I received this “Nigerian scam” e-mail from the Daimond (sic) Bank of African, Benin, at my New Zealand business address.  I checked the victims name in Google and found www.419eater.com.  Thank you Samull Bayo, you started my baiting career.  I have since received another copy of this e-mail from Samull, at another baiting address, so I have continued baiting him as another character.

 

 

CAST OF CHARACTERS:

 

The following colour coding is used for identification purposes:

 

Samull Bayo                               419 scammer from Contonou, Benin, my “Benin Bayo boyyo”

Steve Trafalgar                          My baiting personna, an English businessman

Diamond Bank, Benin                Various personnel at the Diamond Bank Benin

Alfal Chambers and Assoc          Soliciters and Advocates, Contonou, Benin

Notes                                          Notes bringing the reader up to date with developments

 

 

From: "SAMULL BAYO" <[email protected]>

Subject: URGENT REPLY NEEDED.

 

FROM THE DESK OF: MR SAMULL BAYO.

DAIMOND BANK OF AFRICAN COTONOU, BENIN REPUBLIC.

 

ATTENTION:

I am Mr samull bayoForeign Remmitance Director of DIAMOND of BANK Africa. in the capital city of cotonou de Benin republic.

This is a very confidential proposition for you. On November 21st 2002, a Brazilian Oil consultant/contractor with the Benenoise Solid Minerals Corporation, Mr.Mauricio Jose De Matos made a numbered time (Fixed) Deposit for twelve calendar months, valued at US$8,000,000.00 (Eight Million Dollars only) in my branch.

Upon maturity on November 20th 2003 as his Credit Officer, I sent a routine notification to his forwarding address but got no reply. After a month, we sent a reminder and finally i discovered from his contract employers, the Benenoise Solid Minerals Corporation that Mr.Mauricio Jose De Matos died on an Air Crash.

Further investigations,and all attempts to trace his next of kin was fruitless. Again,I made further investigation and discovered that Mr.Matos did not declare any kin or relations in all his official documents, including his Bank Deposit paperwork in my Bank.

This sum of US$8,000,000.00 is still sitting in my Bank  No one will ever come forward to claim it. According to the International Banking ethics,codes and Laws, at the expiration of 2(Two) years, the money will revert to the ownership of the Benin Government if nobody applies to claim the fund.

Consequently, my proposal is that I will like you as a foreigner to stand in as the next of kin to Mr.Mauricio Jose De Matos. This is simple, I will like you to respond immediately with your full names and address so that we will prepare the necessary documents and affidavits that will put you in place as the next of kin. A bank account in any part of the world that you will provide will then facilitate the transfer of this money to you as the beneficiary/next of kin. The money will be paid into your account for us to share in the ratio of 70% for me and some of my colleagues who are aware of this transaction and 25% for you and 5% for Expenses Incurred in the course of the transaction

There is no risk at all as all the paperwork for this transaction will be done by my colleagues and with my position as the Foreign Remmitance Director guarantees the successful execution of this transaction.

Upon your response, I shall then provide you with more details and relevant documents that will help you understand the transaction. Please send me your confidential telephone and fax numbers for easy communication. You should observe utmost confidentiality, and be rest assured that this transaction would be most profitable for both of us because I shall require your assistance to invest my share in your country.

Awaiting your urgent reply.

Thanks and regards.

Samull Bayo

 

 

 Should I try to reverse scam someone who can’t even spell ‘diamond’ and uses lower case letters for their name?  You betcha!  I open a Yahoo UK e-mail account in another name, and eventually reply.  I hope Peter Jackson, Director of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, doesn’t mind my using his name and his being knighted, he really does deserve to be Sir Peter anyway.

 

 

Subject:  Re: URGENT REPLY NEEDED

To:                      Mr samull bayo   [email protected]

 

Dear Mr Bayo,

 

I must apologise for not immediately replying to your e-mail of the 26th May, copied below.

 

I have been in the United States working on the title graphics and special effects for the new Harry Potter movie.  My company specialises in special graphics techniques which are particularly applicable to the movie industry, and I stayed over in Los Angeles for discussions with one of the movie companies there about licensing them to use my company's technology or for them to buy into my company as partners.

 

I hope the delay has not inconvenienced you.  As an enterprising businessman, I would always be prepared to discuss ways of increasing wealth.  However I am of what you would describe as typical Anglo Saxon stock, and would probably have trouble passing as a relative of the Brazilian Mr. Mauricio Jose De Matos.  My family name has very little resemblance to his, and it would be unlikely that I could make any claim as a relative of his.

 

I will be travelling to New Zealand soon to discuss the preparation of special effects for use in the "enhanced" DVD edition of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy which Sir Peter Jackson is producing there.  I would like to hear from you, but my being on the other side of the world may mean that I am sometimes delayed in responding to you.  Luckily, my Yahoo mail allows me to receive and send e-mails anywhere in the globe where there is internet access.  However, I have learnt from passed visits to New Zealand that there are sometimes delays in getting to internet access when working on a movie set in the wilderness where this movie was filmed.

 

Yours sincerely

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

Now, the scammer doesn’t notice that his original e-mail went to a .co.nz address and that he got a reply from a yahoo.co.uk address.  However I do notice that his reply to my e-mail now comes from a yahoo.com address, we’ll do something about that later.

 

 

From: "SAMULL BAYO" <[email protected]>

Subject: Re: URGENT REPLY NEEDED.

 

Dear Mr Steve Trafalgar.

 

Thanks you for the response,i have actually been waiting for it for sometime now. It has really shown that you are as eager as i and my colleagues,though your inquires about the Name issue of the deceased is not problems in anyway at all as every modality to ensure the smooth transfer of this funds into your accounts have been put in place.The issue for now is that we are going to jointly work together to ensure the smooth and urgent release of this funds and subsequent transfer of them into your accounts.

All you need to do despite where you would be is sacrifice ie check and respond to mails and sometimes place some phone calls as the case may be,Distance is no barrier.

However,this transaction like i ealier stated to you demands utmost confidentiality as all of us(i and my two colleagues)are still very much in active service here in our office having put in more than two decades each we would only resign our appointments immediately this funds are transfered into your accounts and would be joining you overthere for the percentage splits.

We would be sending to you the Banks official Text Of Application and informations about the deceased tomorrow which you would rewrite and send directly and officially to the Bank which would then respond.All you need to do is just follow our instructions and i promise you that within the next 14 Banking days the funds would be in your accounts.Also you should send to us all response from the Bank here to you so we could dish out advises.

Let me again remind you that this transaction is completely risk-free in all ramifications which was the reason we delve into it in the first place after going through all the modalities towards it's successful transfer.

Hoping to recieve your response asap.

I expect you to see reason why we must jointly effect this transfer urgently.

Regards,

Samull Bayo

 

 

I send back a response letting him know I’ve received his e-mail and I’m hot to trot.  I’ll try to put in some spurious information.  I thought I’d be leaving from the non-existent Shropshire International Airport too, and just to keep him interested I mention the amount of money my company will be making from this contract in New Zealand.

 

 

Subject:  Re: URGENT REPLY NEEDED

To:                      Mr samull bayo   [email protected]

 

Dear Mr Bayo,

 

Sorry for the rushed e-mail, but I thought it best to acknowledge that I had received your e-mail.

 

I am dashing this e-mail off from the British Airways first class lounge at Shropshire International Airport.  I have received word from Sir Peter Jackson that he would like my company to produce all the digital special effects for the movie "King Kong" which he is due to start filming in New Zealand in a week or two.  Therefore I must hurry to New Zealand to close this deal.  This deal, and the work I will also be doing for him on his Lord of the Rings movie, could be worth four or five million dollars to my company.  Unfortunately that would be in New Zealand dollars, of which there are three to the UK pound.  However, nearly a couple of million pounds isn't bad.

 

So, I will shortly be boarding my plane to New Zealand, and with stopovers in Bangkok, Thailand, and Sydney, Australia, it will be about 40 hours before I arrive in New Zealand.  As I will be travelling from west to east I will probably be jet lagged as well, so I will probably not be in contact with you for a number of days.  As well, I will be working largely on remote film sets, so I will probably be unable to read my e-mails as regularly as I would like.

 

I am interested in the prospect of sharing my distant relative's money with you (smile), especially as this would be tax free and for my own personal use - not for my company.  I will be in touch when I once more have my feet on the ground and am able to connect with the internet.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

Back comes my Benin Bayo boyyo with the information request from the bank.

 

 

From: "SAMULL BAYO" <[email protected]>

Subject: Re: URGENT REPLY NEEDED.

 

Dear Steve Trafalgar ,

 

How are you today and your tours?

What about the film production?

I and my colleagues have finally been able to get our bank's standard text of application(find below)so please just copy as underwritten fill in those accounts details and send directely to the F.R. Department's Director through the department's email; [email protected] to urgently go through ,process and approve.

The Bank shall immediately send an Acknowledgement Letter to you as soon as your application is recieved,Then inform us so we would get the next line of action to take,please dear,just follow our instructions and this fund would be in the account within the next 14 working days.

Remember the Bank must not know we are aware of this as one of us would definitely be in the FUND RELEASE PANEL that would approve your payments.

Regards

S.Bayo

 

NB;Please send the application immediately.

 

 

The Application Form was attached as plain text, albeit in bold font.  It’s time to have a little fun with my Benin Bayo boyyo.  And to prepare the ground for eventually not being able to supply a phone number I’ll explain that I am deaf.  Just note that the British SAS were not involved in the Viet Nam War.

 

 

Subject:  Re: URGENT REPLY NEEDED

To:                      Mr samull bayo   [email protected]

 

Dear Samull,

 

Thanks for your prompt attention to this profitable enterprise.  However I am sitting here at Bangkok Airport sending this because I have a slight problem with my travel arrangements.  I probably won't be able to communicate with you for some time, maybe until early next week.

 

My briefcase has been stolen here at the airport, along with it my passport, my airline ticket, my cash and travellers cheques, and my cheque book.  I'm unable to send you the details you requested.  I cannot remember the telephone number at my bank let alone the number of my bank account.  Someone must have picked up my briefcase from beside my seat and walked away with it as I waited for my connecting flight to Sydney.  Thank God I had my laptop computer on a small table beside me or I would not be able to communicate at all.

 

I am having some not inconsiderable trouble dealing with the immigration people here.  Without a ticket or passport they would not let me onto the plane for Sydney, and it has departed without me.

 

There is a further problem.  I am completely deaf so I am having trouble understanding what they are saying.  They have let me use a phone connection so I can contact my secretary by e-mail and obtain my airline ticket information.  Someone from the local British Embassy is coming out to the airport,  I will try to get them to provide an emergency passport to allow me to continue travelling.  I hope to be travelling again some time tomorrow.

