Nigerian scammers try to look legit

The common “419” scams generally try to help you smuggle money out of a foreign country, in exchange for a hefty percentage. The writer often pretends to be the wife of a former dictator, a military officer, or a rogue bank executive looking to cash in on a huge pile of loot. A popular variation is where you are “identified” as the next of kin for a deceased relative, and the scammer offers to help you recover your inheritance.

This scam is different, because it pretends to be an official bank document. It even embedded a Bank of America logo. However, it’s a 100% scam. It is not from Bank of America. Don’t reply, don’t be fooled!

(I love the reference to the Telex department, how the author seems confused about the difference between Bank of America and Citibank, and the fact that the email originated at Polish host, onet.pl.)

Subject: CONTRACT SETTLEMENT

FOR THE KIND ATTENTION OF: THE BENEFICIARY

RFE: CONTRACT SETTLEMENT BY ELECTRONIC TRANSFER SYSTEM

This is to confirm the remittance advice received from the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) through the Citibank Nigeria (CBN), Foreign Remittance Department to Debit the Federal Government Account and Credit your Account with your Contract Entitlement. This is in line with our verifications and auditing exercise carried out by the TELEX DEPARTMENT of the Bank of America. It has been brought to the knowledge of the TELEX DEPARTMENT that your outstanding payment is presently On-Hold in our International Financial Instrument Facilities.

In order to release the fund and credit your bank account, you are hereby advice to contact the Citibank Nigeria, REMITTANCE DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR (MR. KALU E. KALU) on Telephone No: +234-805-9769414 Fax: 234-1-7592514. On your contact with the Citibank Nigeria, you should request them to issue you the RELEASE SOFT CODE of your transfer and also to reconfirm your receiving Bank Account to avoid Miss-Accreditation of your funds.

The Bank of America will not be responsible for any consequences arising from the inability of the Beneficiary to contact the CITIBANK REMITTANCE DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR. More so, we are convinced beyond all reasonable doubt that you are the rightful Beneficiary of the amount as witnessed in the Telex Instruction. The liabilities, which the BANK OF AMERICA may incur, are hereby lawfully limited and we therefore reserves the right to cancel funds if the receiver refuses or delay to contact the Ordering Customer (CITIBANK REMITTANCE DEPARTMENT).

The above request detail should be forwarded to this office within 24 hours upon the confirmation of receipt of this message.

We count on your co-operation and understanding

Yours faithfully,

CHRISTIAN SMITH, JR.
VICE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (F.C.M.)