone Cameras Used to Take Pictures of Credit Cards
Email warns that criminals have found a new means of committing identity theft: taking a picture of your credit card with a camera cell phone.
Email warns that criminals have found a new means of committing identity theft: taking a picture of your credit card with a camera cell phone.
Cell Phone Guns
According to this email flier and attached video, law enforcement officials have discovered .22 caliber guns disguised as cell phones being smuggled into western Europe from Croatia.
According to this email flier and attached video, law enforcement officials have discovered .22 caliber guns disguised as cell phones being smuggled into western Europe from Croatia.
Cheating at Gas Pumps
Email rumor claims a consumer was cheated by a rigged gas pump while refueling at a BP service station in Cartersville, Georgia
Email rumor claims a consumer was cheated by a rigged gas pump while refueling at a BP service station in Cartersville, Georgia
The Choking Doberman
A thief leaves "digital" evidence at the scene of the crime.
A thief leaves "digital" evidence at the scene of the crime.
Citibank Email Scam
Fraudulent email designed to steal personal information sends recipients to a real Citibank Web page but launches a phony pop-up demanding "login" info. Beware!
Fraudulent email designed to steal personal information sends recipients to a real Citibank Web page but launches a phony pop-up demanding "login" info. Beware!
The Clinton Body Count
Forwarded email dating from the mid-1990s contains a list of dozens of people connected with Bill and Hillary Clinton who -- we are to believe -- died under mysterious circumstances.
Forwarded email dating from the mid-1990s contains a list of dozens of people connected with Bill and Hillary Clinton who -- we are to believe -- died under mysterious circumstances.
Confidential Business Proposal
Email examples of the infamous "Nigerian Scam" letters used by international con artists to bilk victims of millions of dollars every year.
Email examples of the infamous "Nigerian Scam" letters used by international con artists to bilk victims of millions of dollars every year.
Corpses of Children Used to Traffic Drugs
An old urban legend (c. 1973) dressed up in new clothes for the Internet.
An old urban legend (c. 1973) dressed up in new clothes for the Internet.
Credit Card Fraud Warning
Forwarded email warns of a credit scam in which con artists request the 3-digit code on the back of a credit card to "verify" it.
Forwarded email warns of a credit scam in which con artists request the 3-digit code on the back of a credit card to "verify" it.
The Dillard's Thief (The Dead Cat in the Package)
After stealing someone's shopping bag in a department store parking lot, the thief gets the surprise of her life when she opens the bag and finds a dead cat inside.
After stealing someone's shopping bag in a department store parking lot, the thief gets the surprise of her life when she opens the bag and finds a dead cat inside.
Don't Flash Your Headlights
New email variant of a familiar urban legend claims that innocent people who flash their headlights at gang members' cars will be chased down and killed as part of a gang initiation game
New email variant of a familiar urban legend claims that innocent people who flash their headlights at gang members' cars will be chased down and killed as part of a gang initiation game
Double Whammy!
The case of the benevolent car thief.
The case of the benevolent car thief.
Doubletree Hotel Key Cards - Identity Theft
False email rumor claims hotel key cards are routinely encoded with customers' personal information, resulting in identity theft by employees.
False email rumor claims hotel key cards are routinely encoded with customers' personal information, resulting in identity theft by employees.
Drug-Laced Suckers/Lollipops a Threat to Children
Email flier purporting to originate from the North Little Rock Police Department warns parents that drug-laced candy in the form of suckers and lollipops pose a hazard to children and teenagers.
Email flier purporting to originate from the North Little Rock Police Department warns parents that drug-laced candy in the form of suckers and lollipops pose a hazard to children and teenagers.
Dumb Burglars Snort Stolen Cremains
As allegedly reported in a Florida newspaper, stupid burglars confuse woman's cremated remains for crack cocaine.
As allegedly reported in a Florida newspaper, stupid burglars confuse woman's cremated remains for crack cocaine.
Dumb Criminal Attempts to Rob Crowded Gun Shop
In this email tale circulated during the 1990s and subsequently revived as a "2005 Darwin Award contender," a less-than-clever criminal gets his just desserts when he attempts to rob a crowded gun shop full of well-armed patrons.
In this email tale circulated during the 1990s and subsequently revived as a "2005 Darwin Award contender," a less-than-clever criminal gets his just desserts when he attempts to rob a crowded gun shop full of well-armed patrons.