 

My deafness has never been a problem before, but it sure is now.  I am usually able to read people's lips very well, but there is something about the way the Thais are forming their words which is causing me trouble - a sort of lip reading accent which I cannot understand.  Or maybe its the jetlag, I never sleep well on planes and always arrive after a long trip feeling as if my brain started travelling with me but hasn't quite caught up with me yet.

 

I have been totally deaf for over thirty years now, and haven't encountered this problem before.  I lost my hearing when serving with the British SAS in Viet Nam in the late 60's.  My squad was out in the forest on a search and destroy mission, we were camped one night when we came under attack from a squad of Viet Cong.  We were hit by a barrage of 80 mm mortar shells and three of my men were killed.  My eardrums were completely burst, and I've been deaf since.  I've done well since, with my separation pay from the Army I've built up a considerable business and I do manage to lip read well enough to deal with customers.  However, most of my communications with people these days is by e-mail.

 

I hope you don't mind me sending you this e-mail.  Its just that I'm sitting here in an office at Bangkok Airport with lots of time on my hands, and I thought I'd let you know that I won't be able to get back to you your bank with the information they need for several days.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

Received a nice note back from my Benin Bayo boyyo, he’s shocked about people’s dishonesty, how can people be so “mischievious” (sic).  Nice advice about relaxing a bit, and the thought that I should come and relax with him and his family.  But, and isn’t there always that “but”, there’s also a reminder to get on with the scam.

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  SO SORRY TO LEARN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM.

 

Dearest Steve,

 

Your mail which i just read through now really was so shocking that i thought so much on how to say this to you but truly I AM SO SORRY about the misfortune.

People could be so mischievious,why?

How could one pick up things not really belonging to him?Well please i seriously pray you get all the required assistance to forge your travel ahead as they would be expecting you there in Sydney.

As soon as you are through all these i would advice you take sometime off to relax a bit,i would probably be sending you invitation to come over here to stay and rest for a while for maybe a week or two with my family,we could be very hospitable you know

Please endeavour to send the Text of Application as soon as you get back,ok.

My Sincere Regards and please be carefull.

Samull.

 

 

Now, what should we do about this scammer using a Yahoo account?  Then I’ll leave him alone until the weekend.  I think I’ll have my passport and tickets found and then travel on to New Zealand.  I’ll be able to contact him though when I want to, my computer is still sending my e-mails to him at [email protected].  Hope having his yahoo account closed down inconveniences him.

 

 

Subject:  Possible 419 fraudster using Yahoo.com

To:                      [email protected]

 

Dear Sirs,

 

I received one of those Nigerian type e-mails at my business e-mail address some time ago, however the writer says he comes from the Republic of Benin.

 

I have opened a Yahoo.co.uk e-mail account using a non-existant name so that I can scambait the sender (i.e. take up the scammer's time and effort, and to try to get his e-mail accounts closed down so that it makes it more difficult for him to scam innocent people).

 

The original e-mail came from a zwallet.com address.  However this recent e-mail, attached, seems to have come from a Yahoo.com account.

 

I hope you will close the e-mail account, [email protected].

 

Regards

Steve

 

Note: forwarded message attached.

 

 

I received a confirmation e-mail from Yahoo that ‘appropriate action’ had been taken against this account.  Now let’s see how our scammer gets on.  Now I must send my scammer a nice catch up note so he doesn’t worry unduly about me.  Think I’ll fill it with lots of mistakes to make it look as if I’m tired.  Now, just in case Yahoo have closed his e-mail address down, I’ll send it to his zwallet.com address, wonder if he’ll notice.  I have of course attached his original e-mail and application form again, may as well fill up his storage if we can and take as long as possible for him to download mail.

 

 

Subject:  Re: TRAFALGAR,PLEASE DO THIS ASAP AND GET BACK TO ME

To:                      [email protected]

 

Dear Samul,

 

Just a qiuck note, I got my pasport back in Thailand (somone found my breifcase in a restrooom, I lost my cash and travelers cheques though) and have flown down to Auckland, New Zealand via Sydney, Australa.  I arrived at some un godly hour this morning, and I've just booked into my jotel room, it's just passed 9 oclock in the morning now and I feel like I could sleep for a week

 

Thouhgt I'd let you know that I will be in touch probably Monday, i'm moving to another city where we are setting up prodiction faciltities.  Looks like I'll be loving here in New Zealand for a year or more, so I'll open a New Zeeland bank acount and transfer some money out from UK account.  There'll probablly be a bit of a delays, a day or so, while I get that done.  But it'd be easeir for me to handle the sudden inflix of funds from Benin if I have a New Zealand bank account and I'm right on hand.

 

I'll tell you about my inforced stay in Thaland when I'm awake again, must get some sleep.  I'll be in tuoch.

 

regards

steve

 

 

Yahoo.com advise me that my message has been returned, our scammer no longer has this yahoo e-mail account.  Oh dear, how will I contact this charitable gentleman who wishes to turn over so much wealth to me?  Luckily I also sent the message to his zwallet.com e-mail address, if only I could get that closed too, but I understand zwallet.com aren’t too fussy about their clients.

 

 

From:                  [email protected]

Subject:  failure delivery

 

Message from  yahoo.com.

Unable to deliver message to the following address(es).

 

<[email protected]>:

64.156.215.20 failed after I sent the message.

Remote host said: 554 delivery error: dd This user doesn't have a

yahoo.com account ([email protected]) [-5] - mta420.mail.scd.yahoo.com

 

 

Nothing comes back from my Benin Bayo boyyo over the weekend, has he twigged that he’s being baited because of the closure of his yahoo account?  Then on Monday morning another e-mail arrives.  Of course I’ll have to wait until Monday afternoon, maybe Tuesday, to get my bank account open and to be able to forward the details to his bank.  I notice he’s using a new yahoo e-mail address, I’ll have to get on to Yahoo about that in a while too.  I’ll see how may of these I can get closed down, but I don’t want to frighten him off by instantly closing his Yahoo accounts every time he sends me an e-mail.

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  HOW ARE YOU FAIRING?

 

Dear Steve,

 

How are you fairing today?

Thank God you got your Passport back.

I hope you would be able to open the New Zealand account tomorrow being Monday?

Please as soon as you get it opened,just rewrite and submitt the Text of Application with your new account informations directly to our Bank urging them to respond back quickly to you which they would surely do through an Acknowledgment Letter,then you would get back to me for advises.

Expecting your response.

Regards,

S.Bayo.

 

 

Now to get down to business, I wonder if I can get a photographic trophy, and maybe my newly acquired title will be a good subject for a sign.  For you young 419 baiters, Neddy Seagoon and Major Bloodnok were characters in the BBC’s Goon Show in the late 1950s and early 1960s.  I hope that my request for a photo isn’t too sudden, maybe I should not have mentioned scam artists either.  I don’t think there’s a Diamond Bank of Africa in Benin, so I bet that if I get a photo that it is NOT of Samull at work.

 

 

Subject:  RE: HOW ARE YOU FAIRING?

To:                      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Dear Samull,

 

How wonderful it is to have had several good nights sleep!  So many things have made me feel wonderful.

 

Over the weekend I travelled to the city of Mount Maunganui on the east coast of New Zealand, the film company has arranged for me to live in a lovely seaside house, and it is fantastic to wake in the morning and open the window and smell the fresh sea air.

 

I have been to the bank this morning to open an account and arrange to have funds transferred from my UK bank.  The bank people here have been fantastic and I will probably have the bank account details by tomorrow.

 

I have also received advice from my lawyer in London that my late uncle’s will has finally been finalised and I have inherited his country estate and his title of Lord Seagoon of Bloodnok.  I don't agree with hereditory titles, so I won't be using it nor taking my seat in the House of Lords, but it is amusing to know that one is a lord of the realm.

 

Now to the point of my e-mail.  We must get this enterprise underway.  But how do I really know who you are?  I've heard rumours that there are scam artists out there who will get the details of your bank account and before you know it they've used your password and electronically emptied your bank account of all your money.

 

So I'd like to ask you for some way of identifying you Samull.  Please get a photograph taken of you at your bank desk, or in front of the bank holding a large sign with "Lord Seagoon of Bloodnok" written on it, and e-mail it to me.  We are two of only a handful of people who know I have inherited my uncle’s title, so a photo of you at work at the bank would prove to me that you are who you say you are and can do what you say you can do.

 

Please make the photo image as large as possible, and the sign as large and as readable as possible.

 

I'm sorry to ask for this proof of identity, but one must be sure and safe when handling large amounts of money.

 

Regards

Steve

 

 

I don’t hear from my Benin Bayo boyyo.  I send a friendly e-mail telling him that I’ve got the banking details ready and dropping a hint that I’m eager to get my hands on the money.  But please send my proof of identity/trophy photo.  To expand on my character as a friendly – perhaps over talkative – individual I’ve enclosed a little tale about meeting a famous actor.  I chose Pierce Brosnan because I was able to download a photo of Pierce Brosnan and Geoffrey Rush from the film “The Tailor of Panama”.  I will be using a photo of Geoffrey Rush in a passport to support my reverse scam identity if needed, thanks Mike at 419eater for the help with the passport.  I thought it was a good photo to use because it seems as if Geoffrey Rush is looking at Pierce Brosnan’s lips as if lip reading.  By the way, Horowhitu is an area here in New Zealand where a large meat processing plant is located, so I have made up the name Sam Horowhitu from a mixture of Samull’s given name and a slaughter house.  The abbreviation of the phoney company would read SHIT.

 

 

Subject:  RE: HOW ARE YOU FAIRING?

To:                      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Dear Samull,

 

Everything is rolling along here, I've got the bank account details and am all ready to send off the bank's application form as soon as I receive your e-mail with your proof of identity photo.

 

Your offer couldn't have come at a better time.  While I am not rich like Bill Gates, I am comfortably wealthy.  However my lawyer in London has just advised me that the British government is charging me death duty taxes on my uncle's estate, I owe them something like $700,000 (that's 350,000 pounds).  Highway robbery!  Maybe I'll take my seat in the House of Lords and try to get death duties overturned!

 

So I'd like to progress this opportunity as fast as possible.  I bet you and your colleagues would like a swift conclusion to this matter as well, so that you can travel out here and receive your share of the money.

 

I have been busy the last couple of days.  I've been working with the owner of a local information technology company, Sam Horowhitu Information Technology Ltd, setting up the programs which we will use for producing the computer generated images for the film.  Sam Horowhitu's company downloaded the programs which my secretary posted on the net from London, these programs are so large that it took several hours to complete the downloading but we were lucky we only had to do it once - sometimes the programs get corrupted and have to be downloaded again.

