I received this e-mail from Mrs Miriam Abacha, wife of late Nigerian head of state- Gen. Sanni Abacha.  Note she describes herself as Hajia, someone who has made the Haj to Mecca – something every Moslem tries to do.

 

I baited the solicitor and security company for 2 months, then the bait just died.  Maybe even the Lad decided he wasn’t going to get any money.

 

 

CAST OF CHARACTERS:

 

The following colour coding is used for identification purposes:

 

General Sani Abacha,                       Deceased dictator.  No e-mails.

Miriam Abacha,                                 419 scammer from Nigeria

Ahmed Bako,                                     Mrs Abacha’s lawyer

Utility Trust,                                        Security Company in Amsterdam

Humpty Dumpty,                                Another 419 baiter

Steve Seagoon,                                My literary personna, director of a global automotive parts company

Notes,                                               Notes bringing the reader up to date with developments

 

 

Sat, 3 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  THANKSL

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Friend,

 

Greetings"

 

I am Hajia (Mrs.) Mariam Abacha, wife of late Nigerian head of state- Gen. Sanni Abacha. We have not met before,I got your contact through Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and I felt I should trust you. It is no news telling you that my family has been going through untold hardship since the 18th June 1998 when my husband died.

 

My family has lost so much including some fixed assets my husband acquired while in office. Evidently, the pages of all Nigeria dailies, which you can equally get from Nigeria embassy in your country, will tell better our story. Even now, our homes are under surveillance, worst of all, the Government has restored to consficating everything that has to do with our family.

 

Before the death of my husband, he ran among other business of his own, bureau de change, which was flourishing with every Government support. From the bureau de change business, which has now been clamped down by Nigeria Government, I was able to save USD$24,000,000.00 in cash. I tried to safeguard it in a security company here in Nigeria but couldn't. Through the help of a close family friend who works in a security company, I delivered the USD$24 million and moved it out of Nigeria under the label of photographic materials to a security company in EUROPE.For security reason,I wouldn't mention the name of the country until I hear from you.

 

In view of our condition here and the high interest rate the security company charges, the money could not be safe there.

 

I would therefore need your honest assistance to move this fund from the Security Company to your nominated bank account. Once the money is safeguarded in your account, I would require your directives to enable me invest same in any viable business venture. If you accept this offer, of assistance you are requested to contact me via my email address as above or my lawyer Barrister Ahmed Bako & co. via his e-mail address: barrister [[email protected]] As soon as he receives your acceptance notice, he will furnish you with the details which includes; lodging code and clearance permit to enable you clear the consignment from the Security Company. Note that, You will be accorded with 20% of the total sum for your assistance.

 

Finally, you are requested to indicate your telephone and fax numbers to me or my lawyer for easier communication.

 

While thanking you for your anticipated co-operation, I look forward to your urgent reponse.

 

Best regards,

Hajia Mariam Abacha.

 

 

Sat, 3 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  RE: THANKS

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Mrs Abacha,

 

Interesting tale, and an interesting proposition.  Of course, I'm always interested in making money, and would consider helping you to transfer this money for the suggested fee.

 

Tell me more

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon

 

 

Now I receive the e-mail below from Ahmed Bako, but such a clumsy hand over that it’s almost not worth baiting him.  He doesn’t even name his client, Mrs Mariam Abacha.  Also Mr Ahmed Bako gives himself the title Esquire, even uses it in his e-mail address.

 

 

Mon, 5 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Details

From:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

 

 

ATTENTION:Steve Seagoon,

Dear sir,
Thank you for your reply to my clients email and your patience. This is not a tale as you stated in your email,please let me know if you are ready to assist my clients. The present government had a revenge on my client's family, because the late husband imprisoned the current president of my country for planning a coup against him. Unfortunately the man died in Office.
This is the reason they confiscated the family properties and monies. Even personal houses were seized and left them with nothing. This was on air both for local and international media. So they had to ship the money oversea by diplomatic means as their last option.
Based on the way the consignment was lodged,you have to makes plans to visit the security company holding the consignment to effect the release.

