You've had them, I've had them and hopefully you delete them. I'm talking about those scamming letters from some African dictatorship country pleading for assistance to liberate Millions of dollars from the country. What do you get from it - a percentage (normally about 10%) of the funds. Sounds too good to be true ? Well it is - wake up and smell the coffee.

This email comes to me from David Top who forwarded it to me. I didn't have any scams on the go at the time so I replied from a Eddies email address having cut and pasted the information in. Many thanks to David for this one.

Christian Allen has came up with the phrase for this scam from Tolkien

One Ring to Rule Them All;
One Ring to Find Them;
One Ring to Bring Them All,
And in the Darkness Bind Them

There goes 5% of my takings from this scam :)

Starring.... (please feel free to give them a call - their emails will be cancelled shortly)

Bar Bello who can be reached on + 234 803-3262345 (email barbello@mynetaddress.com & barbelloy@yahoo.com ) he's now on ybello@mail.gr

Mathias James who can be reached on + 234-46-486547 or 0234 9 2721859 and his fax is +234-9-2721859 or +234 9050 9035. ( email mathias_jb@yahoo.co.uk )

23rd October 2003

Attention : Sir/Madam,
I am Bar. Bello Yakubu ,an Attorney at Law and Personal attorney engineer
Steve Jason who worked with the Shell Development Company here in Nigeria
until his dearth; hereinafter shall be refered to as my client. On the 21st
of April 2000, my client with his wife together with the two children were
involved in a fatal road accident as they were Returning From holiday along
Kano - Sokoto express way. All occupants of The Vehicle unfortunately lost
their lives in the course of the accident. Since then, I have made a lot of
unsuccessful attempts and enquiries to many People and also to your
Country's Embassy here in Nigeria just to Locate any of my client's
immediate and extended relatives, but all effortsseems to prove abortive.

I am contacting you to assist in claiming the sum of US$25 Million in cash
which the deceased deposited in African Development bank Plc.in Nigeria. The
Manager of the bank last week has issued a notice to me as the onl y person
who can attest for the deceased, to provide the next of kin to my late
client or have the deposit with them declared ''an Abandoned Property''
following the laid down legal procedure within one month from the date of
issue of the notice. Much as I have been unsuccessful in locating any of the
relatives of the deceased for over one year now, I therefore seek your
indulgence to present you as the next of kin to the deceased so that the
proceed from this deposit valued at Us$25 million can be released to your
account over there and I collect 60% while you collect 35% while 5% will be
set aside for any expenses which might result from the transfer. The
transaction is 100% risk free and highly confidential .You will only have to
open an account for the lodgment of the money in your country or
any country of your choice where you would feel secured in keeping the
money, after which, I will come to your country for the sharing.

Upon your acceptance and indication of interest to work with me,every
other details as it affects the bank and transfer of the fund shall be given
to yo without further delay as the Bank is working under a schedule. I shall
provide all legal documents to back up our/your cliams as the next kin
having in mind that the bank rely on me for authenticating any claim made by
anyone as the former attorney.As I said, this information is confidential
and your security is fully protected and well quaranteed. This is my only
and a dream come through having served as an attorney for over 36 years. I
really believe that we can successfully conclude this business in few days
starting from the day you made your intention known to me. please I'm really
waiting for your good mail response as I count on you for co-operation.

Looking forward to working with you.
Regards,
Bar. Bello Yakubu.

A typical letter, this time from a so called Barrister (Bar). It must be true then.

23rd October

Bar ? Bello ?

I'm not quite sure what your first name is.

I received your mail amongst all my other spam mail that I seem to get at the moment and for a brief second almost deleted it. Your note gave me interest and having read it I'm glad I did take interest in it.

I don't know how or why you came by my email address - I'm relatively new to email (six months) so I've yet to understand the workings of this great medium of the Internet - it's a wonderful thing isn't it. Anyway I digress - I'm certainly keen to assist you in your quest.

I don't have a problem keeping this confidential (I've a small group of people whom I call friends), and as for your other piece of having a bank account - I've got one which we can use so the setup time would be zero enabling you to move this forward without delay.

Can you however provide me further details on how I act as next of kin to someone I've never met.

Regards
Eddie

Its the same story, lets see if we can get him to bite our little lure...

Showing my uselessness at the internet may ease his fears.

23rd October

Dear Edward,
Thank you for your response to my email. Infact, I have been waiting to
read from you pending the request sent to you by me. I got your email from
my search in the web when I was looking for soneone that would help me do
this business.
From the email I sent to you, you would understand that I was the personal
attorney to this engineer before he died and the bank depends on me in
authenticating any claim. Am contacting you for this business because I
have to take this opportunity or have it taken by others (bank officials).
Ok, now here is the deal, I would present you as the next of kin to this
deceased because I need a foriegner for this deal. All the information you
may need in continuing this business will be giving to you and the paper
works as well bearing in mind that this business is all about paper works.
You will tell the bank that I gave you thier contacts when the time comes.
You would not have to worry as everything would be taken care of by me and
I would always tell the bank that you are the right and legal beneficiary.
More detail will be given to you in response to this email and in
re-confirming your keen interest.
You may contact me on 234-xxxxxxxx now or at your convinient time.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Bar. Bello.

If you wanted more truth that it's a scam. The first sentence sums it up - he never sent it to me in the first place, David Top got it. If he was being careful about what money was going where don't you think he'd know who he'd sent it to?

The number will be publicised when I'm finished with it.

28th October

Bar,

Firstly apologies for not responding sooner, I've been away at a competition
this weekend and only returned yesterday evening quite late.

I'm glad that you've explained the process to me in simple terms as I get
confused of legal matters. I'm sure that I can suit the role of a
foriegner to meet your requirements and am quite keen to progress this as
quick as possible for obvious reasons. Have you any idea how quick this
can work ?

I'll give you a ring aling tommorow - how many hours are you ahead or behind
in the UK - we've just put our clocks back this weekend so I don't want to
call you at a strange time of the morning.

Regards
Eddie

I'd been away for the weekend so lets see if he's still interested.

28th October

Dear Edward,
Thank you for your response. If you are in Uk I think wehave an hour
difference but not minding, you can contact me any time, your call is
always welcome.
May I know your proffession and age please including marital status.
Waiting for your call.
Regards,
Bar. Bello.

Why does he need to know what I do - perhaps its to size up the amount of money I'll have to put upfront.

28th October

Bar Bello,

Thanks very much for your note - I'm running late today but will call you
tommorow morning.

As to your other questions, my profession is Managing Director, age 47 and
Married. Do you need this information for the transaction or is it just out
of curiosity.

Regards
Eddie

29th October

Dear Edward,
I needed the information just for my record not even out of curiosity or
whatsoever ok. It would be much better you contact me so that we get
started from there as the time frame is too short.
Thank you for the information.
Regards,
Bar. Bello.

30th October

So I gave him a call this morning and we chatted for about 10 mins. I've no idea where he was (sounded like a supermarket) but the background noise kept being louder than he was which was quite fun asking him to keep repeating himself.