 

While I was working there, I was introduce to a very nice man   I thought the New Zealanders were calling him "Peace", that's what it seemed like when I read their lips.  I spent a couple of hours talking with him while we were waiting for computer programs to download, and after he left I said that Peace was an unusual name.  They had to write his name out for me.  It was Pierce Brosnan the actor who plays James Bond in the movies.  He was visiting the studio to discuss a part in the upcoming King Kong movie I'll be working on.  They took a photograph with a digital camera of the two of us talking, have a look at the attached jpg.  It’s not a very good photo of me, I think it makes my nose and my ears seem large, but maybe you've heard of James Bond.

 

Regards

Steve

 

 

No reply, has my Benin Bayo boyyo dropped me?  I send an e-mail to nudge him along and reminding him that I’d like a photograph.  I also give him a bit of a come on about my greed, trying to seem enthusiastic about the deal and reminding him of his share of the imaginary loot.

 

 

Subject:  I have not heard from you

To:                      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Dear Samull,

 

I have not heard from you since I sent you my last letter on Tuesday 22nd June.  I did have that original message returned to me undelivered when I sent it to another yahoo address, I think that it was [email protected].

 

Do you want to proceed with this proposal or has something gone wrong there in Benin?  I have all the bank information you have requested, and I will send it to you, and send your bank's application form, once you have established your identity (see the earlier e-mail regarding an identifying photograph).

 

Come on Samull, you haven't got frightened have you?  Just think of the $6 million dollars that is your share.  I must admit that I keep thinking of my $2 million share at the strangest moments.

 

Regards

Steve

 

 

But then I’m forgetting that he’s scamming me too, so he’s probably just been applying a little delaying tactics to keep me on the boil.  Nice touch in his next e-mail about the external auditor.

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALL IS OK

 

Dear Steve,

 

All is ok,only we have terribly been busy tidying up a lot in the office as we are expecting external Auditors.

I would be sending you a comprehensive mail tomorrow ok?

I cannot go back on this transactiom.

Regards,

Samull.

 

 

I send back a nice e-mail again reminding him that I want a photo, I’ll have to slap him soon if he doesn’t send it.  Though perhaps I’m applying my abilities here in the western world on him, does he have to borrow a camera, does he have to bribe his way into a bank to get the photo taken, has he been reading 419eater.com and knows that I’m asking for a trophy?

 

 

Subject:  RE: ALL IS OK

To:                      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Samull,

 

I've been very busy, mainly setting up the computer facilities so that we can start work on this movie deal.  It is very late at night here in New Zealand, just on 11.30 pm, and I have just got home after another long and busy day in the office we are setting up.

 

I got your note dated Thursday 24th and wrote a reply.  But after several days of long work hours and intense concentration downloading and installing our computer programs and testing the systems, I don't know if I sent it or deleted it.  I cannot find it in my sent box so I must have deleted it.

 

I'm looking forward to the comprehensive mail you mentioned.  I await your proof of identity photograph and have all the bank information ready to send.

 

Regards

Steve

 

 

A week since Samull has e-mailed me, has he got suspicious?  I hope not.  Maybe I’d better try some kill or cure.

 

 

Subject:  What’s happening?

To:                      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Samull,

 

What’s going on???

 

I’ve been away since Monday filming background shots for this movie and I expected to get back and find an e-mail from you and everything would be ready to roll.

 

What do I see, nothing!  Come on, extract your digit and get this underway.  Ten days ago I asked you for some proof of your identity, that was the 21st of June and now it’s the 1st of July and I’m still waiting for a photograph of you at your bank desk or in front of the bank holding a sign with "Lord Seagoon of Bloodnok" written on it to be e-mailed to me.  I just want to know who you are, that’s all.

 

I’ve got a bank account set up.  I am the only one with access to it.  It’s completely under my control.  You send me your photo and I’ll send you my bank account details.

 

I’m beginning to think you’re worried about my deafness.  I get sick and tired of people making judgments about me just because I cannot hear.  I’m only deaf, not intellectually impaired!!!  I’m pretty busy with this film deal, and I don’t really need to be coming in to my computer whenever I can and logging on to see if you have sent me a message.

 

I just about feel like saying, “Get that money out of your country some other way.”  It’d be nice to have a couple of million dollars, I could really use it at the moment, but there’s just so much I will put up with.  If you’re worried about my deafness, well stuff it.  I don’t have to put up with your doubts.

 

Steve

 

 

I’d got the feeling that my lad had got suspicious, and after a break of 11 days the following arrives.  However it refers to an e-mail regarding his colleagues view about my request.

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR YOUR RESPONSE

 

Dear Steve,

 

Compliments of the day!!!

I have been expecting the response to the mail i sent to you regarding my colleagues view about your request.

Well,they are of the opinion that you seem not to be serious about this transaction with the way and manner you really have handled it.They as well suggested that we,the one transfering such huge amount into your accounts should demand for your photograph not the other way round.

It would amount to a lot if at the end of the day the transaction is not successfully completed by you,we might be impersonated.

Send the application now directely to the Bank or we seek someone else.

Regards,

Samull.

 

 

Now how to abuse them while still maintaining the baiting, that is the question?  I throw in a hint about a nice large telegraphic transfer from my bank in England to give them hope that there’s a lot of money waiting for them to scam.  lots of CAPITALS to show I’m angry.  I also attached an image of a tired Geoffrey Rush as a mollifying gesture.

 

 

Subject:  RE: HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR YOUR RESPONSE

To:                      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Samull,

 

I’d thought you’d been arrested or something, nearly two weeks and no word from you.  I HAVEN’T RECEIVED ANY E-MAILS FROM YOU SINCE YOUR E-MAIL OF THE 24TH JUNE!!!!!!!  And that one just said:

 

“Dear Steve,

All is ok, only we have terribly been busy tidying up a lot in the office as we are expecting external Auditors.

I would be sending you a comprehensive mail tomorrow ok?

I cannot go back on this transactiom.

Regards,

Samull.”

 

I never got your comprehensive mail the next day!!!!  I have sent you two e-mails since (on the 26th June and 1st July) and haven’t received an answer!!!!.

 

DON’T ACCUSE ME OF NOT BEING SERIOUS ABOUT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Now, I do have some concerns.  I’d like to know who I’m dealing with, therefore my request for a photo.  I’d still like a photo of you, I’d still like to know who I’m dealing with.

 

I understand though that you’d like a photo of me too, so I’m attaching the latest photo I’ve had taken.  Someone took this photo of me the other night leaving work after I’d spent a long day and half the evening staring at computer monitors, it’s not very flattering, my eyes felt like they’d had sand rubbed in them.

 

As I advised you nearly two weeks ago, I’ve got a bank account set up.  The New Zealand bank were very pleased to have a nice large telegraphic transfer arrive from my bank in England and were more than helpful.  However I don’t go sending off my banking particulars to just anyone, maybe I’m a little careful but I’d like to know who I’m dealing with.

 

SO, SHOW ME WHO YOU ARE IN A PHOTO HOLDING MY NAME AND I’LL SEND THE BANK APPLICATION OFF IMMEDIATELY BY RETURN.  My calculations tell me that we’ve got until November before the Government can claim this money so while we need to get this application registered with the bank, I don’t want to hurry it and make a mistake.  I'd like to have my share of this money sitting in my bank account just as much as you and your colleagues would probably like to have your share.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar.

 

 

Well, back comes a very prompt reply from my Benin Bayo boyyo.

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  DO IT THIS WAY

 

Dear Steve,

 

Thanks very much for your response.

How on earth could you be thinking that i have been arrested?

I just held a very brief discussion with my colleagues here immediately i recieved and read through your mail.

They still believe there is no need for anyone of us to send you a photo yet,not when you have not applied officially to the Bank and this transaction commenced and gotten underway.

Again,they are of the opinion that you should have held our Bank Name and take a picture of yourself rather than sending just any picture.

However,i in particular still believes in your ability to secure this funds transfer for us though they have been asking that i forget you and we seek someone else.

I need you to show them some very serious commitment by sending and processing your application urgently,if not i doubt the way they are talking we might not forge ahead with you because they are of the opinion that you seriously promised sending the Application directely to the Bank

here for processing as soon as you get hold of your account datas,which incidentally is right with you now.

 

Regards,

Samull.

 

 

It looks like a bit of an impass.  So best I lodge the bank application, continue the scam, and put any thoughts of a trophy on hold.  I’ve made him waste 20 days anyway.  I think this lad might have been burned before.  I’m also eager to get to the stage where I have to transfer some cash to my Benin Bayo boyyo, I’ve got a nasty surprise for him if I have to use Western Union.

 

 

Subject:  Bank Application being sent today

To:                      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Dear Samull,

 

Right.  Bank Application being sent today.  I’ll copy you the bank’s reply when received for your advice.

 

Regards

Steve

 

 

Now to put together some information for the Bank Application.  The abbreviation of the bank name, NZRFU, is that of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union.  The bank street address is that of a massage parlour.  The bank account number has 419 in reverse included in it.  I also send a copy of this e-mail to my Begin Bayo boyyo for his advice.

 

 

Subject:  Application as next of kin to Holder of Account Number DBA/004/952/23/0/00/2002

To:                      [email protected]

 

ATTN; DR DZIRI, Tchatara (P.hD)

DIRECTOR - FORIEGN REMITTANCE DEPT.

DIAMOND BANK OF AFRICA,

COTONOU,REPUBLIC OF BENIN,

E-MAIL ADDRESS     [email protected]

FAX- 00229-33-80-80

TEL -00229-07-97-59

 

APPLICATION AS NEXT OF KIN TO HOLDER OF ACCOUNT NUMBER. DBA/004/952/23/0/00/2002.

 

Dear Sir,

 

I, Stephen Nelson Trafalgar, humbly apply to this Bank today, Tuesday the 6th July, 2004, as next of kin to your Deceased customer Mr.Mauricio Jose De Matos who Died in the year 2002 in a plane crash. I apply putting claim over his balance with this Bank value at Eight Million, US Dollars ($8 million) left in account number DBA/004/952/23/0/00/2002

 

I also wish my application will be given urgent attention as I wish this balance be released and re-transferred into my account as stated below:-

 

Bank Name:   New Zealand Rural Farmers United Bank

Bank Address:   313 - 315 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand

Account Number:   069-914-0088459-00

Telephone and Fax of Bank:   64 7 575 9064

 

Accept my apology for the late application; it was due to some family logistics, which have just been sorted out. Thank you in anticipation of your co-operation.

