2002 Scam

The following spam email has steadily increased in frequency during 2002. The most common source is Nigeria as of 6/2002. The spelling, punctuation and grammar are often unusual.

It is hard to imagine anyone falling for this scam, but "they" say that many people have. Presumably the initial stages of the scam get the victim to open an account with some money in it to look plausible (and give the details to the scammer). The scammer promises to transfer the "loot", but actually makes off with the other loot (the victim's money)?

Do not give strangers details of your bank accounts or credit cards etc.!

From <Some_Id>@<Some_ISP>.<Some_Domain>  Mon Jun 01 01:02:34 2002
Subject: Urgent

DR. <Someone> <Some_Name>.
BRANCH MANAGER,
<Some_Bank> FOR <Somewhere> PLC,
<Some_Suburb>,
<Some_City>, <Some_Country>

TO:MD/CEO.

Sir,
AN URGENT BUSINESS PROPOSAL

I am pleased to get across to you for a very urgent and profitable business proposal. Though I don't know you neither have I seen you before but my confidence was reposed on you when the Chief Executive of <Somewhere> State chamber of comerce and industry for a confidential business. I am the manager of <Some_Bank> for <Somewhere> Plc (UBA), ...

The intended business is thus; We had a customer, a Foreigner (a <Some_Place>) resident in <Some_Town>, he was a Contractor with one of the Government <Somewhere>. He has in his Account in my branch the sum of US$65 Million (Sixty five million U.S. Dollars).

Unfortunately, the man died four years ago until today none of his next of kin has come forward to claim the money. Having noticed this, I in collaboration with two other top officials of the bank we have covered up the account all this while. Now we want you (being a foreigner) to be fronted as one of his next of kin. On acceptance to work with us, we will introduce you to a lawyer who will take secure all documents that will establish you as the true next of kin to our late customer, alternatetively you come down and pursue the proceedings yourself with our assistance.

We will use our positions to get all internal documentations to back up the claims. The whole procedures will last only ten working days to get the fund retrieved successfully Without trace even in future.

Your response is only what we are waiting for as we have arranged all necessary things. As soon as this message comes to you kindly get back to me indicating your interest, then I will furnish you with the whole procedures to ensure that the deal is successfully concluded.

For your assistance we have agreed to give you thirty percent (30%) of the total sum at the end of the transaction. It is risk free and a mega fortune. All correspondence towards this transaction will be through the e-mail telephone and fax.

I await your earliest response. Thanks,

Yours Sincerely,
Dr. <Someone> <Some_Name>.