He then went on to explain what he's going to do - send details of the "client" so I can familiarise myself prior to my call with the "bank manager". He then plans to come to the UK once the money has been cleared (yeh right), with his wife and wants to invest it in my company.

I've to contact the bank and they'll advise how to move forward. he will however send me a draft letter which I need to complete and then fax to the "bank" to make my claim.

Then out of the blue he asked me if I had any children.

I'm guessing that if you were calling him you would be convinced that he was valid (apart from all the noise in the background)

30th October

Dear Mr. Edward,
As per our telephone conversation today, here is the information you would
need to know before contacting the bank manager today.
The name of the late engineer is Engineer Steve Jason, he was aged 49 with
a wife Kathy and two children Mark and Jenny. He worked as a contractor
with the shell development company Warri Delta state Nigeria and died on
21st April 2000 along Kano - Sokoto express way on a motor accident.
He lived in 32 Mandela Avenue Warri delta state. I was his attorney until
his death.
The account was opened on 23rd August 1990 with the African Development
Bank Plc branch at Abuja Nigeria.
The account number is ADB7641002640X51 the account pin code ADBXL51 is and
the amount let in the account is approximately $25,000,000.00.
So these are the information you may need in contacting the bank manager.
Remember this transaction is between you and I only for the security.
Wait for the sketch of the application letter and make sure you fax it to
the bank today.
Regards,
Bar. Bello.

=============

Here is a sketch of the application letter:-

Your name, address, phone and fax numbers at the right side of the paper.

Then you have here by your left:-
THE MANAGER
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK PLC.
WUSE ABUJA
NIGERIA.

AN APPLICATION FOR THE RELEASE OF $25,000,000.00 INTO MY ACCOUNT AS
ENGINEER JASON'S ESTATE BENEFICIARY.

DEAR SIR,
I AM MR. EDWARD EAGLE THE COUSIN OF LATE ENGINEER STEVE JASON WHO DIED IN A MOTOR ACCIDENT FEW YEARS AGO. FROM MY FINDINGS, I FOUND OUT THAT HE WAS ONE OF YOUR CUSTORMERS AND HAD LEFT APPROXIMATLY $25,000,000.00 IN HIS ACCOUNT.

AS THE LEGAL BENEFICIARY, I WRITE SO THAT THE MONEY THAT WAS LEFT BY MY UNCLE TO BE TRANSFERRED INTO MY ACCOUNT.
I GOT YOUR CONTACTS FROM BARRISTER BELLO YAKUBU AND I PROMISE TO ABIDE BY THE RULES AND REGULATIONS GUIDING YOUR BANK AND THIS TRANSFER.

THANKS IN ANTICIPATION AND BEST REGARDS,

YOUR TRULY,

MR. EDWARD EAGLE.

The name of the bank is African Development Bank and the bank
Manager's direct telephone number is 234-xxxxxxxx and fax
23-9-xxxxxxxx, the bank manager's name is Mr. Mathias James. Please
endeavour to fax it so that he can advice on how we would get started.

Regards,
Bar. Bello.

I wonder if there actually was a Steve Jason ?

One thing I know that I wouldn't do if I was Steve Jason would be open a bank account in Nigeria.

A quick check on the telephone numbers and the telephone is in Nigeria, whilst the fax machine seems to be located in Sao Tome which the last time I looked were two seperate countries about 1000 miles apart..

Saturday 1st November

Dear Edward,
I have not heard from you ever since you called me. Are you okay? Have you
contacted the bank?
Please keep me posted.
Regards,
Bar. Bello.

Monday 3rd November

Well I tried to call Mathias James to explain my situation but he's not answering his phone. I also tried to fax this letter to him.

Edward Eagle
2 Kingsway
London
WC2A 2EB

Telephone + 44 20 xxxxxxxx

THE MANAGER
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK PLC.
WUSE ABUJA
NIGERIA.

AN APPLICATION FOR THE RELEASE OF $25,000,000.00 INTO MY ACCOUNT AS
ENGINEER JASON'S ESTATE BENEFICIARY.

DEAR SIR,
I AM MR. EDWARD EAGLE THE COUSIN OF LATE ENGINEER STEVE JASON WHO DIED IN A MOTOR ACCIDENT FEW YEARS AGO. FROM MY FINDINGS, I FOUND OUT THAT HE WAS ONE OF YOUR CUSTORMERS AND HAD LEFT APPROXIMATLY $25,000,000.00 IN HIS ACCOUNT.

AS THE LEGAL BENEFICIARY, I WRITE SO THAT THE MONEY THAT WAS LEFT BY MY UNCLE TO BE TRANSFERRED INTO MY ACCOUNT.
I GOT YOUR CONTACTS FROM BARRISTER BELLO YAKUBU AND I PROMISE TO ABIDE BY THE RULES AND REGULATIONS GUIDING YOUR BANK AND THIS TRANSFER.

THANKS IN ANTICIPATION AND BEST REGARDS,

YOUR TRULY,

MR. EDWARD EAGLE.

But his fax number is incorrect. So I call Bello to ask him to confirm the number. Blah blah blah, he's confused and says to call him back in two minutes. He's obviously got a couple of scams on the go at the moment as it took him a while to recognise who I was. He seems to have been a bit pissed when I told him that Mathias (the bank manager) was not answering his phone.

Calling him back two minutes later he's got the number - the eejit had omitted the 4 in Nigerias country code. So I try the fax again - three times without success. So mid afternoon I try to reach Mathias again without success. Perhaps Mathias doesn't want to be involved in the scams anymore.

So I send Bello a covering email -

Bello,

I've tried to reach Mr Mathias five times this morning without success, his
fax machine does not answer nor does his telephone. Can you find out if
he's got an email address then I can ensure that the letter reaches him.

Trying to keep this transaction secret is problematic when I've got to stand
over the fax machine whilst it tries to go through. People have already
jokingly made comments about me standing over the machine waiting for
something to happen.

I'm in a bunch of meetings this afternoon so am unable to keep trying. An
email address for him would be great. I tried to get the main number for
the African Development bank but was unable to do so. Since you seem to
have some form of contact (or know someone who does) I'd appreciate it if
you could get further contact.

Regards
Eddie

Note - Inadvertently I almost signed it using my real name (habits are hard to kick)

I thought I'd leave it in capital letters and also complete with the spelling mistakes.

Tuesday 4th November

Dear Edward,
Here is the bank alternative number 234-9xxxxxxx. Please send the fax to
him there. I contacted him and he told me that he was on a board meeting
that time you were calling his line.
Please send me your phone number (cell phone if avaliable) and do contact
me today please. It would be nice we speak. Call me any time your call
would be welcome.
Regards,
Bar. Bello.

ooo A new number for our "Bank Manager" another one to add to the list when I'm finished with this.

So I fax it to him complete with my telephone number and await his call.

Sure enough about an hour afterwards my mobile rings - its a message on my mailbox. Mathias is on the phone

He's got my application on his desk, he would like to discuss with me the application that will be forwarded to me with some test questions.