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

Stephen Nelson Trafalgar

 

E-mail:   [email protected]

 

 

I receive this request from the bank, strange only requests for Certificate of Incorporation, Tax Clearance Certificate and Mr Jose de Matos’s Death Certificate/Affidavit.  Where is the request for a fee payment?

 

 

From:  "Foreign Remmittance Department Diamond Bank" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ATTENTION;MR TRAFALGAR

 

Attention;Mr Stephen Nelson Trafalgar,

 

Attached is for your urgent attention.

 

Sincerly Yours,

Mrs J. Temul.

Secretary,

FRD,DIAMONDBANK,BENIN.

 

 

Of course I reply immediately to my Benin Bayo boyyo asking his advice.

 

 

Subject:  Fwd: ATTENTION; MR TRAFALGAR

To:                      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Dear Samull,

 

I have just received the following e-mail from the Foreign Remittance Department of the Diamond Bank, Benin.  Attached to the e-mail is a letter from Dr Dziri Tchatan, Manager, Foreign Remittance Department, requesting for me to appear before the Funds release Panel on Friday 16th July 2004 for my clearance and document signing.  The letter states that “whereas you are unable to appear in person the Bank shall appoint (with your approval) a reputable attorney who would represent you.”

 

As well, the letter requests that I have the following documents:

 

Certificate of Incorporation

Tax Clearance Certificate

Mr Jose de Matos’s Death Certificate/Affidavit

 

Should I agree to that date, will you have all the documents required, will you provide the attorney to represent me.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

I receive instructions from my Benin Bayo boyyo,.  Yeah I know that in Africa “things works this way”, usually with bribes and payments for non-existent services.

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  OK,JUST DO THIS NOW

 

Dear Steve,

 

At last we really have started.

Please urgently respond to them urging the Bank to appoint an Attorney on your behalf.

As soon as the Attorney is appointed by the Bank officially,you get in touch with the law firm and asking them their requirements for such representations,that they would also assist you in the procurements of those documents required by the Bank.

Not even the Attorney must know that we are aware of this transaction,please remember we are still in active service at the Bank.

Here is Africa and things works this way,just follow our instuctions,ok.

Regards and hoping to hear from you soonest.

Samull.

 

 

I reply to the bank, asking that they appoint a reputable lawyer on my behalf.  Normally I would just have to comment on such an oxymoron as “reputable lawyer”, but didn’t comment this time as I want this scam to progress as soon as possible to the stage where I’m sending them Western Union transfers and we can get into the real fun.  I’m keen to get to the Western Union transfer stage because this scammer is in Benin, the country.  Fortunately there is a Benin City in Nigeria, I think it is in Edo province.  Wouldn’t it be delightful if my Benin Bay boyyo had to travel to Nigeria to get his money.  This would also counter the ability of my Benin Bayo boyyo to collect a Western Union transfer at any Western Union agency in Benin.

 

 

Subject:  Re:  ATTENTION; MR TRAFALGAR

To:                      "Foreign Remmittance Department Diamond Bank" [email protected]

 

Attention:  Dr Dziri Tchatan, Manager, Foreign Remittance Department,  FRD,DIAMONDBANK,BENIN.

 

Dear Sirs,

 

Thank you for your prompt response to my e-mail titled “Application as next of kin to Holder of Account Number DBA/004/952/23/0/00/2002”.

 

I would like your bank to proceed with appointing a reputable lawyer to appear on my behalf at the Funds Release Panel meeting on Friday 16th July 2004, and to handle the provision of a Certificate of Incorporation, a Tax Clearance Certificate and Mr Jose de Matos’s Death Certificate/Affidavit.

 

Yours sincerely

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

I have been remiss, letting my lad hang for nearly a week.  He sends me “keep in touch” e-mails.

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  good day

 

Dear steve,

good day? i hope all is well.

please i want to hear from you

thanks and god bless you.

s bayo

 

 

and

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  my Identity card mr samull bayo

 

Dear steve.

 

good day? how is your work. hope fine,

i sent my Identity card for you and please have you got any information from the bank.

please i want know.

thanks and god bless you

 

 

Subject:  Re: my Identity card mr samull bayo

To:                      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Samull,

 

I'm sorry that I haven't been in touch.  My e-mail account has been flooded with junk mail and reached the limit of mail in my inbox.  Over the weekend I've been deleting all sorts of e-mails for fake degrees, viagra pills, penis enlargement and such.

 

I have not heard from the bank.  I sent them an e-mail on Friday 9th July asking them to appoint a lawyer on my behalf, and have had no response.

 

With the hassle of having my e-mail blocked I have overlooked that the Funds Release Panel meeting was on Friday 16th July.  I am sending another e-mail to the bank to follow up the appointment of a lawyer.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

And the reminder to the bank.

 

 

Subject:  “Application as next of kin to Holder of Account Number DBA/004/952/23/0/00/2002”

To:                      [email protected]

Bcc:                    "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Attention:  Dr Dziri Tchatan, Manager, Foreign Remittance Department,  FRD,DIAMONDBANK,BENIN.

 

Dear Sirs,

I have not received any reply to my e-mail below.

I note that the Funds Release Panel Meeting was scheduled for Friday 16th July.

I need you to appoint a reputable lawyer to appear on my behalf at the next scheduled meeting of the Funds Release Panel.

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

(E-mail of Friday 9th July attached)

 

 

Nothing happening, better show some enthusiasm.

 

 

Subject:  What's happening?

To:                      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Samull,

 

What's happening?  I've heard nothing from the bank about appointing a lawyer and the last Funds Release meeting was held on Friday 16th!

 

You'd better look into this, I've got better things to do than sit around all day checking my e-mail.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

And follow up.

 

 

Subject:  ATTENTION: Mrs J. Temul

To:                      [email protected]

Bcc:                    "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Dear Mrs Temul,

 

I replied to this e-mail on Friday 9th July and asked your bank to appoint a reputable lawyer who would represent me at your Funds release Panel meeting on Friday 16th July,

 

I HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE FROM YOUR BANK REGARDING THIS MATTER.

 

Please advise what steps you are taking to release these funds.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  URGENT REPLY REQUIRED

 

Dear Mr Steve,

 

Thanks for your message with all the content duly noted, first of all i am very sorry for my late reply to your message the reason was i went for a meeting in our sister country here LOME TOGO.

 

As per your request concerning the lawyer that will represent you before the fund release panel, i'm quite sure the bank to would urgently introduce you to one of their reputable lawyer here that can represent you because i don't want the bank to know that we are working togehter so contact the bank about this and keep me informed.

 

Yours sincerely.

Mr Samull

 

 

Subject:  Re: URGENT REPLY REQUIRED

To:                      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Dear Samull,

 

If I were the suspicious type, then I would think that the bank were deliberately delaying actioning this request.  It is in their interests to keep hold of this money for as long as possible isn't it, just imagine the interest they're earning on $8 million.  Even at 3% thats $4,500 per week!

 

I think that we are both being scammed her.  The bank will probably do anything to stop paying over this money.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  URGENT REPLY REQUIRED

 

Hello steve.

 

please if you dont want to go on with this transcation again you better tell me .

now the bank sent me the information they sent to you.   why are you doing like this to me.by teling me that you have not receive any from the bank.

see the information bellow.

Please try to get in touch with them.

mr samull

 

N.B

FROM:, Foreign Remittance Department,  FRD,DIAMONDBANK,BENIN

TO:MR Steve Trafalgar,

Sir,

This is to confirm the receipt of your message to this bank concerning the release of your fund to your nominated account as the next of kin to Mr Jose de Matos’s our late costumer.

As per your request we advise you the contact our acredited lawyer and arrange with him to represent you before the FUND RELEASE PANEL METTING, to enable us approve your fund and process to the transfer to your nominated bank account.

The contact of the lawyer are as follows.

ALFAL CHAMBERS & ASSOCIATES

COTONOU BENIN REPUBLIC.

TEL:+229 405017

EMAIL:[email protected]

Contact person:Barrister Sanni Adebayo.

Contact this lawyer immidiately on receipt of this message and arrange with him to represent you before the Panel for your own good

Best regards.

Dr Dziri Tchatan,

 

 

I’d better reply to the bank’s message, which I never did receive, seeing I’ve ignored my lad for 10 days or so.

 

 

Subject:  Re: URGENT REPLY REQUIRED

To:                      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Samull,

 

I have been out of town filming in the Uruwera Forest south of here for two weeks.  This e-mail from you, below, was in my inbox on my return yesterday.

 

However, I have NEVER received the e-mail from the bank that you copied to me.

 

I will action their message immediately, and blind copy it to you.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

So I contact the recommended “reputable” lawyers.

 

 

Subject:  Diamond Bank, Fund Release Panel Meeting

To:                      [email protected]

CC:                     <[email protected]>

BCC:                   "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Alfal Chamber & Associates

 

Dear Sirs,

 

The Diamond Bank, Cotonou, Benin, have forwarded me your contact details as reputable Lawyers to represent me at a Fund Release Panel Meeting as the next of kin of Mr Jose de Matos, their late customer.

 

I would request that you contact Dr Dziri Tchatan of the Foreign Remittance Department of the Diamond Bank there in Cotonou, Benin regarding the release of funds which comprise part of Mr de Matos estate.

 

I am sorry that I have taken so long to contact you.  I am involved in a movie project in New Zealand and for the last two weeks we have been filming backgrounds in a forest south of where I have set up my office, and well away from mobile phone and internet coverage.

 

Thank you

Steve Trafalgar

 

Director

STR Graphics Co Ltd

 

 

So, finally someone asks me for money!

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

FROM:ALFAL CHAMBERS & ASSOCIATES

SOLICITORS & ADVOCATES

CARRE 36 JERICHO BEBE

COTONOU BENIN REPUBLIC

WEST AFRICA

TEL:+229 405017

 

TO:MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

 

SIR,

 

THIS IS TO CONFIRM THE RECEIPT OF YOUR MESSAGE TO THIS

CHAMBER REQUESTING US TO REPRESENT YOU IN THE FUND

RELEASE PANEL MEETING OF DIAMOND BANK OF COTONOU BENIN

REPUBLIC.

 

FIRST OF ALL WE WELL COME YOU TO OUR CHAMBER AND

PROMISE TO RENDER THE BEST OF OUR SERVICES TO YOU

CONCERNING THIS MATTER.

 

WE ARE READY TO HANGLE YOUR JOB PERFECTLY BUT BEFORE WE

PROCEED KINDLY SEND ACROSS OUR CONSULTATION FEE OF

USD500, AS SOON AS WE RECEIVE THE CONSULTATION FEE WE

SHALL PROCEED IMMIDIATELY AND REPRESENT YOU IN THE

PANEL MEETING.