FBI Alert: Gypsy Testicle-Snatching Ring
Funded by the Chinese Communist Party, these dastardly criminals threaten American manhood!
Funded by the Chinese Communist Party, these dastardly criminals threaten American manhood!
Flash Your Headlights and Die!
Resurgence of a terrifying urban legend about aspiring gang members who fire weapons at oncoming drivers who innocently flash their headlights
Resurgence of a terrifying urban legend about aspiring gang members who fire weapons at oncoming drivers who innocently flash their headlights
Gift Card Scam
Email rumor describes a new scam in which crooks copy down the numbers of gift cards sold on store display racks and use them to make purchases online.
Email rumor describes a new scam in which crooks copy down the numbers of gift cards sold on store display racks and use them to make purchases online.
'Good Samaritan' Killer at the Mall
A murderous, well-dressed "good samaritan" supposedly lurks in the parking lots of shopping malls just about everywhere.
A murderous, well-dressed "good samaritan" supposedly lurks in the parking lots of shopping malls just about everywhere.
Grand(ma) Larceny
Variants of the classic urban legend, 'The Stolen Granny'
Variants of the classic urban legend, 'The Stolen Granny'
The Grocery Scam
Beware of lonely old ladies who pretend to be your mother at the checkout stand.
Beware of lonely old ladies who pretend to be your mother at the checkout stand.
The Gun-Toting Granny of Melbourne
Tabloid tale of 81-year-old 'gun-toting granny' Ava Estelle of Melbourne, Australia, who took revenge on two men who raped her granddaughter by shooting their testicles off.
Tabloid tale of 81-year-old 'gun-toting granny' Ava Estelle of Melbourne, Australia, who took revenge on two men who raped her granddaughter by shooting their testicles off.
The Hairy-Armed Hitchhiker
Watch out – granny's got a hatchet!
Watch out – granny's got a hatchet!
Halloween Warning - Candy-Flavored Meth
Circulating via email, a 'Halloween Warning' urging parents to instruct their children to beware of a new form of crystal meth that looks and smells like strawberry Pop Rocks candy and comes in other flavors such as chocolate, peanut butter, and cola.
Circulating via email, a 'Halloween Warning' urging parents to instruct their children to beware of a new form of crystal meth that looks and smells like strawberry Pop Rocks candy and comes in other flavors such as chocolate, peanut butter, and cola.
'Hit Man' Scam Email
Spam message purportedly sent by a hit man hired to 'terminate' the recipient demands a large sum of money in return for not carrying out the mission.
Spam message purportedly sent by a hit man hired to 'terminate' the recipient demands a large sum of money in return for not carrying out the mission.
HIV Needles on Gas Pump Handles
This email warning from a 'Captain Abraham Sands' of the Jacksonville Police Department claims that evildoers are exposing unsuspecting victims to the AIDS virus by attaching HIV-contaminated needles to gas pump handles.
This email warning from a 'Captain Abraham Sands' of the Jacksonville Police Department claims that evildoers are exposing unsuspecting victims to the AIDS virus by attaching HIV-contaminated needles to gas pump handles.
HIV Needles in Pay Phone Coin Slots
Are drug addicts everywhere trying to kill us all with their dirty syringes?
Are drug addicts everywhere trying to kill us all with their dirty syringes?
HIV Needle-Stick Rumors Still Thriving Online
'You have been infected with HIV' - Rumors of recent needle-stick incidents in Dallas and Denver, plus copycat pranks in Virginia
'You have been infected with HIV' - Rumors of recent needle-stick incidents in Dallas and Denver, plus copycat pranks in Virginia
The Hook
A teen necking session on lovers' lane is interrupted by a radio announcement that a murderer with a hook for a hand has escaped from the local asylum.
A teen necking session on lovers' lane is interrupted by a radio announcement that a murderer with a hook for a hand has escaped from the local asylum.
IRS Tax Refund Phishing Scam
Fraudulent emails purporting to originate from the IRS aim to trick users into revealing personal information.
Fraudulent emails purporting to originate from the IRS aim to trick users into revealing personal information.
Jury Duty Scam
Forwarded email alert warns of a new identity theft scam wherein potential victims are falsely notified that they have failed to appear for jury duty and asked to supply personal info for verification.
Forwarded email alert warns of a new identity theft scam wherein potential victims are falsely notified that they have failed to appear for jury duty and asked to supply personal info for verification.
The Killer in the Backseat
What if that scary guy following you was actually trying to save your life?
