Next of kin spam …

I’ve seen a hundred variations on the “we’re in some third world country and have a lot of money that we can’t get out and if you’ll help us we’ll cut you in for a slice of the pie” spam. I’ve often wondered what kind of drooling moron falls for these things. But I received one the other day that’s an interesting twist on this scheme. It definitely made me do a double take before I lunged for the delete key. Seems legal eagle James Link is trying to find th next of kin for a Michael Benz who died in an auto accident in Nigeria (why is it always Nigeria?) Dude was worth $10 million. And they can’t find any trace of his next of kin. Go figure. Maybe I’m in for some cash? I’m sure Mr. Link can give me the details on how to get mine.

Here’s Mr. Link’s half-literate attempt to scam money out of unsuspecting Benzes …

Dear : Benz,

I am Barrister James Obi,a solicitor at law. I am the personalattorney to Mr.Michael Benz,a national of your country, who usedto work with Shell DevelopmentCompany in Nigeria.On the 21st of April 2001, my client, his wife and their only daughter were involved in a car accident along sagbama express road. All occupants of the vehicle unfortunately lost there lives. Since then I have made several enquiries to your embassy here to locate any of my clientsextended relatives, this has also proved unsuccessful.After these several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to track his last name over the Internet, to locate any member of his family hence I contacted you. I have contacted you to assist in recovering the fund valued at US$10 million left behind by my client before it gets confisicated or declared unserviceable by the Security Finance Firm where this huge amount were deposited. The said Security Finance Company has issued me a notice to providethe next of kin or have the accountconfisicated within the next twenty one official working days.Since I have been unsuccesfull in locating the relatives for over 2 years now, I seek the consent to present you as the next of kin to the deceased since you have the same last names, so that the proceeds of this account can be paid to you.Therefore, on receipt of your positive response, we shall then discuss the sharing ratio and modalities for transfer. I have all necessary information and legal documents needed to back you up for claim. All I require from you is your honest cooperation to enable us see this transaction through.I guarantee that this will be executed under legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law. Please get in touch with me
Best regard,
Barrister James Obi