They are aware that the consignment value at US$24million is made of photographic material.We have kept this since october last year, demurrage has entered the consignment which you must have been awared of based on my clients email to you. You are therefore expected to assist in all regards to have the consignment released from the security company.
My clients intend to invest in Real Estate which you will also assist them in supervising in trust pending when any member of the family come over to join you in your country.
I await your reply to Let me know how soon you can travel to
Europe for the conclusion of the transaction .
My telephone number is: 234 803 560 7826, AHMED BAKO ESQ.You can call me anytime for necessary clarification
I await your swift response.
Yours faithfully,
Ahmed Bako Esq.

 

 

 

Thu, 8 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Details

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Ahmed,

 

I am very interested in helping you transfer the security deposit of Mrs Miriam Abacha and in helping them invest in my country.

 

There is one slight problem.  I am a director of a global company which has franchised operations in the U.S.A., Europe, Asia and Australasia.  Under the terms of my shareholding and directorship I cannot travel outside Asia and Australasia without the agreement of my fellow directors.

 

I of course do not wish to advise them of our operation to transfer these items of Mrs Abacha’s into my care.  But I can advise them that I plan on taking a holiday at some time in the near future in whatever country is appropriate for me to visit the security company.

 

Please advise the country so that I may complete the formalities with my fellow global directors.

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon

 

Director, Australasian Operations

Global Automotive Supply Company Inc

USA, Europe, Asia, Australasia

 

 

Then along comes Humpty Dumpty, another 419eater scambaiter who Ahmed Bako is also trying to scam.  We compare notes and co-ordinate our responses, most curiously, he will also be a Director of Global Automotive Supply Company Inc.  Now what are the chances of picking two directors of the same company, something like one in 2 x 1018 (that’s 2 with eighteen zeros after it).

 

 

Thu, 8 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Bcc:  “Steve Seagoon” <[email protected]>

Subject:  Details

From:  "H Dumpty" <[email protected]>

 

Dear Ahmed

 

Thankyou for your reply, sorry for the delay, I have been away on business.

 

While coming to Europe would be the most expeditious route, I need to give you some background. I am a Director of a Global company, which has HQs in all the continents of the world. Indeed, I am Director of the USA arm of the operation. The T & Cs of my position mean I cannot travel without the express permission of at least one of the other Directors. I don't want them to know about our and Mrs Abacha's business dealings, but I can say I need to take a leave of absence shortly, and then come to Europe.

 

Please let me know what country I need to visit, so I can let them know accordingly.

 

Many thanks,

 

Dr H Dumpty

 

Director, USA Operations

Global Automotive Supply Company Inc

USA, Europe, Asia, Australasia

 

 

Unfortunately, Humpty Dumpty gets fobbed off, so I’m on my own now

 

 

Thu, 8 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Details

From:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

 

Attention:Steve Seagoon

Dear sir,

Thank you for your email, the content therein is well noted.And thank you also for your care in analysing your position in your organisation. This is quite a good idea,because my clients would not want any problem in getting this funds mixed up, so there will not be a problem of withdrawal after you have successfully cleared it and deposit in your bank account.

Kindly let me know the time frame with which you can discuss with your partners for the holiday as planned.Because my client brokers duly informed me that the process of concluding the transaction with the handling firm is not more than 3 working days So, once you fix any holidays we will need to inform them on time.

The security company handling the consignment has a transit base in Holland-Amsterdam where you can pick up the consignment.But upon your reply, I will open commuication with them through our broker to inform them of this development. I will also need to avail you the deposit certificate and other necessary claims letters empowering you to clear the consignment as the beneficiary.

Kindly send your private telephone number so we can discuss, or you can call me for a brief discussion on Telephone:234 803 560 7826.

I await your reply.

Yours faithfully,

Ahmed Bako Esq.

 

 

Now, maybe I can confuse my lad with the hint that someone may have hacked my e-mail system.

