Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Nigeria
E-mail Scam or Real?
My brother was contacted via e-mail about a deceased relative that is from Britain, and died in Africa in 2001. Someone wants him to claim the 12.5 million dollars, and he'd get 40% of the money as the heir. How do we find out if this is legit? He sent my brother the death certificate, and some court paper stating my brother as the ''administrator to administer the funds of the deceased''. How do we know he's not being scammed? I mean they didn't even varify that we're even legally related to this dead rich man with no heirs! Help!!!!! Now he (the African man calling himself ''Barr. Desmond Chidi'' - email [email protected])called and wants my brother to call the african bank to try to see whats taking so long. He gave him the phone number and bank account number as well. It states in one of the papers that my brother gets 40% of the sum kept under his care though this sum could be negotiated based on his level of contributions towards the success of each transaction. (Not to exceed 45%) The bank name is Standard Trust Bank Ikeja Branch, Lagos. (The bank director's name is Mr.Tony Elumelu, phone number 23414935305) I just don't want my brother to be scammed, I hope you can understand!
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: E-mail Scam or Real?
The email has all the hallmarks of the Nigerian 519 scam,which has spread to other countries (I've gotten them from S. Africa, also) Their are various versions going around, but it you google "Nigerian scams" you'll find out a lot. If they want money from you, which I'm sure they will, tell them to "get lost."
Re: E-mail Scam or Real?
Most of these e-mails are scams designed to steal your money. I would expect a lawyer in Lagos, Nigeria (or anywhere else) to inform me by letter, not e-mail.
If somehow this still seems legitimate contact the U.S. State department and the Nigerian embassy. I must say that if the anyone asks for money, contact the FBI instead.
I would also suggest applying some logic. If you are of African (preferrably from in or near Nigeria) descent and you or your african ancestors came to this country in the last 100 years, then the possibility of legitimacy is more real than if you are descended from slaves sold to work on a sugar cane plantation in the 17th century.
Re: E-mail Scam or Real?
I am Nigerian based Attorney and I want to state categorically to you that this is a scam. Recently I was opportuned to advise and investigate a similar claim in favour of an American family by a supposed Nigerian "Attorney". And I found out that the account does not exist and certain other facts stated where all false.
Some parts of your mail actually reveal facts. Take for instance, Tony Elumelu, is the CEO/Managing Director Standard Trust Bank, Nigeria, which has a branch at Ikeja, Lagos. But I can bet you that the telephone number given is not his. At most an imposter would have answered your brother's call.
My advise therefore is for your brother to forget this transaction as I found out recently, a lot of such mails are sent out by these "Attorneys" everyday.
But if you still want to further verify the facts, which I think is not relevant, this could also be arranged.
Best Regards
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