About two hours later - the phone goes again. He's still in the office and is awaiting my call.

On Wednesday morning - he calls again, and basically repeats himself but leaves the number that Bello left above.

Wednesday 5th November

So it's time to call the bank manager Mathias. He answers promptly unlike Monday. He then explains that he wants to fax me a questionnaire which has some test questions that need completing in order to progress my application form.

I'm out of the office today so I tell him I'm travelling (the truth) but if he can email it to me I can then complete and return the form. This is totally against bank procedures he explains at great detail. I want him to email it to me as it makes posting it on the web easier for me.

Eventually he agrees that he'll send it via email. We then spend about 3 minutes explaining my email address - edwardeagle@nanomole.co.uk which he kept calling nanole ! Idiot wouldn't listen to me. November, Alpha, November, Oscar, Mike, Oscar, Lima, Echo still translates to nanole. Idiot.

meanwhile Bello's getting impatient.

Dear Mr. Edward,
I have not heard from you since then. Did you suceeded in faxing to the
bank manager? Please let me know what is exactly happening. Do call me as I
do not have your own number and you are not frequent in sending emails.
Regards,
Bar. Bello.

Just after this, Mathias responds via email (from a yahoo account !!)

Dear Mr Edward,

Following our tele conversation, I will send the Verification test question to you in less than an hour by JPG attachment format.Note that this is a special concession I'm giving to you because we don't accept correspondence of this category by email.Other documents will be faxed to you on any fax number you confirms confidential.

Yours faithfuly,

Mathias James

Head, Foreign Operations

African Development Bank Plc.

true to his word about an hour afterwards (he's probably had to go and get it scanned)

DEAR MR EDWARD,

ATTACHED IS THE FORM.

COMPLETE AND RETURN BY MAIL OR FAX.

YOURS FAITHFULY,

HON. MATHIAS JAMES
HEAD, FOREIGN OPERATIONS
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK PLC

So I've completed what I can but when it comes to the address of Attorney I don't know what Bello's address is so I fire this off in his direction.

Bello,
I'm completing the form at the moment and it's asking for your address. Can
you provide urgently.

Thanks in advance.

Eddie

Now, lets think about this sort of thing. Imagine your cousin had died - would you know what their account number was, or the account pin code or the balance and more to the point I've no idea when I opened my own account, never mind my cousins.

5th November

Dear Edward,
My address is Suit 104 flat A Federal secreteriat Abuja Nigeria.
Please let me know how we would be communicating when you get to US and how
you would be doing with this business.
Please call me.
Regards,
Bar. Bello Yakubu.

Oh yes, I'm sure that's a real address..

6th November

I've faxed the information back as requested but I made a small error on writing the account number to see if they would pick up on it (reversing two numbers). Did they notice ? I think not..

Bello,

Thanks for your address, I've completed the questionnaire and returned the fax to Mathias James.

The bank seem to be flexible in working with me even to the point of emailing me the application form so I can collect it and return it whilst I'm travelling. Initially Mathias seemed hesitant to send the form electronically but due to the delays that would be incurred he finally relented.

I'm travelling in the UK at the moment and leave for the US on Sunday, I will be however be picking up my voicemails during my absence, so please feel free to leave me a message on my personal number +44xxxxxxxxxx.

My trip involves a very busy schedule and a lot of travelling about. We're currently marketing a new type of product that involves interaction with computers which we think will be a huge seller in the large corporations of the US. It's a small device that the user inserts into a USB port of a computer that is preprogrammed enabling managers or supervisors to control
certain aspects of their employees. Our current thinking is that the device would be mounted either on a keyring enabling it to be either passed near or into the control point connected to the computer. It will let managers control their staff to the extent that they have overall control over their direct reports. "One ring to rule them all" is one of the motto's we're
using. We're always looking for new markets, do you think that this would have a market place in Nigeria ? Do you have any contacts that may be interested in marketting this for us in Nigeria ?

Anyway, I digress - I hope to hear from Mathias today prior to me travelling on Sunday. He has my telephone numbers and my email address so hopefully he'll let me know whats happening.

Have you confirmed any plans for coming to the UK ? Let me know and I'll make suitable reservations at a nearby hotel.

Best regards
Eddie

7th November

From an email address with the Hon Mathias James I get the following...

Along with this in a second email..

Oooo look, lots of money in a dodgy account.

Looks official enough for me. Perhaps it's not a scam after all...

They obviously never checked the account details closely enough.

I'll have to send a note to Bello asking for assistance with these as I've no idea where to get them

7th November

Bello,

I've heard from the bank, they've provided confirmation that the money is there. I was worried they'd say that there was none left. They have also provided confirmation that the questions they asked have been answered correctly to meet their requirements.

However they're asking for additional information which is not included in your original information (see the bottom of the letter they've kindly emailed) As you can see I need some answers to these questions to respond to the bank and I was going to give you one ring to find them if you can but looks like I'll be tied up this afternoon.

Can you respond soonest

Best regards and hope you have a great weekend.

Eddie

I'm off now for a week or so travelling so it will be quiet for a while, normal service will resume when I return.

During my absence, I got a brief phone message from the Hon Mathias asking to make contact. I didn't.. :)

However I did get a couple of emails....

Dear Edward eagle,
How are you doing? I hope you are now in US for your business
advertisement. Please let me know when you would be back to Uk and when
you make contact with the bank.
desperately want to hear from you.
Regards,
Bar. Bello.

and

SUBJECT : YOU HAVE FIVE DAYS TO FORWARD REQUIREMENTS.

Dear Edward eagle,
How are you doing? I hope you are now in US for your business
advertisement. Please let me know when you would be back to Uk and when
you make contact with the bank.
desperately want to hear from you.
Regards,
Bar. Bello.

So I fire of the following :

Bello,

Just returned from a successful trip in the US. Catching up with a pile of
emails. I'm hoping to contact the bank tommorow morning (Tuesday). I was
hoping by this time you would have gathered the relevant information that
they were asking for (e.g. the death certificate) if you are in possession
of it. My previous email before my trip asked for this information. I 'll
give you one ring to bring them all together if you have the information to
hand prior to my call with the bank. Talk to you tommorow...

As a reminder - this is the information they are looking for..

Regards
Eddie

Dear Mr. Edward Eagle,
Happy return. I will wait for your call tomorrow so that we can discuss in
detail.
Best regards,
Barrister Bello Takubu. (Who's Takubu)

Tues 18th November

This morning I called Bello and spoke at great length with him about the outstanding requirements that the Bank need. He's got items one and three (the Death Certificate and a letter from his company). However item 2 is going to be a hard one to solve as obtaining an affadavit will involve either a: me going to Nigeria or b: using the services of a lawyer to pose as me. (Does this sound legal). Anyway, he's done some checking and he can buy the services of a lawyer he knows for the princely sum of $13,200 (about £9,000).

He needs me to wire the money to him (as he would) and he would prefer the use of Western Union to transfer the money. I suggest that I'm able to wire the money direct to a bank account in Nigeria but he doesn't want any of it.

