Advance Fee Fraud: A Direct Approach

Here's a variation on the 419 scam I haven't seen before. I'm getting heaps of 419s at the moment, yet haven't had a lottery scam in days. Anyhow, the usual story with a 419 is that some guy has millions of dollars tucked away in an account somewhere and wants you to help move the stuff out of the country discreetly for a cut. This one takes a more direct approach with a slight air of legitimacy: "we owe you money".

The hook is the same as always, however. If you try to get the money, you'll find that you need to pay a whole bunch of fees to get it -- only you never will get it, you'll just get more fees, because the whole thing is a lie made up to trick you into forking over your money! People can be so evil, can't they? Yep. Do yourself a favour, and don't be a greedy sucker today.

From: james allen 
Date: 21-Apr-2006 02:43
Subject: IMMEDIATE CONTRACT PAYMENT


Attn: Dear Contractor,
IMMEDIATE CONTRACT PAYMENT.
CONTRACT#:MAV/NNPC/FGN/MIN/009.
Hello,
   I am James Allen the personal assistant to PROF CHARLES SOLUDO.
Executive Governor, Central Bank Of Nigeria.
From the records of outstanding contractors due for payment with the federal
government of Nigeria your name and company was discovered as next on the
list of the outstanding contractors who have not received their payments.
I wish to inform you that your payment is being processed and will be
released to you as soon as you respond to this letter. Also note that from
my record in my file your outstanding contract payment is valued to the sum
of US$27,000,000.00 (Twenty Seven Million
United States Dollars).
Please re-confirm to me if this is inline with what you have in your record
and also re-confirm to me the followings
1) your full name.
2) Phone, fax and mobile #.
3) Company name, position and address.
4) Profession, age and marital status.
5) Copy of int'l passport.
As soon as this information’s are received, your payment will be made to you
in a certified bank draft from the CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA (CBN) and a copy
will be given to you for you to take to your bank and confirm it.
You must call me on my direct number as soon as you receive this letter for
a serious discussion with me. please get back to him thru is private email
(charles_solu_allen@secureroot.com)
Regards,
PROF CHARLES SOLUDO.
Executive Governor, Central Bank Of Nigeria.