...and your country is located where, exactly?

Without fail, whenever I receive a scam email, it is usually purportedly from Nigeria, followed by a number of other countries. This one is kind of fun because it keeps you guessing as to where exactly it really is from.

COMMENTS: This letter is really kind of an interesting twist on the usual barrage of scam emails that I receive. The plot is the standard story where the manager of a bank has found that an accountholder has died unexpectedly, leaving no heirs. And, of course, the bank manager has the opportunity to spirit away the funds out of the country -- but which country? It never really says where the supposed bank is located, where the accountholder lived, or where the heck this email is coming from

Under other circumstances, I would grade this one down for a lack of creativity, however in this case there is a bit of intrigue.  Additionally, the spelling and grammar are above average. I also feel the need to acknowledge the appropriate use of capitals.

Grade: B+ 

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FROM DR. PATRICK OBI.

Dear Friend.

It is indeed my pleasure to write you this letter, which I believe will be a surprise to you as we have never met before, and I am deeply sorry if I have in any manner disturbed your privacy. Please forgive this unusual manner of contacting you, but this particular letter is of exceptional and very private nature. There is absolutely going to be a great doubt and distrust in your heart in respect of this email, coupled with the fact that, so many individuals have taken possession of the Internet to facilitate their nefarious deeds [really? people commit nefarious deeds on the Internet -- who knew?], thereby making it extremely difficult for genuine and legitimate business class persons to get attention and recognition. [well, thank goodness that legitimate business class persons like yourself are still able to be heard!]

I am Dr. Patrick Obi, an accountant with OCEANIC BANK INTERNATIONAL PLC. The business I am about to introduce you is base don sheer trust and with a Sense of purpose. I am contacting you to assist me in repatriating the sum of $20.5M U.S dollars. The money and property left behind by Engr. Harold Bowen who had an accident On the 21st of April 2000, Engr. Harold Bowen [Engr.?], his wife and their two Children were involved in a car accident [or *was* it an accident? ...hmmm] in a remote village called Kuru near Jos in Plateau State [at first, I thought this was made up but a quick Google search confirms that Plateau State is in, ....you guessed it -- Nigeria!]. All occupants of the car Unfortunately lost their lives. Since then I have made several enquiries to his embassy here in Lagos-Nigeria to locate any of Harold Bowen Extended relatives, this has also proved unsuccessful to locate any member of his family.

Now the management of the bank has issued a notice to provide the next of kin to claim the funds or they have the account frozen. Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over 6 years now, I seek your consent to present you as the next of kin to the deceased since you are a foreigner so that the proceeds of this account valued at US$20.5M, can be transfer to your account that you would provided, then you and I can share the money, 60% to me and 40% for you [Now why do I always get offerred the smaller share, I wonder?].

Finally, I have made an arrangement with an attorney who will work on your behalf and secure all the necessary legal documentation that would indicate you as the Beneficiary of the fund to back up this claim, and this I must do to make sure that this fund is not wasted or end up in the wrong hands. All I require is your honest co-operation to enable us sees this deal through and secures all the legal documents. I guarantee you that this transaction will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you and I from any breach of the law.

If you are interested in this deal, kingly get back to me with your complete information, as follow. Your private telephone and Fax numbers, your full name and address.


Best regards,

Dr. Patrick Obi.
Tel: 234-803-395-6015 [Sometimes I am really tempted to dial the numbers that these guys leave. As it happens, "234" is the country code for Nigeria.]