So this afternoon he's supposed to be sending me details on what to use for the secret question and answer etc that is required for the Western Union transfer.

After our phone call I fire off a note to the bank saying I'd tried to get in touch (I hadn't) -

Mathias,

I tried to call you mid morning this morning without success, I was constantly getting engaged. Perhaps its the international lines.

I've returned from my trip to the US and hope to have all your documentation requirements with you tommorow.

Hope all is well.

Regards
Eddie.

FROM THE DESK OF MR MATHIAS JAMES
HEAD, FOREIGN OPERATIONS DEPT
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK PLC
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS , ABUJA , NIGERIA

ATTENTION: MR EDWARD EAGLE
REF:YOUR DELAYED PAYMENT OF USD25 MILLION.

REFERENCE TO THE LAST FAX SENT TO YOU,I TRIED TO CONTACT YOU ALL TO NO AVAIL NOT KNOWING THAT YOU TRAVELLED. I WILL ADVISE THAT IN SUCH LONG TRIPS ALWAYS GET THE BANK INFORMED.

NOTED THAT WE WILL RECIEVE THE REQUESTED DOCUMENTS BY TOMORROW. AS SOON AS WE RECIEVE THE DOCUMENTS WE SHALL FORWARD OUR PAYMENT ADVISE TO YOU AND GET YOUR MONEY TRANSFERED TO THE ACCOUNT YOU WILL NOMINATE.MEANWHILE , WE HAVE TODAY APPLIED FOR THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE ALLOCATION ORDER FOR THIS PURPOSE.

LOOKING FORWARD TO RECIEVE THE DOCUMENTS.

YOU CAN AS WELL REACH ME WITH ANY OF THE BELOW LINES:

TELEFAX: 0234 xxxxxxx
DIRECT LINE: 0234 xxxxxxxxxxxxx.

DIRECT FAX: 0234 xxxxxxxxxx.

YOURS FATHFULY,

MATHIAS JAMES

HEAD FOREIGN OPERATIONS

Oh yeh, like I'm going to tell the bank that I'm away.

We'll he's a bit pushy isn't he.

Yes, me too..

Wed 19th November

Bello,

I've visited the Western Union office (just prior to it's closure). They've
taken the money in dollars on my credit card.

The MTCN number they've given me is 4383560944.

I've given them the secret question of What's my favourite sport. with the
answer of Ski Jumping.

Name - Edward Eagle.
Address - 2 Kingsway, London, WC2A 2EB. UK

They were advised that it was for my inlaw so there should be no problem.

Please advise urgently when this money is received.

I've also had a note and phone call today asking me to urgently proceed with
the bank. If this paperwork can happen tommorow it would be appreciated.

Keep me advised.

Regards
Eddie.

Yup, so I did (NOT)

Pick a number, any number as long as its ten digits.

Thats what Eddie the eagle does best.. Ski Jumps..

Of course, I'm desperate to get my hands on the money also so I can retire to the Maldives.

I'm also hoping that I can get them to go to the Western Union office at least twice before they suspect something.

Thursday 20th November

Delay error on the email..

This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification.

THIS IS A WARNING MESSAGE ONLY.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO RESEND YOUR MESSAGE.

Delivery to the following recipients has been delayed.

barbello@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.com

===========================

Dear Edward,
I'm still waiting fr the particulars used in sending the money.
Regards,
Bello.
============================

FROM THE DESK OF MR MATHIAS JAMES
HEAD, FOREIGN OPERATIONS,
AFRICAN DEV. BANK PLC
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS , ABUJA,
NIGERIA
TELFAX: 0234 xxxxxxx; 0234 xxxxxxxxx

ATTENTION: MR EDWARD EAGLE

WE ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH YOUR SILENCE, DO CALL ME TOMORROW 9-10 AM (NIGERIAN TIME) AND KEEP ME UPDATED ON THE DELAY TO FURNISH US WITH THE NEEDED DOCUMENTS WHICH WILL BE USED TO UPDATE YOUR PAYMENMT FILE.

YOUR URGENT RESPONSE ON THIS WILL BE ON YOUR FAVOUR AS WE ARE ABOUT TO RELEASE THE LAST FINANCIAL QUARTER PAYMENT SCHEDULE.

THANKS FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION AS YOU HELP US SERVE YOU BETTER.

YOURS FAITHFULY,

MATHIAS JAMES
HEAD, FOREIGN OPERATIONS ADB PLC
DIRECT LINE: 0234 xxxxxxxxxx

===================

Just in case, I send them this...

Bello,

I received your email about information - I received a delayed message -
sounds like a delay at your end. Please advise you have received the
information.

Regards
Eddie

Oh dear, I wonder if they've been found out and got their email address cancelled by someone else ?

But no - I get this a couple of hours later...

along with this.

Are they getting desperate or what. ?

What the hell is a last financial quarter payment schedule when it's at home ?

Friday 21st November

Dear Edward Eagle,

Thank you for your email. I have just recieved it now. You would get the paper by tomorrow and fax it to you. I created this email address because of this problem we have in reaching one another. Please kindly advice the amount that was sent by you.
It would much better you call me by phone urgently.
Regards,
Barrister Bello.

Bello,

I will call you as soon as I get to the office. Please advise that you have received the funds. For you information I transferred £7756.77 which equates to the $13,200 requested. All being well, Mr Nnikwu Kalu Umachi should have been able to collect the money yesterday evening if he had time.

Regards
Eddie

Dear Edward,

Mr. Nnukwu called me this morning after sending the information to him. He said that there is no such transaction in the western Union also that the maximum amount that can be transferred once from any country is 10,000. So do contact the western union immedaitely and check for the mistake. You would have to split the money into two with two different particulars.

Please do contact me as soon as possible now as I hardly speak with you.

Maybe you would have to send the first 10,000 and then send the 3200 after an hour when he must have collected the first one.

Do revert to me IMMEDIATELY.

Regards,

Bello.

Bello,

I have been trying for the last hour to get through to Nigeria but either get a long distant signal or the engaged tone.

I returned to WUnion after you advised on the monetary limit and spoke with the supervisor there - it seems the person who took my money transfer was relatively new and thought that the limit was £10,000 not $10,000. The booking had entered the system but due to their system checks it had not been transferred and had been highlighted as a problem transaction. Things have rectified and I've sent two seperate transfers, I've split the money into two sections (each of $6,600)
the question and answer are the same thing.... but there are two numbers...

4383593542
and
4383593547


I will keep trying to reach you....Please advise if Mr Nnukwu receives payment urgently.

Regards
Eddie

Dear Mr. Edward,

I hope you did received my emails this morning. Please can you tell me exactly what is going on. We must have to do this today being Friday as Monday and Tuesday would be our National public holiday, so you imagine the type of risk we are going into if we did not make it today.

Since I received the call from Mr. Nnukwu, I have not had rest of mind. I have tried contacting you by phone by no response and I did not wanted to leave a message there because I wanted to speak with you.

You promised you were going to call me this morning, Till now, I have not heard from you either by phone or email. I have been checking my emails at few minutes intervals but no mail from you.

