419 (Nigerian) Scam

I don’t know if this letter is a significantly new version – I haven’t seen it before and am too lazy to check the scam information sites – but it’s the first time I’ve seen it. It’s worth a read and giggle. It’s the version of the scam that involves scammning the mark by warning him or her that there are scams out there. In this version, the mark is explicitly told that he or she has to travel to Nigeria to get the money.

—– Forwarded Message —-
From: OFFICE OF THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIME COMMISSION’S CHAIRPERSON <admin@beijing-hualian.com>
Sent: Mon, November 22, 2010 4:31:34 AM
Subject: ALERT:STOP ALL TRANSACTION FROM EFCC

MRS. FARIDA N. WAZIRI
OFFICE OF THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIME COMMISSION’S CHAIRPERSON
112 AVENUES, SURE ROAD LAGOS/NIGERIA
MOTTO: SECURITY WATCH
OUR REF: NG-GW-EFCC-AS-005-31
22-11-2010

Dear Creditor, 

This message is in regard of your outstanding payment for the sum of US$10,500,000.00. 

I am Mrs. Farida Waziri the new Economic & Financial Crimes Commission. I was supposed to contact you via our official email address, but I observe that some of our staffs are still using the same email address in scamming most foreign creditors, so this is the chief reason I am using my private email address.faridawaziri@hosanna.net

Following series of complains from the FBI and other Security agencies from Asia , Europe , Oceania , and United States of America respectively against the Federal Government of Nigeria for the rate of corruption and scam activities going on in these country, The united nation deems it necessary to look in to this trend and this was discussed upon during the last U.N. meetings held at Abuja Nigeria in which a decision was reached to compensate noted victims of this operation, and we have been working with the (FBI & MPS) over this ugly act since then with U.N delegate there in Nigeria. However, the motion of compensating victims has just been approved by the new president Good Luck Ebele Jonathan Government based on the pressure of the U.N and you are among the 78 listed beneficiaries according to the list submitted to my office yesterday by the U.N delegate appointed to harmonize this process (Rev. udeca smith). 

This payments is being partly monitored by FBI, MPC, ICPC and the U.N so there’s absolutely No question of any uncertainty over receiving of your compensation payment, everything is under adequate control, you are also advise to report if any problem in this regard. 
The corresponding paying bank is WEMA BANK OF NIGERIA PLC.

Due to certain mix-up and corruption in Nigeria system’ payments is being made by cash payment, “meaning” you will have to come to Nigeria in person for proper signing of all legal papers as this method was considered suitable for this process as advised and directed by the UN, FBI and CBN Governor so you will not be asked to pay any upfront fees. As soon as you come to Nigeria for the signing of all papers, we will instruct our representative here in Nigeria to assist you to your home country with the cash for safety reasons. 
To receive your payment, kindly get back to me for more information’s: 
Listed below are the mafias and banks behind the non release of your funds that I managed to sneak out for your kind perusal.
1) Prof. Charles Soludo
2) Senator David Mark
3) Chief Joseph Sanusi
4) Bank of Africa
5) Foreign fund diplomatic courier
6) Credit Bank
7) ECO Bank
8) NATWEST BANK
9) Mrs. Faith Ugo (Deputy Governor) – Policy / Board Member
10) Mr. Tunde Lemon Deputy Governor – Financial Sector Surveillance / Board
Member
11) Mrs. W. D. A. Mshelia Deputy Governor – Corporate Services / Board Members
12) Intercontinental Bank of Nigeria Plc
13) Mr. John Collins: Global Diplomat Director.
14) Dr. Godwin Oboh: Director Union Bank of Nigeria. 

Note: that thousands of fraudsters have been using this method in scamming most foreign creditors we have in our payment list here in our office. We use this medium to inform you that any mail that does not come with the communication code: NG/ .EFCC -XXXX-/RLPHJ/ is false. In this case, you’re advice not to respond to any mail that does not come with the above communication code.

Sincerely yours.
I expect your prompt response
Regards,
Mrs. Farida Waziri

Comments

  1. Gee, a meta-scam.

    There is a well-regarded Nigerian novel about how someone ends up writing these pleas: I Do Not Come to You by Chance.

    Some of the scams are going upscale – I have received actual snail mail letters from faraway places, with real stamps (well, I know that imitation is a form of philately). I would have thought the economics of that would be prohibitive, but maybe they gain in credibility by the use of paper.

  2. “imitation is a form of philately” – very nice.

    One success probably pays for the stamps. Besides, odds are the stamps haven’t been paid for, either.

  3. John, the original version of these scams were sent by mail. Perhaps they are going “old school”?

    David, thank you for sharing. I had not seen this version–very creative!