October 31, 2003
4.6 Million Dollars
I'm sure you've seen the email.
An urgent plea from a relative or employee of a deposed or murdered political figure from Nigeria (or Zimbabwe or Kenya...there's variations to the story). This person was lucky enough to smuggle 18.5 million out of the country, but they need help. They need you to let them deposit the money into your account for safe keeping, and then withdraw 75% of it, leaving you with 25% for your assistance in this matter.
Two to three years ago I emailed back one of these people, asking why they picked me. Through a series of emails, I learned that because of my Christian faith I was trusted with this. I was told to call a number. I figured, 'This could be legit. I'd love to have a few million.' So, I made a phone call. I recall it being an overseas number. When I reached the friendly voice on the phone, I could hear a bank of telemarketers in a room (you know the sound: background noise of several people talking on the phone... I could picture the cubicles.). 'Oh, this nice person didn't just single me out, did he? If all the 18.5 million is going into my account, what amounts are going into these other accounts?'
I was told that I need to pay some transaction money to help make the transfer happen. I needed to send a few thousand dollars to a bank in London. Then the large deposit into my account would happen. After asking lots of questions, it was insisted that these transaction fees had to take place first in order for the exchange to take place. When I hesitated, then the guilty plea about helping the people of that country out was brought up. I wonder how many people have fallen for this. I bet it's been plenty, because two to three years later and I'm still seeing one of these emails almost every day. I'm sure it's a great scam with some legal loopholes that keep the perpetrators from being jailed, since it's going across borders. I'm sure there's a place to forward these emails, but I haven't found it nor do I feel like spending the time to search it out. At least I've been able to warn you.
There's my funny story for the day. I guess you could call me an "investigative reporter" now, huh?