Please reply to me so that we can make it happen today.

Bello.

===

Dear Mr. Edward,

Thank you for the email. I'll forward it to the man and get back to you when he receives it.

Regards,

Bello.

==

Dear Eagle,

I am completely confused of everything now. I thought this setuation is settled once but the problem remains. The man called me again after forwarding the information to him this afternoon that the information is not correct again so I have to visit the Western Union myself still find same. What is the matter? The man is feeling that this is a child's play.

Your name as the sender did not even appear there and the receiver. How did you send the money? Does it mean you did not included your name? Please get back to them and tell them to solve this problem once.

Should you have forgotten the name, here is it again:-

Mr. Nnukwu Kalu Umachi

Caol City Nigeria.

Please endeavour to contact me by phone and email as soon as this is done ok. We must do this now.

Urgently waiting for your email.

Regards,

Bello.

Bello,

I've tried to get you on the phone since I rectified the problem at Western union without success. The network is always busy.

After your note I've visited the western union office for the second time today and have checked the details. They are correct and they have advised that the funds are available for collection. They showed me the information on their system and all seems correct with the numbers, my name address and also the recievers name and address..

I've had a call from the bank, they sound desperate and are keen to progress this.


Please advise urgently. Since I seem to be having problems calling you - can you call me to discuss. I am worried something has happened.

Regards
Eddie

Dear Edward,

I tried calling you but no one picks it up. Please can you call me at night when the network would be less busy so that we can talk. If you have given me your cell number, I would have contacted you because I find it very difficult.

Please call me tonight I would be waiting.

Regards,

Bello.

Friday was a busy day with lots of emails flying back and forth... :)

And yet another email address to be banned once I'm finished.

Oh dear, someones had a wasted visit to the Western Union office...

Oh bugger, I never knew about the $10K limit.

I wasn't going to waste some time on the telephone - lets spin him along with the faulty line story...

I got this email three times under different subject headings. Do you think he's upset. ? :)

Oh yes, he's desperate..

Oh no, he's now had two wasted trips to the WU offices. :)

I did receive a voicemail from Mr Mathias

Well I would have picked it up, it's quite hard hearing it ringing from 40 - 50 miles away.. :)

Saturday 22nd November

Bello.

I continue to get engaged on the telephone lines.

Can you confirm you were able to release the money yesterday ? I've been up most of the night worrying.

Please advise
Eddie

FROM THE DESK OF MATHIAS JAMES
HEAD, FOREIGN OPERATIONS
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK PLC
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA, NIGERIA
PHONE: 0234 9xxxxxxxx;
FAX: 0234 9 xxxxxxxxxxx

ATTENTION: MR EDWARD EAGLE
REF: INCLUSION OF YOUR PAYMENT IN THE FINAL FINANCIAL QUARTER PAYMENT SCHEDULE.

I TRIED TO CONTACT YOU YESTERDAY TO INFORM YOU OF THE URGENT NEED TO GET THE REQUESTED DOCUMENTS SENT TO THE BANK ON OR BEFORE WEDNESDAY NEXT WEEK AS MONDAY AND TUESDAY ARE PUBLIC HOIDAYS.

IF BY WEDNESDAY I FOUND THE REQUESTED DOCUMENTS ON MY DESK YOUR PAYMENT WILL BE INCLUDED AMONG THE LAST FINANCIAL QUARTER PAYMENTS WHILE YOUR PAYMENT ADVISE WILL BE FORWARDEDED TO YOU IMMEDIATELY.
THANKS FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION AND PROMPT RESPONSE ON THIS FINAL REMINDER NOTICE.

YOURS FAITHFULY,
HON. MATHIAS JAMES
HEAD, FOREIGN OPERATIONS
ADB PLC
DIRECT LINE: 0234 4 xxxxxxxxx

I

I sent him this as a stop gap. Almost 5 minutes later I receive an email (twice ) from Mr Mathias James (the banker)

Given that its just gone 9:00am he's up early today and the banks open on a Saturday.. yeh right !

Does anyone know what the last financial quarter payments are when they're at home ?

Monday 22nd November

Dear Edward,

Thanks for your mail. My dear friend, could you bleive it that I went twice this morning to the Western Union office with the attorney Mr. Nnukwu Kalu Umachi but it was a big blow that they confirmed that there was no trnasaction of such in thier entire network. You can see that it's now looking as a child's play as I've been going and coming back with this attorney who has left all his numerous engagments to get the paper from the high court just because of how close we are.

If this transaction is delayed because of the credit card used by you in making the payment I would strongly advice that you make this payment with cash they confirmed cash payments will reflect in thier system in less than ten minutes. To me this seems strange as I know that it does not take more than few minutes for money to reflect down here when sent through wesrtern union as comfirmed by their offices.

Sequel to this, I made a call to the bank this afternoon and discussed with Hon. Mathias James who plainly informed me that they have sent a final reminder to you stressing that by the close of work on Wednesday if they are yet to receive the required documents that your name would be shortlisted from the last financial quarter payment which would be released by Thursday next week.

Considering the time frame, I emphasize once more that you make this payment by cash spliting it into two or three different payments forwarding the payment information and attach via email copies of the payment slip given to you from the office of the Western Union.

Regards,

Bello.

Dear Mr. Edward,
Hope you've read my last email. I have received a call from a friend of mine in India so I wonder why you shouldn't get me from London. Anyway, I'm giving you the information again should you have copied wrongly all the while.

THE SENDER NAME: - MR. EDWARD EAEGLE.
COUNTRY MONEY SENT FROM : - LONDON.
THE RECEIVER'S NAME:- MR. NNUKWU KALU UMACHI.
ADDRESS: - 32 IBB CRECENT, NEW HAVEN ENUGU (COAL CITY).
COUNTRY: - NIGERIA.
CONTROL NUMBER..........
SECRET TEXT QUESTION AND ANSWER.

Please go through this proceedure and see if there is anywhere you made a mistake.

Waiting for your urgent response.

Bello.

Oh dear - that makes four trips to the Western Union office. :)

Sunday 23rd November

Dear Mr. Edward,

I think there seems to be a little missunderstanding with this money transfer. This morning, a friend told me that it would take three days for money sent with a credit card to reflect here. I was only disturbed because you said that the people over there told you that the money should be in Nigeria already. If you have read my previous email, please act accordinly so that the money could be withdrawn by that Wednesday here.

Finally, I would want your fax number where this documents would be sent to you as soon as I get it from the man incharge.

Regards,

Bello.

Ooo thats good - I'll have to remember that fact.

Monday 24th November

Dear Edward,
What is happening? I have not heard from you. Please let me know if you received my previous emails.
I'm in suspense let free me. I can call or email you from my home ok.
Regards,
Bello.

Bello,

Apologies - I've been down the western union office this morning to clarify why they advised that the money was there to transfer when it takes a couple of days for the credit card payment to clear. I've also been to the bank to see how lonmg it takes to get that sort of money in cash to help speed up the payment. Western Union advised that since the payment was made last week it should be ready tommorow (Tuesday). So rather than cancel the payment I've let it be - the bank were saying they could get the money in a relatively short space of time (i.e. 2 hours to count and double check etc).

