Description
This email scam appears to be closely related to the Nigerian letter scam.
The scam references a number of webpages on the BBC News site about unrest
in Zimbabwe, in an attempt to give credibility to the email.
Sophos recommends recipients do not reply to the email in any way.
The text of the email reads as follows:
Sir,
URGENT BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP
I was the chairman of contract review panel in my country before the problem of
the land reform program in my country Zimbabwe. Before the escalation of the
situation in Zimbabwe I recovered $16.8Million US dollars from over inflated
contracts by some government officials.
But I was a member of the opposition party the MDC (Movement for Democratic
Change), and the ruling Party, (ZANU PF) has been against us. So I had to flee
the country for a neighbouring African Country which I am currently
residing.
Before the escalation of the situation in Zimbabwe I had not reported the
recovery of my findings to the panel. So this money was in my possession and I
lodged it in a security company here in Africa and currently this money has
been moved to their security branch in Europe.
I have been trying to fly to Europe but it has been difficult for me to get a
visa from Africa. So I want you to help me make claims of this fund($16m) in
Europe as my beneficiary and transfer the money to your account or any account
of your choice before I can get a visa to fly down. So that we can share this
money.
I have agreed to give you 10%,which would be ($1.6Million dollars) of this
Money for your assistance, and 87% would be mine and the other 3% would be set
aside for any expenses that we may incure during the course of this
transaction. And part of my 87% would be invested in your country in any
profitable business propossed by you. While a large part of my share will be
also be used to help the suffering people of my country Zimbabwe.
We have never met, but I want to trust you and please do not let me down when
this fund finally gets into your account. Please if you are interested, get to
me through my email address to enable me feed you with more details and all
necessary documentations.
Please treat this as confidential
Best regards.
NOTE: YOU CAN READ ABOUT PROBLEMS IN ZIMBABWE FROM THE LINKS BELOW
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/918781.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/715001.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/1063785.stm