What if that scary guy following you was actually trying to save your life?
The Klingerman Virus
Not your ordinary bogus virus alert. This one's about a (supposedly) real, live bug that is fatal to human beings!
Not your ordinary bogus virus alert. This one's about a (supposedly) real, live bug that is fatal to human beings!
The Knife in the Briefcase
More murdering madmen in disguise in this variant of "The Hatchet in the Handbag."
More murdering madmen in disguise in this variant of "The Hatchet in the Handbag."
'Lock Bumping' Video
Forwarded emails link to videos demonstrating a breaking-and-entering technique used by criminals known as lock bumping or key bumping.
Forwarded emails link to videos demonstrating a breaking-and-entering technique used by criminals known as lock bumping or key bumping.
LSD & Strychnine on Pay Phone Buttons
More pay phone hysteria, courtesy of the Internet.
More pay phone hysteria, courtesy of the Internet.
Mall Abduction Scams on 'Inside Edition'
This "warning to women" claims that elaborate scams are being used by abductors to lure female shoppers out of malls and into waiting vans.
This "warning to women" claims that elaborate scams are being used by abductors to lure female shoppers out of malls and into waiting vans.
'A New Twist on Kidnapping' (Flat Tire at the Mall)
A female shopper's gratefulness turns to horror when she discovers that the "good samaritan" who offered to fix her flat tire in the mall parking lot has a briefcase full of knives, rope and duct tape.
A female shopper's gratefulness turns to horror when she discovers that the "good samaritan" who offered to fix her flat tire in the mall parking lot has a briefcase full of knives, rope and duct tape.
Oh, Susannah...
Creepy variant of a college tale known as "The Roommate's Death."
Creepy variant of a college tale known as "The Roommate's Death."
The Package of Cookies
A traveler is aghast when an indigent sits down next to him in an airport waiting area and (apparently) begins filching cookies from the package he has just bought.
A traveler is aghast when an indigent sits down next to him in an airport waiting area and (apparently) begins filching cookies from the package he has just bought.
'Progesterex' - New Date Rape Drug
According to this false email alert, there's a new date rape drug that permanently sterilizes female victims.
According to this false email alert, there's a new date rape drug that permanently sterilizes female victims.
Propane Tank Warning
Email alert warns purchasers of propane tanks to avoid buying tanks with blue or green residue around the valve, an indication they may be contaminated with anhydrous ammonia.
Email alert warns purchasers of propane tanks to avoid buying tanks with blue or green residue around the valve, an indication they may be contaminated with anhydrous ammonia.
Red Cross Debit Card Photo Results in Fraud
According to this email tale, an AFP news photo containing a close-up of a Red Cross Debit Card issued to Hurricane Katrina victim Latesha Vinette instantly resulted in fraudulent charges on a massive scale.
According to this email tale, an AFP news photo containing a close-up of a Red Cross Debit Card issued to Hurricane Katrina victim Latesha Vinette instantly resulted in fraudulent charges on a massive scale.
Reverse PIN # to Contact Police in ATM Emergency
Email rumor claims ATM users can contact police in the event of an attempted robbery by entering their PIN in reverse.
Email rumor claims ATM users can contact police in the event of an attempted robbery by entering their PIN in reverse.
'Rockhard Abs' / 'Jason Stallings' State Police Warning
Latest version of an old email hoax warns people not to reply to messages from a person using the screen name 'Rockhard abs' or 'Jason Stallings,' supposedly a suspect in the murders of several women he met online
Latest version of an old email hoax warns people not to reply to messages from a person using the screen name 'Rockhard abs' or 'Jason Stallings,' supposedly a suspect in the murders of several women he met online
Serial Killer Uses Recording of Crying Baby to Lure Victims
According to this forwarded email, Baton Rouge police suspect a local serial killer is gaining entry to female victims' homes by playing a recording of a baby crying outside their doors.
According to this forwarded email, Baton Rouge police suspect a local serial killer is gaining entry to female victims' homes by playing a recording of a baby crying outside their doors.
Serial Killer Poses as Good Samaritan Returning $5 Bill
Email rumor claims a man posing as a good samaritan attempted to gain entry to a woman's vehicle by "returning" a $5 bill she supposedly dropped. Was he the Baton Rouge serial killer?
Email rumor claims a man posing as a good samaritan attempted to gain entry to a woman's vehicle by "returning" a $5 bill she supposedly dropped. Was he the Baton Rouge serial killer?