 

YOU CAN SEND THE CONSULTATION FEE WITH THE NAME OF MY

SECRETARY BELOW

 

GODWIN NWADIKE.

WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER COTONOU BENIN REPUBLIC.

 

SEND THE CONTROL NUMBER TO THIS CHAMBER FOR US TO

COLLECT IT ANS START YOUR JOB.

 

AWAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU.

 

BEST REGARDS.

 

BARRISTER SANNI ADEBAYO.

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  MR STEVE DO THIS ASAP PLS

 

Dear Mr Steve Trafalgar,

 

How are you and your family? thanks for your message, infact i amnot happy with the way your are handling this transaction, you know what both of us will benefit once we clear this money why not pay attention to it before the bank stops the transfer of the fund.

 

Please its important you finalise with the lawyer to represent in the next meeting if not we will lose this fund, its very very important you finalise with the lawyer before then and keep me informed.

 

I will be waiting to hear from you soonest.

mr samull

 

 

Subject:  Re: MR STEVE DO THIS ASAP PLS

To:                      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Samull,

 

Actioning the Solicitor's request immediately.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar.

 

 

Better get my Western Union money transfer off immediately, well soon, maybe eventually.  I’m also going to let the solicitors know why I’m unavailable when the WU money transfer doesn’t go through

 

 

Subject:  Western Union Money Transfer

To:                      [email protected]

 

Attention:  Barrister Sanni Adebayo.

 

Dear Sirs,

 

I have been to the Western Union agency and arranged for the money transfer to be sent to you.

 

The agency will e-mail me the control number and details of the money transfer as an electronic file for me to forward to you.

 

They have had new security measures put in place for money transfers to western Africa.  Apparently Western union have had a large number of disputed transactions in that area, and Western Union agencies in New Zealand are amongst the first in the world to use this new technology.

 

I will forward the money transfer control number and other details as soon as I receive them.

 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar.

 

 

And the WU money transfer gets sent.

 

 

Subject:  Western Union Money Transfer

To:                      [email protected]

 

Attention:  Barrister Sanni Adebayo.

 

Dear Sirs,

 

I have been received the following e-mail from my local western union agency.

 

Attached are the control number and details of the money transfer as an electronic file.

 

Please credit this payment against the consultancy fee for your solicitors to represent me at the Diamond Bank Fund Release Panel Meeting as the next of kin of Mr Jose de Matos, their late customer.

 

We have completed a major portion of the filming work I have been involved with recently, so I am taking my young nephew on a snow skiing holiday at the mountains a couple of hours drive south of here.  If you require any further documents or identification, please send me an e-mail and I will respond when I return on Friday 20th August.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar.

 

-----  BAYFAIR POSTSHOP sent:  -----

 

Mr Steve Trafalgar,

 

This is an automatic mail, do not respond to this e-mail address.

 

Attached as electronic file <WUXfer Godwin Nwadike.gif> are the control number and details of the Western Union money transfer you have arranged.

 

Have the payee open this electronic file, all details required for cashing this Western Union money transfer will be downloaded from the Western Union website.

 

BAYFAIR POSTSHOP

Shop 706 Bayfair Shopping Mall

Mount Manuganui

 

 

Unfortunately it seems that the solicitors cannot open the attached file.  Also unfortunately, I have left for my skiing trip with my nephew and won’t be back until Friday 20th August.

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

FROM:ALFAL CHAMBERS & ASSOCIATES

 

SOLICITORS & ADVOCATES

 

CARRE 36 JERICHO BEBE

COTONOU BENIN REPUBLIC

WEST AFRICA

TEL:+229 405017

 

TO:MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

 

SIR,

 

WE WISH TO NOTIFY YOU THAT THE RECEIPT OF THE WESTERN UNION YOU SENT TO US CANNOT OPEN HERE, SO PLEASE OPEN IT YOUR SELF AND SEND THE INFORMATION TO US BY EMAIL TO ENABLE US COLLECT THE FEE FROM WESTERN UNION AND REPRESENT YOU IN THE PANEL MEETING.

 

WE SHALL THE BE WAITING FOR THE CONTROL NUMBER AND OTHER INFORMATION OF THE PAYMENT AS WE CANNONT DOWNLOAD THE ATTACHEMENT, TREAT AS URGENT TO ENABLE US SERVE YOU BETTER.

 

BEST REGARDS.

 

BARRISTER SANNI ADEBAYO

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  URGENT INFORMATION

 

FROM:ALFAL CHAMBERS & ASSOCIATES

 

SOLICITORS & ADVOCATES

 

CARRE 36 JERICHO BEBE

COTONOU BENIN REPUBLIC

WEST AFRICA

TEL:+229 405017

 

TO:MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

 

SIR,

 

PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO OPEN THE ATTACHEMENT TO COLLECT THE INFORMATION OF THE WESTERN UNION YOU SENT.

 

KINDLY RESEND THE INFORMATION TO US BY EMAIL TO ENABLE US COLLECT THE FEE AND REPRESENT YOU IN THE PANEL METTING, TREAT AS URGENT TO ENABLE US SERVE YOU BETTER.

 

REGARDS.

 

BARRISTER SANNI ADEBAYO

 

 

And Samull tries to set a deadline so that I’ll reply.  Oh well, if the deadline goes by then the fake money will still be just so much fake money.

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  MR STEVE DO THIS ASAP PLS

 

Dear Mr Steve,

 

I have not heard from you concerning the lawyer you in the panel meeting, please the final date for the panel meeting will be on the 17th of August 2004 and if you lawyer is not there present to represent you for the release of the fund infact we will loset the money so please try all you can to finalise the lawyer before this date to enable him represent you.

 

I will be waiting for your urgent response to this matter.

 

Yours Sincerely.

 

Mr Samull Bayo

 

 

Better get back to Samull and the solicitors that I’ve been delayed getting back from skiing and why they haven’t been able to open the Western Union form.  There seem to be a lot of urgent e-mails in my inbox.  Even the bank sends me an e-mail, though from a secretary, advising a deadline.

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  MR STEVE DO THIS ASAP PLS

 

Dear Steve ,

 

How are you today. hope you are fine and yours family

I hope you receive the mail i sent to you if so try to late me know on what to do ok.

 

Thanks and best regard.

MR SAMULL

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  VERY URGENT

 

Attn:Mr Steve Trafalgar,

 

We wish to let you know that the consultion fee you sent to us has not been collected as we can not open the attachement to collect the information.

 

Kindly contact your agent and send the information to us by email to enable us collect the fee and represent you in the panel meeting by monday.

 

Best regards.

 

Barrister Sanni Adebayo.

 

 

From:  <[email protected]>

Subject:  DIAMOND BANK BENIN

 

FROM:THE INTERNATIONAL REMITTANCE DEPT

DIAMOND BANKOF COTONOU BENIN REPUBLIC

WEST AFRICA

TEL:+229 088982 (MANAGER)

FAX:+229 323549

17/08/2004

TO:MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

SIR,

CONFIDENTIAL,

 

THIS BANK IS COMPLETELY INDOUBT WHY YOU REFUSED TO FINALISE WITH YOUR ATTORNEY HERE TO REPRESENT YOU IN THE PANEL MEETING FOR THE IMMIDIATE RELEASE OF YOUR FUND.

WE HEREBY MANDATE YOU TO PRESENT YOUR ATTORNEY TO THIS PANEL ON OR BEFORE 20/08/2004 TO REPRESENT YOU IN THE PANEL MEETING OR WE CANCEL YOUR APPLICATION.

TREAT AS URGENT TO ENABLE US SERVE YOU BETTER.

BEST REGARDS.

MS CINTIA RENOU

FOR THE MANAGER DIAMOND BANK BENIN

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  VERY URGENT

 

Dear Mr Steve,

 

How are you and your family today? infact i don't like the way you are handling this transaction, have you bein able to finalise with the lawyer to represent in the panel meeting? no please try andfinalise with the lawyer before friday if not the bank will stop the release of the money to you.

 

I willbe waiting to hear from you.

 

Yours sincerely.

Mr Samull Bayo.

 

 

I reply to the solicitors and the bank, and blind copy Samull.

 

 

Subject:  Delay in communicating

To:                      [email protected]

To:                      [email protected]

BCC:                   [email protected]

 

TO:  Barrister Sanni Adebayo, Alfal Chambers and Associates

TO:  Dr Dziri Tchatan, Manager, Foreign Remittance Department,  FRD,DIAMONDBANK,BENIN.

 

Dear Sirs,

 

I must first apologise for the delay in communicating with you both.  I took the opportunity of a break in my business commitments to take my nephew skiing on the mountain just a few hour’s drive south of here.  We had a number of wonderful days skiing, but on Tuesday last week the worst storm for 40 years set in and we were snowed in at the lodge we were staying in up the mountain.

 

The storm did not clear until Saturday morning.  We had to walk down the mountain, and I slipped and injured my knee.  The medics who attended my injury had to wait for the road to be opened by snow ploughs for an ambulance to take me to the hospital in the nearest town where I stayed overnight.

 

The medics fear that I may have torn a ligament in my knee, and have put my leg in a plaster cast.  My sister and her husband had to drive down to the mountain on Sunday to collect my car and bring my nephew and me home. I finally got home late on Sunday night, but my sister was not very happy that her son had been trapped up a mountain in a blizzard for five days, and that she had to drive nearly 400 kilometres to collect us.

 

I see there have been a number of e-mails in my absence.  I had better deal with these.

 

First, Dr Dziri Tchatan.  I have contacted a firm of Solicitors there in Cotonou, Alfal Chambers and Associates and Barrister Sanni Adebayo is acting on my behalf.

 

Second, Barrister Sanni Adebayo.  I have phoned the local Western Union agency here and they assure me that the electronic file containing the money transfer details is absolutely secure.  This type of electronic file is becoming commonly used in business money transfers.  The electronic money transfer details are secured with a 256 bit encryption system, and any competent bank or legal firm should have the software to decypher the file and access the money transfer details.

 

As you appear to be having problems opening this file, the local Western Union agency has suggested that they cancel the original money transfer and that they prepare a more normal money transfer, such as those used for money transfers between individuals.  I hope to get to the local Western Union agency in a day or two to send this money transfer to you.  I have a hospital appointment later today to have x-rays taken of my knee.  If the ligament is in fact torn then I will probably be restricted to a wheel chair for about two or three weeks.  I will get to the Western Union agency as soon as possible.

 

Thirdly, Dr Dziri Tchatan.  Reinstate my application and co-ordinate with Alfal Chamber and Associates a convenient time for them to appear on my behalf before the funds release panel.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar.

