A new kind of scam

Paul Dixon wrote:

I don't know if this is the best way to do this, but I would like to inform you to beware of what seems to be a variation of the traditional Nigerian scams, although much more honest-looking as it involves names of British solicitors and institutions. All relevant names and data have been omitted. Has anyone else received anything like this?

(address of law firm)
Contact person: (name of solicitor) QC

Dear...


My Name is (name of solicitor) QC. I am a solicitor with (law firm, including London address) and personal attorney to (name) who died with his family in the July, 2000 Air France crash. For your confirmations visit: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/859479.stm

Although my client left no record of any next of kin but I have made several enquiries to locate any of my clients extended relatives which had proved unsuccessful.

As a matter of fact, he had a fixed time deposit of (cash value) with a finance house here in United Kingdom and stocks worth (cash value) being managed by his stockbrokers.

Consequently, the Finance house has issued me a notice to provide my client's next of kin or have the fund liquidated within a short time. Based on my unsuccessful search for his relatives for the past Seven years now and for the fact that you bear the same last name with my late client, I therefore seek your consent to present you as the next of kin/inheritor to my deceased client, so that the money will be transferred to your account for us to share upon approval.

As his personal Attorney I have all the legal documents and all it tak es to back-up this claims and to convincingly present you to the bank as the next of kin to my late client without trouble.

All I require is your honest cooperation. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement. And no government involvement at all. For more information about me please visit (website).

Be assured that this transaction will be done under a legal arrangement and there will be no hitch at any stage. Please know that any form of picture identification is required from you. I will be following the due processes of applying for a transfer from the financial institution where the funds are deposited. Consequent upon the confirmation of the terms of my legal consultation, I shall go to Her Majesty's Court Service to swear an affidavit of claim that would legally present you as the next of kin.

REQUIREMENTS


1. Your full name
2. Your full address
3. Your private phone and fax numbers
4. Occupation
5. Marital status
6. Age
7. Identity (Drivers License or International passport).

Finally, I want you to confirm your readiness and willingness to work with me in this transaction. You shall exert full control over your share of the funds after it is transferred hence it requires a certain level of confidentiality. I am obliged to provide all the legal assistance hence there is no need for a third-party or attorney. I anticipate of your most wonderful cooperation and understanding. Please acknowledge the receipt of this email.




I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

(name of solicitor) QC

Please get back to me through this mail address ASAP (e-mail address supplied)

Another strange fact was that this e-mail came to my account, although it was addressed to another name.

I know Proz.com is not involved in this in any way, but just thought I would like to warn fellow translators about this.

Mohamed Mehenoun wrote:

The money isn't yours, and they proposing you to steal it ! Official names or not anyone who falls for this deserves it ! As they are clearly proposing you to do a felony !