Regards
Eddie

Dear Edward,
Thanks for your email. I pray the whole thing finishes by that Tuesday so that we can fax it to the bank as soon as possible. Furthermore, I had requested for your fax number so that I can send those documents to you once there are obtained.
Regards,
Bello.

Oh yes, he's getting desperate..

Tuesday 25th November

I call him up, eventually ( :) ) getting through on the international lines. I'm concerned that the money has actually not been with him but took comfort that he advised on the three day scenario.

He's keen (as he would be) to progress this to its final conclusion. He wants to get the documents to me at the earliest opportunity. He would also like to get my fax number to send me the documents. I offer him one but he asks for it to be emailed to him (he's probably strolling about Lagos somewhere and not in his office like a good solicitor should be).

I promise him I'll send a note to the bank about the delays...Which I do.

Mathias,

You will have the necessary documents by this time tommorow (Wednesday).

Apologies for the delay.


Regards
Eddie.

Wednesday 26th November

ATTENTION: MR EDWARD EAGLE

THANKS FOR YOUR MAIL.PLS NOTE YOUR FAX FOR THE DAY WE LOOK FORWARD TO RECIEVING THE DOCS AT MOST FIRST THING TOMORROW MORNING.

YOURS FAITHTFULY,
H0N. MATHIAS JAMES

I also get a voicemail from Bello (I do wish he'd stop calling me Mr Edward) saying that they've been down to the Western Union office to retrieve the money but there is no money to be found. Can I go to the Western Union office and get the money back on my credit card and then send cash instead. I've to get back to him as soon as possible...

Dear Mr. Edward,
I hope you received the message I left in your machine this morning.
I'm sorry this is stressing you but you MUST have to find out the real problem now because of the time frame we have. Mr. Nnukwu Kalu Umachi have been to Western Union Office this morning and was told that the transaction is yet to reflect in thier system and he is rather embarrassed by the whole situation having gone there with the assurance that was given to him by me based on your phone call yesterday (Tuesday).
Please I would like you to go to the bank and ask them to trace it and know the status of the money (whether in credit card or in western union payment system) because I have a comfirmation that the money is not in their system at all as of the moment Mr, Nnukwu Kalu called me.

According to my discussion with Mr. Mathias this morning, we have till the close of work tomorrow Thursday the 27th day of November 2003 to submit the requested documents as they would publish their payment schedule on Friday 29th November. If they cannot transfer the money before today runs out, withdraw the money and pay in cash making sure that the information given to you by me are all correct. So you try and get back to me as soon as possible. I'm restless because of this transfer. Pending on your reply this afternoon, if things works out, I will get in touch with Mr, Nnukwu again to go back to Western Union office this afternoon to collect it.
Regards,
Bello.

Bello,

I have no idea what happening down there. I've visited another Western Union office to check for myself after the original desposit western union office said all was in order. I've checked with the second western union office locally and the money is there waiting to be collected. They've confirmed the two transactions and the amounts.

I've tried calling and again the lines are busy from the UK. !!!!

It's getting late here and I'm now concerned that you've not been able to take the money. The money is there. Please visit the Western Union offices locally and get them to contact my local branch - Western Union, The Strand, London and get them to work it out amongst themselves. We should be able to resolve this issue and in the darkness bind them to provide the funds.

I'm grateful to Mathias for the extension. I will continue trying to call you..

Please advise soonest.

Dear Edward,
I do not know what else to do as I have been there to
confirm it myself that the money is not there, I'm
confused plus the embarrassment on Mr. Nnukwu's side.
I had advice you withdraw the money and pay in cash if
that is the problem. But if you are sure that they
have confirm it woud be there by tomorrow, it means I
have beg Mr. Kalu for the last time because we have
only tomorrow for the paper.
The stress is too much on my side so I can not add
this to my wifes' illhealth.
You must have to call me today even in the night so
that we talk as I hardly get you on phone.
I hope this would be the last disappiontment on oue
side.
Regards,
Bello.

It's at this point that I also get three emails - within minutes of them - all of which are entitled..Lets make it loud and clear.

Dear Edward,
The problem still remain the same but I have to wait until tomorrow morning and see what will be the final result. Please attach the original receipt that was given to you by the western office in UK so that I can use that as an evidence in talking with them tomorrow. Should the man is unable to clear the money by tomorrow morning, I would STRONGLY ADIVICE you recall the money and send by cash from another western union office. Now that the money have been converted in cash, you can now collect it back and resend from another office.
Incase you were making mistakes, here are the information you would use:-

Sender:- Mr. Edward Eagle.
From:- London UK.
Mtcn :-
Secrect question and answer.
The receiver:- Mr. Nnukwu Kalu Umachi.
Enugu Nigeria.

I would not like to disgrace myself any longer in the name of following this man to any western office. He have been to about three offices but they confirm that the money is not there, so see what you do to make it happen by tomorrow.

Also, give me the contacts of the western office in UK so that I can contact them but the most important thing is you recall the money and pay in by cash from another western office and send me the information including the attached receipt given to you by them.

Endeavour to contact me by phone.

Bello.

That makes five trips to WU. :)

Is this six times...?

Thursday 27th November

Mr. Edward,

I think it's high time we put a stop to this dramma. If you are very sure you have not been deceiving yourselfe all the while, why can't you attach the original receipt I asked for. Do you think we do not have any other thing to do. For days now, you have been telling things that are not feasible. I have not seen things like this before so if you know you are not deceiving niether yourself or any other person, please go and withdraw the money and pay in cash from another western union office and send the information.

Before now, you do get me on phone any time you want but now things have authomaticall changed.

My only regret would be loosing this trabsaction if only we could not make it.

PLEASE EXPRESS YOURSELF GENTLEMAN.

Bello.

Bello,

Call me urgently - I'm unable to reach you again !!!!!

I've no idea what you're playing at - I've returned to the Western Union office to do as instructed. I'm unable to withdraw the money as the money has all ready been received from Western Union at the Lagos branch. Both transactions were withdrawn last night at 17:30. If you've not withdrawn them (as you seem to hint), please advise who has.

Can you confirm that Mr Umachi can be trusted ?

Advise urgently

Eddie

Change of email address (third time)

Dear Edward,
I have not heard from you since then. Please let me know what is really
going on. I have quit using my yahoo account because I senced people's
interferrance there.
Neglect my previous email it was from an act of annoyance.
Regards,
Bello.

So I send him the note again...

Bello,

Call me urgently - I'm unable to reach you again !!!!!

I've no idea what you're playing at - I've returned to the Western Union office to do as instructed. I'm unable to withdraw the money as the money has all ready been received from Western Union at the Lagos branch. Both transactions were withdrawn last night at 17:30. If you've not withdrawn them (as you seem to hint), please advise who has.

Can you confirm that Mr Umachi can be trusted ?

Advise urgently

Eddie

We'll this has been timed nicely to finish - I'm about to go for a wedding in Ireland tonight.