 

 

Sat, 10 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Re: Holiday

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Ahmed,

 

I have arranged with my fellow directors that I will be taking a holiday in Europe at some time in the near future.  I’ve even had an invitation from our American director to fly home from Europe via the USA and stay a few days with him and his family in New York.  I might do that, it would make a nice break after the stress of dealing with security companies and transferring millions of dollars between bank accounts.

 

I can probably travel to Europe, either to Spain or Holland it doesn’t matter, from the 22nd July onwards.  I would appreciate your advice as to the best time to arrive in Europe to conduct this business.  If I left New Zealand on the 22nd, I would arrive in Europe on the 23rd which would give me the weekend to recover from jet-lag.  Then we could spend the next week, from Monday 26th on, to conduct this business and clear this cash into our hands.

 

I hope my travelling to Europe in just under two weeks will leave enough time for you to arrange all the paperwork to transfer this money.  We’ll need all the necessary paperwork completed by the time I arrived.  Please let me know if there’s anything you need from me, any information or assistance.

 

My private mobile phone number is 64 25 280 3710.  Note however that this is almost always turned off.  I cannot stand having the bloody thing ringing all the time, so I use it only for making outward calls.  It has voicemail, so if you rang you could leave a voice message.  I much prefer using e-mail, and recommend that we use it as our sole means of communication, despite the following.

 

Now, I think there’s something strange going on here that you should know about.  I can’t prove it, but I have the feeling that there are some things not right with my e-mail account.  If I am right, then someone named Humpty Dumpty has been sending e-mails from my e-mail address.  I’ve had two business colleagues send me back queries about e-mails from my e-mail address that were signed with that name.  There’s no record of these e-mails being sent from my e-mail account, but they could have been deleted from my “sent” box.  Of course I’ve changed the password to ensure this doesn’t happen again and to maintain security.  But I have this niggling feeling that someone has been rummaging around in my email system.

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon

 

Director, Australasian Operations

Global Automotive Supply Company Inc

USA, Europe, Asia, Australasia

 

 

Instructions from Mr Bako, now we start to talk money.  30,000 Euros, what’s that in real money?  Funny too, he has also had an e-mail from the despicable Mr Humpty Dumpty.

 

 

Sat, 10 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Re: Holiday

From:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

 

Dear steve Seagoon,

Thank you for your email,the content is well understood.Firstly,the date as from 22nd of july 2004 that you want to commence the holiday is okay,since it is the most convenient time for you.The two weeks notice is enough for me to make necessary arrangements.

I had already communicated with the handling firm in Amsterdam about the consignment to ascertain the demurrage accrued and other clearance charges which they have put at 30,000 Euros. Please you have to make arrangement to also pay off this cost at the security company to have the consignment released to you. This is the reason i had to inform you. Morealso, it is most important that we speak on phone. I tried to call you actually your phone was on viocemail.

You can call me on telephone number:234 803 560 7826.It is very important for the conclusion of the transaction.The telephone is on 24 hours.

Again, I will need some identity from you either your international passport or work Identity card as well as your private address to prepare the authorisation letter in your name.

My client has instructed that I release the whole documents to you once I am assured of your readiness to help conclude the transaction. So, I intend to get all the affidavit concluded by latest Wednesday next week so you can have time to open conversation with the handling firm to perfect you plans for the clearance of the consignment.Please doyour best in this regards so, I can conclude work on this transaction on time.

I had an email from a similar name,Dr H. Dumpty willing to assist me and claiming to be a director in your company America operations,but I have told him that my client does not need his help that we have gotten a reliable partner to assist. But the email was not from your email address so I immedaitely deleted it. However, it was best for you to change your password to secure the transaction and all your dealings.

As a matter of urgency, you need to send to me, your private telephone so that I can speak with you at short notice. This is very important and Hajia Mariam wants to greet you as well.

I expect your call. my regards to you and your family.

 

Yours faithfully,

Ahmed Bako Esq.

 

 

Mmmmm, wants my private telephone?  Don’t think I’d like to parcel it up and send it to him to use, even if the delicious Mrs Miriam Abacha wants to talk to me.

 

 

Sat, 10 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Re: Holiday

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Ahmed,

 

Number of points I would like answered.

