I work for a financial counseling and education organization. Part of what we do is consumer protection. We do what we can to make our clients aware of scams and how to avoid dealing with shady organizations. In light of this, I pay more attention than most to spam messages and fishy-looking advertisements. I want to know how they are trying to rip people off and their latest strategies so I can warn others.

As I read this email, I thought it was an interesting take on the Nigerian scheme. I decided to put it here with my running commentary. What is in the original email is in italics, and my comments are in bold.

Subject: Becarefull !!! (Fraud Alert)

Thank you for telling me that your email was fraud before I even opened it.

Those People you are dealing with are fake.

As are you. Wait a minute, who am I dealing with? My bank? My boss? My friends?

I am Susan Walter, I am a US citizen, 39years. I reside here in Houston Texas. My residential address is asfollows.

#503 Madison Ave. Apt York,
Houston Texas, United States

Interesting. No one in the States actually writes “United States” at the end of their address if they’re giving it to a fellow American. Nor is “York” a proper apartment number.

I am one of those that executed a contract in Nigeria years ago and they refused to pay me, I had paid over$70,000 trying to get my payment all to no avail. So I decided to travel down to Nigeria with all my contract documents.

One of the things that amazes me about this email is the caliber of the English. It’s awkward in several places, but the vocabulary is great and generally the grammar is correct. I think I would have tried a different approach if I had paid $70,000 “to no avail.” When do you throw in the towel? After paying $100,000?

And I was directed to meet Barr. Mat Oto, who is the member of CONTRACT AWARD COMMITTEE, and Icontacted him and he explained everything to me. He said that those contacting us through emails are fake.Then he took me to the paying bank, which is Zenith Bank, and I am the happiest woman on this earthbecause I have received my contract funds of $4.2Million USD.

I think my favorite part is, “He said that those contacting us through emails are fake.” Yet you’re contacting me through an email…

Moreover, Barr. Mat Oto showed me the full information of those that have not received their payment; and Isaw your email, your contract amount, your phone number etc.

If you saw my phone number, then why didn’t you give me a call instead?

This is what you have to do now. You have to contact him direct on this information below. Name;: Barrister Mat OtoEmail: ;
esq_mat.oto@vista.aero
phone number +234-803324556789
Address: 13, Zion Street, Ikeja Lagos Nigeria

You really have to stop your dealing with those contacting you, because they will dry you up until you have nothing to eat.

You’re right, I need to stop dealing with you “Mrs. Susan Walter” and others who are contacting me. No worries there!

The only money I paid was just $1,200 for IRS, which you know. So you have to take note ofthat. I can give you my number here in the state if you care for it. Thanks , Mrs. Susan Walter

Wow, she must really know me. How else would she know that I have received training in the IRS code…wait a minute, $1,200 for the IRS? I DON’T know that.