Lets stir them up with some confusion... :)

I report his emails to abuse@yahoo.... about half an hour later - I get an email from him.. on a new email account (ybello@mail.gr) which is a web based email service running from Greece.

28th November 2003

Dear Edward,
I can't tell who would withdraw the money. Mr. Umachi is somebody
trusted so well and I know he can't do such. If you had withdrawn the
money that time I adviced it won't have been this type of story we are
into now. PLEASE understand that the money was niether withdrawn by Mr.
Umachi nor any or his connections and I can't see any possibility of
double crossing the money without all those information correctly.
Yesterday, I visited the bank myself and pleaded for more time, but he
told me that the only remedy would be placing your name in the last
(third) batch that would receive thier money instead of the proposed
first batch.
Please advice what we should as things have come this way.
Regards,
Bello.

ATTENTION: EDWARD EAGLE

KINDLY ADVISE US AS WE ARE YET TO RECIEVE THE DOCS FOR THE UPDATE OF YOUR FILE .IS EVERYTHING OK ?

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEAR FROM YOU SOONEST.

YOURS FAITHFULY,

MATHIAS JAMES
HEAD, FOREIGN OPERATIONS DEPT
ADB PLC

Dear Edward,
I have not heard from you since I sent you my last email. Please let me
know what you have been up to and attach the original receipt from the
Western unionoffice so that I can trac it down here to know who might
have collected the money.
Bello.

Of course Mr Umachi is trustworthy - you'll probably find its the same bloke..

Oh dear - have they lost the money... I wonder how far I could take this -...

Bello,

After our problems we experienced at the end of last week I returned to the
Western Union office where the money was deposited to query what had
happened. They have confirmed that the money had been received in Nigeria
and signed for. I've asked them to begin an inquiry as to who could have
received the money without the prior knowledge of the questions and answers.
They've lodged a formal complaint with their head office and an inquiry has
begun.

I've provided them with all the details about the money, the dates and the
problems experienced with the initial payment. They've advised that it will
take a day or two to progress and you may get a phone call from them to
clarify some items as I've had to provide all parties details.

I hope to hear something either Monday or Tuesday at the latest.

This is turning into a nightmare - if you would have taken my suggestion of
direct bank payment in the first place this would have been done and dusted
as it is we're two weeks down the line and not a lot has happened.

I'll keep in touch as soon as I hear something.

Regards
Eddie

Having returned from Ireland (great Wedding !!) I decide to send him this on Sunday evening..

Does anyone want to be a rep from Western Union. Give him a call up (numbers at the top) then post what you've done in the guestbook so others can follow on the story. Just don't tell him about this site... enjoy..

Monday 1st December

Edward,
Your email have given me a little rest of mind though i do not the
possibilty of finding the person that collected the money. All I know is
that it cannot be Mr. Kalu.
However, I would have expected to have the receipt so that I can help in
tracing whoever might have done that though it's not common knowing fully
well that the information belongs to Mr. Kalu. Sometimes, I wonder why it
should be us but I come up with an answer that only God knows. I have not
had rest ever since this started, sometimes, it seems to me as a mare
dream but I don't know what to do because I can't help. Well, i pray the
western union office over there should do something in confirming who
might have collected the money and why the money should be querried.
I would wait until I hear from you on the verifications from the western
office.
Please, do contact the bank manager telling him that we are still working
on securing the required documents. I hope that would go a long way in
making things easy for us as well.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Bello.

FROM THE DESK OF MATHIAS JAMES
HEAD, FOREIGN OPERATIONS DEPT,
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK PLC
NATIONAL HEAD QUARTERS, ABUJA, NIGERIA


ATTENTION: EDWARD EAGLE
SUBJECT: WE ARE SCEPTICAL ABOUT YOUR NEGLIGENCE TO UPDATE YOUR PAYMENT FILE (ARE YOU THE RIGHTFUL OWNER OF THIS FUNDS) ADVISE !!

After series of reminder we are yet to receive the requested documents. Could you please advise us if you are the right benefactor of this funds as to negate proper documentaion or do you want us to beg you to receive your funds .
In order to get this money released to you , you are required to contact the below director and explain why you are neglecting the request of the Bank thus working against the rules and regulation of this Bank..

We confirm reciept of your fax number and will advise that you firstly contact the Director and get the requirements submitted for us to get the payment advise forwarded to you.You have this week to comply IF you are serious.

Yours faithfuly,

Mathias James

Dear Edward,
Please could you brief me on what you were able to find out from the
western union office as per who collected the money. I have one question,
if they were unable to get the money back to us, what would be our fate
as we really need these documents to proceed.
Waiting for your urgent response.
Bello.

I'm out and about on a course this week so postings will be sporadic.

What is this guys name - Kalu or Umachi ? Perhaps it's Lord Lucan..

Well God may know but the chances are slim..

Ooo and just to re-inforce it a letter (two actually) from the bank...

Of course I'm the rightful owner - who does he think I am...

Oh - and another note from Bello..

Tues 2nd December

Bello,

Yet again I've been in contact with the head office of Western Union this afternoon and spent an hour on the phone explaining the situation and also documenting everything to formally lodge an official letter of complaint through my solicitor with their customer services department which I have done late this evening. I had to document how and when the transaction took place and also how the information required to secure the fund was transmitted. Luckily I had a copy of the email I sent with the two reference numbers.

As per your request - I'm unable to forward the receipt document as it has had to be submitted as evidence of the transaction (a photocopy is not sufficient).

They did make some comments that this had happened several times recently and all seem to be linked to Nigeria and in particular Lagos - but this was the first time that two seperate transactions had been cleared at the same time.

I've had to lodge a formal complaint with the UK Financial Services Organisation which I'm doing tommorow. I've already reported this to the police who are being kept aware of the situation by both Western Union and also the FSO.

I've received a mail from the bank to which I'll send them a delaying note as you suggest.

My main concern at the moment is retrieving my money as it's obviously in the wrong hands. I can still send the funds to you (with money from another account) but this time I'd like to suggest that we do it my way through an inter bank transfer. Western Union at this time are not recommending me resend more funds through this channel - they've got concerns over security of both internet and telephone traffic it seems into Lagos. If you can provide me with your or your partners bank account details I can have the money there within a day. It will be coming from my Coutts account in London so I can guarantee it's secure as it's where the Queen keeps her account.

I'll keep you posted on progress, has anyone from Western Union contacted you for confirmation ?

Awaiting your reply.

Eddie

Mathias,

Apologies for the continued delay on progressing this transaction. I can assure you I am the correct benefactor and rightful owner of these funds. I am continue to try to obtain the correct documentation at great haste.

Regards
Eddie

blah blah blah...

I wonder if we can get bank details out of them ?