'Slavemaster' Warning
An outdated and partly false email warning about an actual Internet stalker who used the screen name "Slavemaster." A suspect has been behind bars since June 2000.
An outdated and partly false email warning about an actual Internet stalker who used the screen name "Slavemaster." A suspect has been behind bars since June 2000.
Snuff Films
Real-life murders captured on film and video? The Skeptical Inquirer's Scott Aaron Stine stalks the truth.
Real-life murders captured on film and video? The Skeptical Inquirer's Scott Aaron Stine stalks the truth.
Spunkball
Teenagers across America, we're told, are tossing firebombs into randomly selected vehicles.
Teenagers across America, we're told, are tossing firebombs into randomly selected vehicles.
Stolen License Plates Used in Gasoline Thefts
Forwarded email warns that criminals are stealing license plates and mounting them on their own vehicles to avoid being caught while perpetrating 'pump and run' gasoline thefts
Forwarded email warns that criminals are stealing license plates and mounting them on their own vehicles to avoid being caught while perpetrating 'pump and run' gasoline thefts
Strawberry Meth Drug Warning
Email fliers warn of a new, candy-flavored form of methamphetamine targeted at young people called "strawberry meth" or "Strawberry Quick."
Email fliers warn of a new, candy-flavored form of methamphetamine targeted at young people called "strawberry meth" or "Strawberry Quick."
The Stuffed Baby
Proof that drug smugglers will stop at nothing to ply their evil trade.
Proof that drug smugglers will stop at nothing to ply their evil trade.
Sugar Water in the Gas Tank
Internet urban legend warns of a criminal ploy to disable women's vehicles in Target Store parking lots by pouring sugar water in their gas tanks
Internet urban legend warns of a criminal ploy to disable women's vehicles in Target Store parking lots by pouring sugar water in their gas tanks
A Tail of Two Toothbrushes
A couple from suburban California were vacationing in Jamaica when their room was broken into and everything stolen, with the exception of their camera and their toothbrushes. Considering themselves fortunate to have retained the camera with their vacation photos, they returned home where they had the film developed...
A couple from suburban California were vacationing in Jamaica when their room was broken into and everything stolen, with the exception of their camera and their toothbrushes. Considering themselves fortunate to have retained the camera with their vacation photos, they returned home where they had the film developed...
Thieves Clone Remote Key Codes to Unlock Cars
Forwarded email urges vehicle owners to lock their doors manually instead of using a remote key, otherwise thieves might be able to clone the security code and gain entry to the vehicle.
Forwarded email urges vehicle owners to lock their doors manually instead of using a remote key, otherwise thieves might be able to clone the security code and gain entry to the vehicle.
Two Sniffs and You're Out!
This week's hot email rumor, a warning to women about a robbery scam involving a remarkably potent 'knock-out' cologne, arrives just in time to strike fear into the hearts of holiday shoppers...
This week's hot email rumor, a warning to women about a robbery scam involving a remarkably potent 'knock-out' cologne, arrives just in time to strike fear into the hearts of holiday shoppers...
Up in Smoke!
The man who took out fire insurance on his rare cigars... then smoked them.
The man who took out fire insurance on his rare cigars... then smoked them.
An Urban Legend Come to Life?
July 1999: Police in Bangkok are hunting for a man accused of stabbing several women in the back with a needle and shouting 'You've got AIDS now!' in separate incidents over the past few days.
July 1999: Police in Bangkok are hunting for a man accused of stabbing several women in the back with a needle and shouting 'You've got AIDS now!' in separate incidents over the past few days.
U.S. Bank Email Scam
Spam email masquerades as a message from U.S. Bank requesting personal information from its customers. Don't bite!
Spam email masquerades as a message from U.S. Bank requesting personal information from its customers. Don't bite!
Wal-Mart Check Copying Scam
Emailed alert written on Louisiana Dept. of Public Safety stationary warns of a 'multi-city' check copying scam run by a ring of Wal-Mart employees
Emailed alert written on Louisiana Dept. of Public Safety stationary warns of a 'multi-city' check copying scam run by a ring of Wal-Mart employees
Welcome to the World of AIDS
Latest email scare story making the rounds tells of random victims unknowingly injected with the AIDS virus in crowded theaters and night clubs in two different countries
Latest email scare story making the rounds tells of random victims unknowingly injected with the AIDS virus in crowded theaters and night clubs in two different countries