Avoid this scam like the plague. Here is a typical example. You will notice the many errors in English and conflicting statements on money accounts.

"Good day from Dennis Steven. From the Netherlands.

"You may be surprised to receive this email from me since you do not know me personally. I, Mr. Dennis Stevens, the first son of Dr. Patrick Steven who was recently murdered in the land dispute in Zimbabwe. I was furnished with variable information from the World Trade Centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and decided to write to you.

Before the death of my father, he had taken me to Johannesburg to deposit the sum of fifteen-five million United States dollars (US$30.500.00) in a security company that moved this money diplomatically to the Netherlands, as if he foresaw the looming danger in Zimbabwe. This money was deposited in a box as diplomatic items of high value to reduce the cost of transportation and to avoid much demurrage from the security company. This money was meant for the purchase of new machines and chemicals for farms and establishment of a new farm in Swaziland.

"This land problem came when Zimbabwe President Mr. Robert Mugabe, introduced a new land resolution that wholly affected rich farmers mainly white and some few black farmers. This resulted to the killing and mob action by Zimbabwe war veterans and some lunatics in the society.

"I am faced with the dilemma of investing this amount of money in the Netherlands for the fear of going through the same experience in future since both countries have similar history. Moreover, the Netherlands foreign exchange policy does not allow such investment from asylum seekers.

As regards your commission/remuneration, my immediate family and I have decided to offer you 25 percent of the total sum immediately after we cleared the consignment from the security company vault and also set aside 5 percent for all of your expenses, (telephone bills, traveling expenses, hotel bills and other miscellaneous expenses.)

Yours Faithfully, Mr. Dennis Stevens. Good Day

Any takers? You can see the mistakes in the letter. The scam is that you have to invest your own money. These people are waiting to get your bank account numbers. This letter and others are published in my book,
Don't Get Ripped Off! Get Help! Tell It to George.

Don't even respond to this letter or similar letters. I have been a consumer advocate for more than 35 years. These letters have been circulating for at least that many years. If you respond, you are in for serious trouble. Your entire bank account, after they receive your number, could disappear. These con artists are after YOUR money. Don't let them get away with it. They could steal your identity, too.