 

 

The solicitors reply, they refer to my nephew as my “brother”.

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  URGENT INFORMATION

 

FROM:ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

TO:MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

 

SIR,

 

THIS IS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECEIPT OF YOUR MESSAGE TO THIS CHAMBER CONCERNING THE CONSULTATION FEE.

 

FIRST OF ALL WE SYMPATHISE WITH YOU ON THE INCIDENT THAT HAPPEND TO YOU AND YUR BROTHER.

 

REGARDING TO THE FEE YOU KNOW VERY WELL THAT THIS IS AFRICA WE ARE STILL USING MANUAL SISTEM OF BANKING HERE, SO PLEASE RESEND THE MONEY THROUGH NORMAL WEST UNION AND SEND THE INFORMATION TO THIS CHAMBER FOR US TO START YOUR JOB.

 

REGARDS.

 

GODWIN NWADIKE

 

 

And a reply from the bank.  Note how they too have referred to my nephew, my sister’s son, as my “brother”.

 

 

From:                  "Foreign Remmittance Department Diamond Bank" <[email protected]>

Subject:  DIAMOND BANK BENIN

 

FROM:THE INTERNATIONAL REMITTANCE DEPT

DIAMOND BANKOF COTONOU BENIN REPUBLIC

WEST AFRICA

TEL:+229 088982 (MANAGER)

FAX:+229 323549

24/08/2004

TO:MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

SIR,

THIS IS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECEIPT OF YOUR MESSAGE TO THIS BANK CONCERNING THE ISSUE OF THE ATTORNEY WHO WILL REPRESENT YOU IN THE PANEL MEETING FOR THE RELEASE OF YOUR FUND.

FIRST OF ALL WE ARE SORRY FOR THE INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED TO YOU AND YOUR BROTHER, WE HAVE TAKEN NOTE OF YOUR REQUEST AND ADVISE YOU TO FINALISE EVERY THING WITH YOUR LAWYER TO RESPRESENT YOU IN THE PANEL MEETING THAT WILL BE HELD ON THE 27/08/2004.

BEST REGARDS,

Ms CINIA RENOU

FOR THE MANAGER DIAMOND BANK BENIN

 

 

I’ll try to get the meeting postponed, otherwise it might just be the time to send the money order to Benin City, Nigeria.

 

 

Subject:  DIAMOND BANK BENIN

To:                      [email protected]

To:                      [email protected]

 

Dear Sirs,

 

My doctors have advised me that I can now walk for very short distances with my leg in a plaster cast provided I use a cane.  However, I need to be driven by somebody else so will not be able to visit the Western Union office until Friday 27th.  Due to the nature of international date and time, this is Thursday night there in Nigeria.  I wonder if there would be sufficient time for you to clear this money transfer and proceed with the meeting.

 

Is it possible to move the meeting back until the Friday, 3rd September?

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  MR SAMULL

 

Dear Steve Trafalgar,

 

How are you today hope all is well to you.

first of all am sorry for the incident that happened to you.and i hope that all will be ok by this time so please try late us finsh this transcation i am waiting to hear from you.

Thanks and best Regard.

Mr samull

 

 

Oops, is it an insult to call someone from the Republic of Benin a Nigerian?  This offers me the perfect excuse for sending the WU money transfer to Benin City, Nigeria.

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

To:                      [email protected]

Date:                   Wed 25 Aug 2004

 

 

ATTN:STEVE TRAFALGAR,

 

SIR,

 

THIS IS TO CONFIRM THE RECEIPT OF YOUR MESSAGE TO THIS CHAMBER CONCERNING THE PANEL MEETING SCHEDULED ON FRIDAY THE 27TH OF AUGUST.

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT NIGERIAN AS YOU MENTION IN YOUR LETTER, WE ARE IN COTONOU BENIN REPULIC WEST AFRICA PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THIS.

 

THE MEETING HAS BEEN SCHEDULED ALREADY TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY 27TH AUGUST 2004 SO TRY YOUR LEVEL BEST TO SEND THE MONEY OUT EALIER ON FRIDAY SO THAT WE CAN STILL COLLECT IT AND REPRESENT YOU IN THE MEETING.

 

REMEMBER THE MONEY WITH THE INFORMATION BELOW.

 

GODWIN NWADIKE

WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER COTONOU BENIN REPUBLIC

WEST AFRICA.

 

BEST REGARDS.

 

BARRISTER SANNI ADEBAYO

 

 

So I send them advice of the Western Union money transfer.

 

 

Subject:  WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER

To:                      [email protected]

 

Attention: Barrister Sanni Adebayo

 

Dear Sir,

 

I have just returned from the local Western union agency, and you will be pleased to know I have today been able to send your fee by Western Union money transfer.

 

Here are the details you will require to claim the payment:

 

Sender:   Steve Trafalgar

Place of Deposit:   Mt Maunganui, New Zealand

Name of recipient:   Godwin Nwadike

Place of receipt:   Benin City, Nigeria

Amount:   $ US 500.00

Western Union Money transfer control number:   1419421233

Question:   What have I injured?

Answer:   My knee

 

I look forward to your company being able to represent me at the panel meeting at the Diamond Bank tomorrow.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

It appears as if the solicitors haven’t noticed the WU money transfer was made out for collection in Benin City, Nigeria.

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

ATTN:MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

 

THANKS FOR YOUR URGENT ATTETION TO THIS MATTER, WE SHALL COLLECT THE MONEY AND REPRESENT YOU IN THE MEETING TOMORROW FOR THE RELEASE OF YOUR FUND.

 

WE SHALL KEEP YOU POSTED AFTER THE MEETING TOMORROW.

 

BEST REGARDS.

 

BARRISTER SANNI ADEBAYO

 

 

Oh, Barrister Sanni Adebayo seems a little upset, his sectretary couldn’t collect the money from Western Union.

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

ATTN:MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

 

INFACT I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE DOING OR ARE YOU PLAYING WITH THIS CHAMBER? MY SECRETARY WENT TO WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER HERE YESTERDAY WITH THE INFORMATION YOU GAVE TO US AND DID NOT FIND ANY MONEY IN THE WESTERN UNION WHICH MEANS YOU DIDN'T SEND ANY MONEY TO US.

 

I REPRESENTED YOU AT THE PANEL MEETING YESTERDAY AND THE FINAL MEETING FOR THE RELEASE OF YOUR FUND WILL BE ON MONDAY SO GO TO YOUR LOCAL AGENT WHERE YOU SENT THE MONEY AND ASK HIM WHERE HE SENT THE MONEY TO?

 

I TOLD YOU EALIER TO YOU SHOULD SEND THE MONEY TO COTONOU BENIN REPUBLIC WEST AFRICA NOT BENIN NIGERIA, WE ARE NOT IN NIGERIA COTONOU BENIN REPUBLIC IS A COUNTRY OF ITS OWN, MAKE SURE YOU GO AND RESEND THAT MONEY FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING IF NOT I AM NOT GOING TO REPRESENT YOU BY MONDAY WHICH IS THE FINAL DAY.

 

TREAT AS URGENT.

 

BEST REGARDS.

 

BARRISTER SANNI ADEBAYO

 

 

The tone of this e-mail from Barrister Sanni Abebayo deserves a bit of a slap.  Let’s see if they also notice that I’ve copied Samull.

 

 

Subject:  Re: ALFAL CHAMBERS

To:                      [email protected]

CC:                     "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Attention:  Barrister Sanni Abebayo

 

Dear Mr Abebayo,

 

I do not appreciate the tone of your last e-mail.  Such an abusive attitude will never successfully conclude the transfer of these funds.

 

I don't know how you conduct business in Africa, whether you are in Nigeria or in the Republic of Benin, but I expect a degree of civility, humility and understanding for the mistakes of others from those with whom I conduct business.

 

If you wish to be insulting, then let me assure you that I am working with a number of Australians who would be only to happy to tell me some of their colourful phrases with which to describe your business practices and attitude.

 

I am a reasonably wealthy man, and I do not need to accept an abusive e-mail such as you have sent to finalise the transfer of funds from some long lost relative who died in Western Africa.  I considered closing our business relationship and leaving the money to rot there in the Diamond Bank.

 

However, I have checked with the local Western Union agent, and they admit their mistake in forwarding the money transfer to the wrong country.  This is a small city where I am working, and the Western Union agency admit having never sent a money transfer to the country of Benin before, in fact they have never sent a money transfer to Benin City, Nigeria before either.  Apparently when entering "Benin" into the computer, their computer system defaults to Benin City in Nigeria.  To enter the country of Benin, the entry must be "Republic of Benin".

 

The local Western Union agency have changed the coding on the money transfer which should allow it to be collected in the Republic of Benin.  The details are as advised in my earlier e-mail, but are repeated here.

 

Sender:  Steve Trafalgar

Place of Deposit:  Mt Maunganui, New Zealand

Name of recipient:  Godwin Nwadike

Place of receipt:  Cotonou, Republic of Benin

Amount:  $ US 500.00

Western Union Money Transfer control number:

1419421233

Question:  What have I injured?

Answer:  My knee

 

I trust you will be dealing with the bank funds release panel in a more businesslike manner.  Please advise how the release of the funds progresses, and if you have any other problems regarding the money transfer.

 

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

YES!!!  A good slap usually works!

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

DEAR MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

 

SIR,

 

FIRST OF ALL I HAVE TO START BY APOLOGIZING FOR THE WAY I WROTE TO YOU THE LAST TIME, THANKS FOR YOUR URGENT ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER, I DID REPRESENT YOU IN THE PANEL MEETING TODAY IN THE BANK AND THE RELEASE OF YOUR FUND HAS BEEN APPROVED PANEL AND THE BANK WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THAT TO YOU BY TOMORROW AND PROCESS THE TRANSFER OF YOUR MONEY.

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE PROMISE TO RENDER THE BEST OF OUR SERVICES TO YOU REGARDING THIS MATTER UNTILL YOU CONFIRM YOU FUND IN YOUR ACCOUNT.

 

PLEASE PAY ATTENTION SIR,

 

YOURS FAITHFULLY.

 

BARRISTER SANNI ADEBAYO.

 

 

Now to set the stage for the Western union money transfer to go missing.

 

 

From:                  [email protected]

Subject:  Re: ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

Attention:  Barrister Sanni Adebayo

 

Dear Sir,

 

Thank you for advising how the Monday meeting at the bank went.  I have not however heard from the bank, do I need to contact them regarding the transfer of the funds?