 

Firstly, I will arrange to fly into Amsterdam on the 22nd July.  I will let you know my flight number and arrival time.  Please book me into a luxury hotel in Amsterdam, near to the “red light” district would be ideal.  let me know the name, address and contact details of this hotel.

 

Secondly, What the hell is this Euros thing!  I routinely handle US Dollars and all Asian currencies, but will not dirty my hands with some newly invented synthetic currency.  What is 30,000 euros in real money, US Dollars.  I’ll arrange to have travellers cheques for the appropriate amount in US Dollars.

 

Thirdly, I must be having trouble with my mobile phone message service, there has been no voicemail from you.  If you need to talk to me urgently please ring my company number, 64 7 575 9064 and specifically ask to be put through to me, Mr Steve Seagoon.  Don’t talk to anyone else but the person who answers the phone.  Please remember that New Zealand is 11 hours ahead of UK time.

 

I will forward a scan of my passport identity page in the next couple of days.  On Friday, our scanner was inoperable, and we were waiting on a replacement.  These things confuse me, the little men inside it that run up and down copying documents have probably broken their pencils.  I’ll send a scan of my passport as soon as the scanner is replaced or the little men get new pencils or whatever.

 

Fourthly, my personal details are:

 

Name:  Stephen Nelson Seagoon

Address:  P O Box 5290, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand

Phone:  64 7 575 9064 (business phone, ask specifically for me)

64 25 280 3710 (mobile, leave a voice mail).

 

Fifth, now I need some identification from you.  I should have asked for this before, but this has become urgent now that I am travelling to meet you in Europe.  Would you send me a digital image of you so that I will recognise you at the airport.  Please make it a recent photo, I’ve had people send me old photos before and then have not been able to recognise them at the airport.  Get a photo taken with you holding a sign with my name on it, just SEAGOON will do.

 

Finally, looking forward to meeting you and concluding this mutually beneficial business arrangement.

 

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon

 

Director, Australasian Operations

Global Automotive Supply Company Inc

USA, Europe, Asia, Australasia

 

 

And just for entertainment I send this private request to Ahmed Bako.

 

 

Sun, 11 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Private request

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Ahmed,

 

I've just had a funny thought.  I'm doing this for a lady whom I do not know.  Do you have a photo of Mrs Abacha?  If you do, could you scan it and send it to me?

 

I just have this sense of intrigue about this poor woman who has been through so much.

 

By the way, my mobile mail service has just registered that I received a voicemail at about 8 o'clock this morning - that's 9 hours ago!!  Trouble was it was extremely distorted and I couldn't understand a word.  Might not even have been you.  Try again, Ahmed.  I'd love to talk to you.

 

Thanks in anticipation

Steve

 

 

Maybe I shouldn’t have included that bit about the phone call, it’s obviously distracted him from my request for a photo of Mrs Miriam.  Maybe after we’ve got all this money, Miriam Abacha and I could fall in love and marry, and Ahmed could be the best man.

 

 

Sun, 11 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Re: Private request

From:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

 

Dear Steve,

Your emails received.Call me for a brief talk since your mobile telephone is for outgoing calls only.  My telephone number is 234 803 560 7826. Iwill expect your call anytime.

Yours faithfully,

Ahmed Bako Esq.

 

 

Sun, 11 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Re:  Private request

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Ahmed,

 

I’m afraid I can’t call you in Nigeria.  My mobile phone is provided by my company and I have set very strict rules for my staff regarding the use of company assets for private gain.  This means that all company phones, my mobile included, have their billing history checked by our company auditor for inappropriate phone calls.  I am expected, as major shareholder and Managing Director, to adhere to this policy just as all my staff must adhere to it.

 

As I've told you, I also leave my mobile phone turned off so that it’s not ringing all the time.  Some people think that you’re just happy to spend all day with a mobile phone stuck to your ear.

 

However, if you would like to e-mail me with a time when you would be able to call I can ensure that the phone is turned on.  Remember that New Zealand is 11 hours ahead of Nigeria (I have calculated that Nigeria is in the same time zone as the United Kingdom).

