Blimey, these scams are getting more and more bizarre. I received the following email allegedly from the MSN Member Directory. Apparently just by having the same surname as someone deceased I can claim their inheritance!
Attn: Mr/Mrs Sutton,
With due regards, I am Barrister James Ezeh (SAN), a solicitor atlaw, personal attorney to Mr. John Sutton, who used to work with Shell Development Company in Lagos Nigeria. Here in after shall be referred to as my client. On the 21st of April 2001, my client, his wife and their only daughter were involved in a ghastly car accident along 3rd mainland bridge express Road. All occupants of the vehicle unfortunately lost their lives.
Since then I have made several enquiries to the embassy here to locate any of my clients extended relatives, this has also proved
unsuccessful. After these several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to track his last name over the MSN Member Quest book, to locate any member of his family hence I contacted you.
I have contacted you to assist in repatriating the funds valued at
USD$10.5 million left behind by my client before it gets confiscated or
declared unserviceable by the (AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK PLC) here in
Owerri-Nigeria, where this huge amount was deposited. And now the bank
has issued me a notice to provide the next of kin or have his account
confiscated within the next twenty-one official working days.
Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over
two years now, I seek the consent to present you as the next of kin to the deceased since you have the same last names, so that the proceeds of this account can be paid to you.
Therefore, on receipt of your positive response, we shall then
discuss the sharing ratio and modalities for transfer. I have all necessary information and legal documents needed to back you up for claim. All I require from you is your honest co-operation to enable us see this transaction through. I guarantee that this will be executed under legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law. Please get in touch with me through the email address below for more details. Urgent response to this letter will be proudly
appreciated.
Best Regards.
Barr. James Ezeh ESQ
Lagos, Nigeria, West Africa.
direct line(234 - 08043441236)
Of course, just suppose by some bizarre quirk of fate John Sutton was some long lost relative and I am the last surviving relative ... Needless to say it is a chance I am willing to take and I will not be claiming my legacy ;-)