 

I am pleased to be able to tell you that I have been down to the Western Union agency and they confirm that the money transfer was cashed at the Ecobank, Avenue St Michel, Atlantique, Cotonou, Benin.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Re: Monday meeting

 

ATTN;MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

 

THANKS FOR YOUR MESSAGE TO THIS CHAMBER, AS PER YOUR REQUEST I HAVE FINALISE ARRAGEMENT WITH THE PANEL FOR THE RELEASE OF YOUR FUND AND THEY HAVE REQUESTED ME TO SIGN YOUR FUND RELEASE ORDER TO ENABLE THEM PROCESS THE TRANSFER OF YOUR FUND WHICH I REFUSED BECAUSE MY SECRETARY HAS GONE TO WESTERN UNION HERE TO COLLECT THE FEE YOU SENT TO THIS CHAMBER ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE FEE WAS NOT SENT.

 

THEREFORE IF YOU WANT THIS CHAMBER TO GO AND SIGN THE FINAL RELEASE ORDER ON YOUR BEHALF KINDLY SEND THE MONEY WITH CORRECT CONTROL NUMBER.

 

REGARDS.

 

BARRISTER SANNI ADEBAYO

 

 

Subject:  Re: ALFAL CHAMBERS

To:                      [email protected]

CC:                     "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Attention:  Barrister Sanni Adebayo

 

Dear Sir,

 

I am pleased that the bank has agreed to finalise the release of my funds.  However I cannot understand your refusal to sign the fund release order because you have not received the money transfer.

 

As I told you in my last e-mail, I went down to the Western Union agency and they told me that the money transfer was cashed at the Ecobank, Avenue St Michel, Atlantique, Cotonou, Benin.  They say the money transfer with the control number 1419421233 was cashed at 10.30 am on Tuesday 31 August.

 

I will check again with them regarding the status of the money transfer and advise.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

And I confirm that the local Western Union agency tells me that the money order was cashed.

 

 

Subject:  Money order cashed, confirmed

To:                      [email protected]

BCC:                   "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Attention:  Barrister Sanni Adebayo

 

Dear Sir,

 

The local Western Union agency has confirmed that the money order I sent Godwin Nwadike was cashed.  They showed me their electronic record which gave the time, date and place that the money order was cashed at 10.30 on Tuesday 7th September at the Avenue St Michel branch of Ecobank in Cotonou.

 

Please trace what happened to this money order at your end.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

So the money wasn’t cashed by the solicitor’s office, but he’s going to sign the release form anyway.  Wow, a FREEBIE!!!

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

Attn Mr Steve Trafalgar,

 

Sir,

 

Thanks for your information, please note that the money was not cash through office but in any case i am going to do my job to you concerning this matter with DIAMOND BANK here, i will go and sign you fund release order by monday for the bank to release your fund.

 

We shall keep you posted.

 

Regards.

 

Barrister Sanni Adebayo

 

 

Better thank Barrister Adebayo for his help, and maybe offer him a little something when I get my money.  I could offer him much more, seeing the money doesn’t exist.

 

 

Subject:  Personal for Barrister Sanni Adebayo

To:                      [email protected]

 

Attention:  Barrister Sanni Adebayo

 

Dear Sir,

 

Thank you for your e-mail last Thursday.  I appreciate you handling this transaction, despite the money transfer being cashed by someone unknown.  I have heard that many countries in western Africa have problems with corruption, do you think that someone bribed the Western Union officials there in Cotonou?

 

I am also sorry I did not reply immediately I got your e-mail.  I have been working on some special images for the Directors cut DVD version of “The Lord of the Rings” movie, we’ve been working day and night for several days getting the effects we wanted.

 

You are probably aware of the magnitude of the transaction you are handling with the bank on my behalf.  I would like to propose a token of my appreciation for your decision to handle this transaction.  I would like to promise you a personal payment of $10,000 once the funds of my late relative have been cleared through to my account.

 

Thank you again

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

DEAR MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

 

SIR,

 

THANKS FOR YOUR MESSAGE WITH ALL THE CONTENT DULY NOTED, AS PER YOUR REQUEST TO THIS CHAMBER I WAS AT THEBANK TODAY AND YOUR FUND RELEASE ORDER HAS BEEN SIGNED.

 

THE BANK WILL START THE PROCESS OF THE TRANSFER OF YOUR FUND TO YOUR ACCOUNT BY TOMORROW SO PLEASE RECONFIRM YOUR BANK INFORMATION TO AVOID ANY MISTAKE DURING TRNASFER AS I AM GOING TO MONITOR THE TRANSFER.

 

MAKE SURE THE ACCOUNT GETS TO ME BY TOMMORROW, THANKS FOR YOUR PROMISE TO THIS CHAMBER.

 

YOUR IN SERVICE.

 

BARRISTER SANNI ADEBAYO

 

 

I’d better get my bank details off to my Beninoise solicitor.  The bank name abbreviates to NZRFU (New Zealand Rugby Football Union) and the address and phone number are of a local “massage” parlour.

 

Message to myself:  Don’t hurry, waste the Lad’s time.

 

 

Subject:  Bank details for Steve Trafalgar

To:                      [email protected]

 

Attention:  Barrister Sanni Adebayo

 

Dear Sir,

 

Thank you for your e-mail yesterday.  My banking details are:

 

Bank Name:   New Zealand Rural Farmers United Bank

Bank Address:   313 - 315 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand

Account Name:   Steve Trafalgar

Account Number:   069-914-0088459-00

Telephone and Fax of Bank:   64 7 575 9064

 

Thank you for monitoring this transfer, I look forward to hearing from you further.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

And the Barrister comes back with advice that it is the bank’s turn now to try to get money out of me!

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

ATTN MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

 

DEAR SIR,

 

PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT I WAS AT THE BANK TODAY AND

YOUR FUND HAS BEEN RELEASED, THE BANK MANAGER PROMISE

TO CONTACT YOU TODAY, PLEASE FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTION

FOR THE TRANSFER OF YOUR FUND.

 

KEEP ME INFORMED ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT.

 

YOURS IN SERVICE

 

BARRISTER SANNI ADEBAYO

 

 

And sure enough, the bank has agreed to release these funds.  The attached letter from the bank states that I must pay 8,000 Euro for the provision of a Deed of Assignment and a Deed of Conveyance.

 

 

From:                  "Foreign Remmittance Department Diamond Bank" <[email protected]>

Subject:  DIAMOND BANK BENIN

 

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL REMITTANCE OF

DIAMOND BANK OF COTONOU BENIN REPUBLIC

WEST AFRICA

TEL:+229 088982 (MANAGER)

FAX:+229 323474

TO:MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

SIR,

 

CONFIDENTIAL

 

THIS IS TO NOTIFY YOU THAT THE DIRECTORS OF THIS BANK HAS APPROVED THE TRANSFER OF YOUR FUNDTO YOUR NOMINATED ACCOUNT AS THE BONAFIDE NEXT OF KIN TO OUR LATE COSTUMER, ATTACHED TO THIS MESSAGE IS YOUR APPROVAL LETTER.

YOUR ARE HEREBY ADVISE TO GO THROUGH YOUR APPROVAL LETTER AND FOLLOW THE INSTRCTION THERE FOR THE IMMIDIATE TRANSFER OF YOUR FUNDTO YOUR ACCOUNT WITHOUT DELAY, ONCE WE CONFIRM THE RECEIPT OF THE DEED OF CONVEYANCE AND DEED OF ASSIGNMENT FEE AS REQUEST BY THIS BANK TO CARRY OUT THE TRANSFER YOUR FUND WILL BE REMITTED TO YOUR ACCOUNT.

TREAT AS URGENT TO ENABLE US SERVE YOU BETTER.

BEST REGARDS.

MS CINTIA RENOU

FOR THE MANAGER INTERNATIONAL REMMITTANCE DEPT.

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

ATTN MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

 

DEAR SIR,

 

PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT I WAS AT THE BANK TODAY AND YOUR FUND HAS BEEN RELEASED, THE BANK MANAGER PROMISE TO CONTACT YOU TODAY, PLEASE FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTION FOR THE TRANSFER OF YOUR FUND.

 

KEEP ME INFORMED ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT.

 

YOURS IN SERVICE

 

BARRISTER SANNI ADEBAYO

 

 

The solicitor really wants  to get his 8,000 Euros.

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

Dear Mr Steve Trafalgar,

 

Sir,

 

What is going on? the bank told me that thet will contact you yesterday for the process of the transfer of your fund, please confirm to me if you have had from them let me follow up.

 

Yours in service

 

Barrister Sanni Adebayo

 

 

I’d better let Barrister Sanni Adebayo know that the bank has said I should send 8,000 Euros to him to obtain these documents.  I think I’ll be a bit wary about sending money by Western Union, I might ask the bank how to send the money.

 

 

Subject:  Re: ALFAL CHAMBERS

To:                      [email protected]

 

Attention:  Barrister Sanni Adebayo

 

Dear Sir,

 

Sorry for the delay, I have been out of town for the last two days researching filming locations.

 

I did receive an e-mail from the Diamond Bank on Tuesday advising that they require a Deed of Assignment and a Deed of Conveyance in order to be able to release the funds.  They have suggested that you, my Attorney, will be able to produce these documents and that I should send 8,000 Euros to you for this.

 

Because the $US 500 I sent to you by Western Union went missing, I am very hesitant about sending any further funds by Western Union.  I am going to go to my bank today to ask them how I can send the amount of 8,000 Euros to you by bank to bank transfer.

 

Please advise the bank account name, account number, the name and address of the bank that you would like this money deposited into.

 

Regards

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

What????  My bank tells me this is a scam!!!!!!  How can that be, I have genuine documents from the bank and the solicitor.

 

 

Subject:  What’s this all about?

To:                      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Samull,

 

What the hell is going on here!!!!!

 

I have just returned from my bank.  I went to see how I could telegraphically transfer the sum of 8,000 Euros to Alfal Chambers.  Yeah, send more money down the same drainhole that I’ve already sent $500.

 

At the bank, the counter staff took me in to see the Bank Manager.  He told me that I was probably the victim of something called advanced fee fraud!!!!  Bloody hell, have you been scamming me??????

 

He told me there was probably no deposit of US$8 million at the Diamond Bank in Benin!!!!!  He told me that I would probably be asked to pay sums of money to obtain various documents or declarations in order to get this money released!!!!!  He told me that this is a common scam called advanced fee fraud, the Nigerian e-mail scam, or 419 fraud, so are you some bloody Nigerian fraudster?????

 

He said that if Diamond Bank was a genuine bank then they’d be able to provide copies of their deed of incorporation and current certificate of registration.  He said that I should check the bank’s website to see if it really existed.

 

He also gave me the website on which the United States Secret Service warn people about this type of fraud, http://www.secretservice.gov/alert419.shtml.