Thursday 4th December

Dear Mr. Edward,
Since today, I have made several calls to Mr. Kalu just to let him know
the latest development but I was told by his secretary that he went of a
meeting until this evening. I have also pleaded with him on the bases
that this time thigs would be ok and have asked him for the account
information. The problem is, sending money directly to Nigeria would be
almost impossible as he dose not have a dollar account. So there is no
way he can receive the money from you directly instead we found another
means but the same account which you have adviced would be convinient for
you. We went togather to negotiate with one merchant from China who runs
a big business here in Nigeria. This decesion was taken because he runs a
dollar account. So once the money is sent by you, it may take about four
to five days to be cleard.

Here is the account information and please do fax a copy of the payment
slip to this telefax (0234 4 8880645) number as soon as you transfer the
money:-

NAME OF ACCOUNT: LUKE LIN CO LTD
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01920064596
BANK NAME: THE INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA
TA-AN BRANCH
BANK ADDRESS: 62 SEC.2, AN HO ROAD TAIPEI, TAIWAN, ROC.
BANK TELEX NUMBER: 27654ICBCTAAN
BANK TELEPHONE: 886 2 27042141

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Bello.

Dear Edward,
Could you please brief me on what is on board. Have you made the payment?
If yes please fax the payment slip to the fax number I gave you.
Regards,
Bello.

Bello,

I'm trying to get details of the bank in question - especially their International Bank Sort Code to transfer the money automatically. I've been unable to search for the bank. Can you enquire of your contact the sortcode for the bank.

I've phone the contact telephone number but I get an answering machine in I'm guessing Taipan. Probably due to the different time zones so I've been unable to speak to the bank directly.

Please advise soonest.

Regards
Eddie

Of course sending money to Nigeria is problematic - duh !

Of course, he's going to know everyone and how they deal with their accounts isn't he...

We'll we've got bank account details... but of who and of who...

I've phoned the number and they answer in Taipan which is a lot of good to me.

Friday 5th December

Bello,

Payment done electronically - I've cut and pasted the information for you to track at the other end. Hopefully this should be a lot easier than the previous escapades.

It seems that the police have an interest in this and they're seemingly working with the Nigerian police to discover what happened. Has anyone from Western Union contacted you ?

Regards
Eddie

Saturday 6th December

Edward,
Thank you for the attachments. I would like you to send me a copy by fax
so that Mr. kalu can take it to the man that owns the account for him to trace.
After that, I would get back to you.
Regards,
Bello.

Bello,

I'm travelling at the moment so its probably better if you can print a copy of the email that I sent you as this is the electronic format that I get from Coutts web banking. It's the same thing.

I'll not have access to my email till probably Friday evening as I'm visiting an offshore platform off Aberdeen to trial a new product of ours but I will try to call you during the week for confirmation of funds and associated paperwork from your contact.

Regards
Eddie

Why the hell does he persist in fax copies of everything...Probably because the internet cafe he's using doesn't have printers attached to the machines ?

I am actually in Aberdeen for a week returning on Friday so we'll see how this goes. I'll be providing updates as and when.

Sunday 14th December

Bello,

I tried to call you yesterday but of the four attempts only one succeeded to
reach you - I could hear you saying hello but you could not hear me. When I
called again it was constantly busy.

Can you confirm that the money has reached the aforementioned account.
When can we expect the documents from your contact. Now that I'm back
onshore I'd like to pursue this with the utmost urgency...

Regards
Eddie

We'll I've not heard a thing during or since I got back. I've sent him this but I'm led to believe by Otto Pohl that he's now using the email address's of belloyk@mynetaddress.com and belloyk@consultant.com.

I'l give him a call tommorow to discuss.

Wednesday 17th December

Edward,
I'm very sorry for the late in reply. I travelled. The money have been
confirmed. I contacted the bank manager today, he told me that he have
had enough time for us. So now that we are done with the documents, he
would proceed with the transfer by next week but I would like us to show
he appreciation by buying him some gist items for giving us these times
to secure these documents.
What do you feel?
Waiting for your reply.
Bello.

Bello,

Thanks very much for confirmation - I had a voicemail message from the bank today and I've not called them back yet so it was probably just to advise that the funds had cleared.

I'm in agreement with a token of thanks as we've delayed him somewhat - what were you thinking about buying him and if I can contribute towards the cost of it let me know.

Have you provided the documents to the bank already ?

Regards
Eddie

He's finally replied. Lets make one thing clear - Ive not transferred any money, so his note confuses me a little.

I do believe that he's expecting me to buy these gifts for him....we'll have to change that..

Thursday 18th December

Dear Edward,
Thank you for your email and understanding. I planned buying him a laptop
and two GSM phones and two wrist watches. If you can, I would advice you
buy the GSM handsets and wrist watches so that I can buy the laptop.
I'm yet to send the documents to the bank.
What do you think.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Bello.

Bello,

Sounds okay - however it seems that PCWorld here are doing a special on Dell
laptops - so much so that I'm thinking of getting one for myself - I don't
know how much they are there but here they seem to be doing a great deal on
them - I think it must be the exchange rate being so high between the Uk and
the US. It might be beneficial if I get the laptops here - what do you
think. We could get top of the range laptops at probably less than the
price you would pay there ?

Let me know you're thoughts on the laptop situation.

Do you know when the documents will be sent to the bank - thankfully I've
not heard from Mathias recently.

Regards

Jeepers - this goes on a bit doesn't it...

Ooo and would he like any particular type of watch or phone ?

Lets see what happens when we turn this one around...

Saturday 20th December

Dear Eagle,
I have already bought the latops here so do not mind about that. You can
buy the GSM set if you can. Let me know when you buy them.
Call me please.
Regards,
Bello.

Monday 22nd December

Bello,

I tried to call you several times today without success.

I've purchased a couple of Nokia 9210 Communicator telephones from the local
phone shop here. They were on special offer due to the Christmas period.
I've made sure that they can be used in Nigeria. Whats the best way of
getting them to Mr James ?

If you've not seen them before let me know and I'll send you a photograph of
it.

Regards
Eddie

I have actually tried to call him on several occasions without success.

I wonder what he's going to come up with for shipment.

4th January 2004

Dear Edward,
HAPPY NEW YEAR.
I would visit the court for the documents tomoorow.
The bank manager's home address is NO 11 WILLIAMS STREET ONITCHA ANAMBRA
STATE NIGERIA, MR. MATHIAS JAMES. Advice when you send them and give me
the tracking detail.
Regards,
Bello.

A good twelve days since we last communicated.

So I've got to send them to him - sounds like a job for DHL.

6th January

Bello,

I was concerned when I had heard nothing from you for such a long period of
time. Have you delivered the documents - what are the timescales for
completion if this has been done.

DHL are collecting the goods tommorow morning - I'll advise once I get
tracking number.

Regards and the best for 2004.

Eddie

I honestly thought that this one had dried up due to lack of attention from him...

7th January

Dear Edward,
Thank you for your email. The documents would be given to me by tomorrow
and i shall send it to the bank same tomorrow.
Regards,
Bello.

8th January

Bello,

Apologies for the delay in letting you know DHL collected the parcel from me
yesterday. Strangely enough they wanted to see what was inside before they
took the package. So I had to undo all the careful packaging I did.

Whats the status on the documents - have they been served on the bank.

Awaiting your reply

Ed