This is a variation of the Nigerian Advance Fee scam (opens in a new window). The idea is to convince the victim that he will receive a large amount of cash for helping the perpetrator secure the funds. As with all advance fee scams, there will be a hitch and the victim will have to pay up front to keep the process on track.
Here is a typical example of this scam, which usually arrives via e-mail:
DEAR,
My name is Mr. David Wood. A member of Independent Committee of Eminent Persons (ICEP), Switzerland. ICEP is charged with the responsibility of finding bank accounts in Switzerland belonging to non-Swiss indigenes, which have remained dormant since World War II.
It may interest you to know that in July of 1997, the Swiss Banker's Association published a list of dormant accounts originally opened by non-Swiss citizens. These accounts had been dormant since the end of World War II (May 9, 1945). Most belonged to Holocaust victims. The continuing efforts of the Independent Committee of Eminent Persons (ICEP) have since resulted in the discovery of additional dormant accounts - 54,000 in December 1995.
The published lists contain all types of dormant accounts, including interest-bearing savings accounts, securities accounts, safe deposit boxes, custody accounts, and non-interest-bearing transaction accounts. Numbered accounts are also included. Interest is paid on accounts that were interest bearing when established.
The Claims Resolution Tribunal (CRT) handles processing of all claims on accounts due non-Swiss citizens. A dormant account of ORDNER ADELE with a credit balance of 45,000,000.00 (forty five million us dollars) plus accumulated interest was discovered by me. The beneficiary was murdered during the holocaust era, leaving no WILL and no possible records for trace of heirs.
The Claims Resolution Tribunal has been mandated to report all unclaimed funds for permanent closure of accounts and transfer of existing credit balance into the treasury of Switzerland government as provided by the law for management of assets of deceased beneficiaries who died interstate (living no wills).
Being a top executive at ICEP, I have all secret details and necessary contacts for claim of the funds without any hitch. We can share the funds and use it in investment of our choice. Due to the sensitive nature of my job, I need a foreigner to HELP claim the funds. All that is required is for you to provide me with your details for processing of the necessary legal and administrative claim documents for transfer of the funds to you. Kindly provide me with your full name, address, and telephone/fax. I will do all my possible best to ensure that the fund is transferred to a secure, numbered account in your name in any country of your choice and also where you will be capable of accessing the funds gradually and transferring to your country and other banks of your choice in the world. My share will be 50 percent and your share is 30 per cent of the total amount. 20 percent will be misslenurs expenses. THERE IS NO RISK INVOLVED.
You can find additional information about unclaimed funds through the Internet at the following websites:
http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/europe/9902/09/germany.holocaust/ www.wiesenthal.comThe Holocaust Claims Processing Office has put funds in Escrow awaiting submission of valid claims for necessary disbursement. I find myself privileged to have this information and this may be a great opportunity for a lifetime of success without risks.
NOTE: THAT THIS TRANSACTION WILL NOT COST YOU ANY PENY.
Due to security reasons, you can also reply to my via email only. You may reply to
me securely on the following email, davidwood109@yahoo.comThank you for your prompt response
I hope to hear from you soon.
Mr. David
People do fall for this type of scam and it can prove to be very costly.
These scams all have a similar structure:
Any email that has a similar content structure to the one above, is a scam. As always, it is understanding the nature of the scam that will protect us from it. No matter which guise it appears in.