 

Just as well my bank has staff that are on the ball, otherwise I’d have lost God alone knows how much money!!!!  It’s already cost me $US 500!!!!  Even though the money was stolen, it’s already cost me that money.

 

Now, tell me this is not some elaborate fraud and you’re not some bloody Nigerian fraudster!!!!

 

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

Now what sort of reaction will I get from my e-mail to Samull Bayo?  A flurry of e-mails has come in from the Solicitor and the Diamond Bank.  First, a request that I wait for THEM to give me an account number, this might have been sent before I sent my e-mail to Samull.

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

DEAR MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

 

PLEASE  FOR THE SECURITY OF THE FUND WAIT FOR ME TO GIVE YOU AN ACCOUNT NUMBER WHERE YOU WILL SEND THE MONEY.

 

YOURS IN SERVICE.

 

BARRISTER SANNI ADEBAYO

 

 

Then a request from the Solicitor to hurry up with the transfer of the money for the Deed of Assignment and the Deed of Conveyance.

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

Dear Mr Steve Trafalgar,

 

Thanks for your urgent response to this matter,i was at the bank this morning to verify the reason why for the payment and the manager of the bank explained to me that the payment is for the DEED OF ASSIGNMENT AND DEED OF CONVEYANCE to transfer your fund.

 

Please note that this is the only thing holding your fund here so try and send the money to this account below.

 

CITI BANK  GENEVE.

16,QUAI GENERAL-GUISAN 1211-GENEVE

SWIFT CODE:CBSWCHZZ

A/C NO.:342000.

A/C NAME:SAFIMA

 

Tell your bank to transfer it by swift to enable me cash it by monday, as soon as you send the money forward the transfer slip to me by email for confirmation.

 

I will be waiting.

 

YOURS IN SERVICE.

 

BARRISTER SANNI ADEBAYO

 

 

Then a poorly spelled request for urgent action from the Diamond Bank.

 

 

From:                  "Foreign Remmittance Department Diamond Bank" <[email protected]>

Subject:  DIAMOND BANK BENIN

 

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL REMITTANCE OF

DIAMOND BANK OF COTONOU BENIN REPUBLIC

WEST AFRICA

TEL:+229 088982 (MANAGER)

FAX:+229 323474

16/09/2004 

TO:MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

SIR,

CONFIDENTIAL

 

THIS IS BANK IS COMPLETELY INDOUBT WHY YOU HAVE NOT COME UP WITH OUR REQUEST TO ENABLE US WIRE TRANSFER YOUR FUND WITHOUT FURTHER.

YOUR ARE HEREBY ADVISE TO CONTACT US IMMIDIATELY AND INFORM YOUR ATTORNEY TO COME UP WITH OUR DEMAND FOR US TO SERVE YOU BETTER.

 

BEST REGARDS.

MS CINTIA RENOU

FOR THE MANAGER DIAMOND BANK OF BENIN.

 

 

Well, I’ll just sit and wait and see who next replies to me.  After all I’m waiting for someone to convince me that this is not a scam.

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

FROM ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

 

Dear Mr Steve Trafalgar,

 

Sir,

 

Infact i am not happy that uptill now i have not heard from you knowing how ugent this matter is, please make sure you transfer the money to the account i gave to you today.

 

Once again i advice you to pay attention to this transaction now that your fund is coming.

 

I will be waiting to hear from you.

 

 

Now Samull tries proving that the Bank Manager is wrong.  He includes a jpg of the deceased Mr de Matios’s bank statement.

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ITS NOT TRUTH

 

Dear Mr Steve Trafalgar,

 

Thanks for your information, infact i am not happy with this email that you sent to me, in first place this transaction belongs to me and you so no matter what your bank manager might have told you why not find out from me before you conclude.

 

First of all i have start by telling you that we are not Nigerians this is a defrent country in west africa, actually there is fraud every where even in your own country that those not mean that there is no real business like this again.

 

Mr Steve infact Mr Steve i have not been happy since i received you mail because when we start i told you to keep this transaction confidential untill we clear this money why blowing your trumphet now by telling people.

 

Please my dear i contacted as a Brother for us to do this transaction together for our future benefit and there is no fraud involved in this transaction so forget what your manager is saying let clear this money, you have an attorney handling this matter on your behalf tell him to come to the bank and find out if this money is not there.

 

Mr Steve to prove to you that what i am doing with you is real, i do go to churche so do this as a sacrifies and alow me to supprise you no matter what your manager told you, just send the money to your attorney to settle this DEED OF CONVEYANCE AND DEED OF ASSIGNMENT and see if this money will not be transfer to your account.

 

I will try my best to see if i can get the statement of account of this money which i will send to you to tell you that the money is in this bank its every big risk but i am going try to prove you and your manager wrong, please my dear what i am doing with you is not fraud so please remove your manager from this transaction let work together and clear this money, you know very well that the bank has all you datas so i will not want them to suspect your application if not we will be in trouble because it will look as if your are trying to defraud the bank.

 

My last word to you is that i know you don't believe this but try and resolve this matter and see what happens, please i don't want the bank to suspect any thing write and inform them that you are making arrangement for the DEED OF CONVEYANCE.

 

We work half day today if i succeed in getting the statement of account i will send it to you today if not i will try by monday.

 

Yours sincerely

Mr Samull Bayo

 

 

Now in this e-mail, Samull tells me that “I AM A FRENCH MAN AND I DONT KNOW WHERE NIGERIA IS, IF YOU WANT MY PASSPORT I WILL SEND IT TO YOU.”  Unfortunately in another bait I have started with Samull, he tells me he doesn’t know French because he was born in Ghana.  Oh dear, I am so confused.

 

 

From:                  "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  URGENT ATTION NEEDED

 

Dear Mr Steve,

 

I have succeeded in getting the statement of account from our accounts section, God knows the kind of risk i took to get this at least to prove to you that the fund is there.

 

You promise to keep this transaction confidential untill we clear this money why telling peolpe which means you want to expose every thing.

 

Please let me know if you want us to clear this money or not? and also promise me that you will keep every confidential.

 

Now the most important thing is for you to get hold of your attorney and the bank, finalise with your lawyer concerning the DEED OF CONVEYANCE AND DEED OF ASSIGNMENT after this relax and see what will happen and by the end of the day that your bank manager will be a liar but please keep him out of this transaction if you don't want us to lose this money be in problem because the will trace you and my self will be in problem, i will like us to discuss on phone give me your number to call you.

 

NOTE GET HOLD OF YOUR LAWYER AND WRITE TO THE BANK BEFORE THE SUSPECT.

 

I AM A FRENCH MAN AND I DONT KNOW WHERE NIGERIA IS,IF YOU WANT MY PASSPORT I WILL SEND IT TO YOU.

 

I will be waiting for your reply soonest.

 

My regards to your family.

 

Mr Samull Bayo

 

 

Plus the lawyers ask what is going on.  They try to put on the pressure to pay the solicitors, get the certificates, and let’s get the money.

 

 

From:                  "alfalchamer alfa" <[email protected]>

Subject:  ALFAL CHAMBERS

 

FROM: ALFAL CHAMBERS

SOLICITORS & ADVOCATES

 

TO:MR STEVE TRAFALGAR,

 

WHAT IS ACTUALLY GOING ON WITH YOUR CLAIM WITH DIAMOND BANK? YOU CONTACTED THIS CHAMBER TO  REPRESENT YOU IN ALL MATTERS CONCERNING THE RELEASE OF YOUR FUND WITH THE BANK AND WE ARE SUPPRISED THAT UPTILL NOW YOU REFUSED TO WRITE THIS CHAMBER.

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE ALMOST COMPLETED OUR JOB WITH THE BANK SO IF YOU DON'T NEED OUR SERVICES AGAIN SIMPLY PAY US OUR SERVICE CHAMBER LETS QUIT.

 

YOURS IN SERVICE

 

BARRISTER SANNI ADEBAYO

 

 

So, I think this bait has now come to an end.  Four months of stringing along my Lad, his bank and his solicitors.  However, all is not lost.  Samull has sent his original e-mail to another e-mail account of mine, so I have started baiting him as another character.

 

 

But no!  Samull sends another e-mail.

 

 

From:      "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

Subject:  URGENT REPLY NEEDED

 

Dear Mr Steve,

 

How are you and your family today? infact i am not happy that you refused to reply my message no matter your bank might have told you even if you don't want us to do the business.

 

I have tried and send the statement of acccount of this money to prove to you that the money is with this bank,at least confirm the receipt of the statement of the account i sent to you.

 

Infact to prove to you that i am sure of what i am saying can you come down here with the money and see things your self? reply my message today.

 

My regards to your family.

 

Mr Samull Bayo

 

 

The question is, do I answer Samull?  Do I reply with an almighty burn and place my other bait with him in jeopardy, do I just leave his e-mails unanswered, or do I try to drag him along just a little bit more?  I answer quite dispassionately, but emphasise again and again that I did send him $500 .  And I try to seed the idea that I could help him write his pitch so that it would be better and catch him more victims.

 

 

Subject:  Disappointed with myself

To:          "Samull Bayo" <[email protected]>

 

Samull,

 

I have researched the subject, and I am now utterly convinced that you are indeed an advance fee fraudster.  I have also thoroughly reviewed the whole scenario you set me, and I recognise how my own greed contributed to me sending you $500.

 

I am quite calm about losing this money.  I now see it as the price I have paid for learning a valuable lesson.  I could have lost a lot more money.  In my research I found references to victims of advanced fee fraud who had lost their entire life savings, hundreds of thousands of dollars, so I consider myself lucky that I only sent you $500.

 

In fact, reading back through your e-mails I have seen so many errors which should have shown me that you were a fraudster and not just a dishonest bank Director wanting to take a share of some money deposited in your own bank by a long dead client.

 

I keep kicking myself when I read your e-mails again that I never recognised the so obvious errors you made.  I am disgusted with myself that I even answered your first e-mail, because on reflection I now see that it was so inaccurate and obviously false.

 

However, I did believe what you wrote, no matter how obviously false it all now seems, and that cost me $500.

 

And I realise that it is lucky that your inability to put a story together without errors and your poor English grammar and spelling will help some of your potential victims see that you are a fraud.

 

In fact I am amused that, with my superior English language skills, I could probably improve your original e-mail so much that you would fool every one of the people you sent it out to.  Maybe if you gave me my $500 back I could offer to rewrite your story so that it was impossible not to believe it completely.

 

Disappointed with myself,

Steve Trafalgar

 

 

Days have gone by now and no response from my Benin Bayo Boyyo.  So it’s time to post this I think.

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