 

The best time to call me would be from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm, the rest of the day I am usually in meetings and would be unable to take your call.  That would make the best time to call me in Nigerian time would be 11.00 pm to 2.00 am in the middle of the night.

 

That’s one reason why I have come to rely so much on e-mail.  There’s no problem with time zones, the person you send an e-mail to just reads it when they turn their computer on.  I mean, I have no problem at all communicating by e-mail with people in Japan and Korea and they’re far away in the Northern hemisphere.

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon

 

Director, Australasian Operations

Global Automotive Supply Company Inc

USA, Europe, Asia, Australasia

 

 

Andy Bako really wants to talk to me, oh well it’ll be his call.

 

 

Mon 12 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Re:Call time 11pm-12pm

From:  "ahmed bako" [email protected]

 

Dear Steve,

Thank you for your email and all the request you made.In line with your email correspodence, it is really surprising that you cannot place a minute call to my telephone.But I tried the office telephone you sent and it was ringing unreplied.

 

As for your arrival date of 22nd July,we need to inform the handling firm in Holland-Amsterdam. Since it is them that will handle all that is needed for you to clear the consignment.You seems to misunderstand me,that you requested that I take a digital picture with a placard bearing your name ...etc,you donnot need that. The security company have their protocol unit to take care of your arrival and departure . All you need to do is to avail them your full travelling itinerary.

 

The process of getting the document in your name has commenced today,the affidavit for the issuance of the authorisation letter in your name will be secured tomorrow. I will after I have discussed with you this night give you updates.

 

As for the demurrage and other charges you requested the conversion in US$, the 30,000 Euros will amount to US$36,600.The pictures of my client and all others information you need,shall also be forwarded to you including the contact details of the security company so you can open direct communication with the officer in charge of the consignment.

 

I will call your mobile telephone between 11pm-12 Midnight my time.and your office telephoe between 12pm-1 am my time. Please open your telephone lines so we can discuss.

 

Till then,remain blessed.

 

Regards,

Ahmed Bako Esq

 

 

I convert Euros to USD, and Euro 30,000 comes to about $US 37,220.  I’d better make sure I’ve got enough money for exchange rate fluctuations so I’ll get out $US 40,000, just to be safe.  I’d better also have some airline info ready.

 

Ahmed rings, I keep him on the line as long as possible but keep complaining about being unable to understand him.  Finally he tells me he will send an e-mail and hangs up.  I get in before him, nice to make him think I’m eager to clear this money, and send him my travel details.

 

 

Tue, 13 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Travel details

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Ahmed,

 

Nice to hear your voice, however we had such a bad connection that I could barely understand what you were saying.

 

I hope you understood me, that I have my tickets to Amsterdam confirmed.  Attached below is my travel schedule, I arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol on Thursday 22 July at 10.50 am on Qantas flight QF 3371.  I think this is a code shared flight, so it will probably be a British Airways plane and coming through immigration where British Airways arrives.

 

I have had my bank convert Euros 30,000 to US Dollars, that is about USD 37,200 – a lot of cash to carry.  I have had my bank issue me USD 40,000 of travellers cheques, that will be much safer and will leave a margin for currency fluctuations.

 

Below are my flight details, please ensure that you pass these details on to the handling company in Amsterdam.

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon

 

Director, Australasian Operations

Global Automotive Supply Company Inc

USA, Europe, Asia, Australasia

 

 

 

Tue, 13 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Ticket confirmation

From:  [email protected]

 

This is an automated reply to a ticket purchase, do not reply to this e-mail, do not send e-mails to the address.

 

Dear Mr Seagoon,

 

Thank you for making your booking online with Qantas online booking. Below are all the details of your itinerary. The Electronic-Ticket Receipt/ Itinerary for your booking is attached to this email.

 

Please click here to read the terms and conditions, www.qantas.com/terms/bookingterms.asp. If you have any queries about your booking, call your local Qantas office on 0508 QANTAS (reservations), 0508 726 827 (reservations) or send us an email on: [email protected]

 

We hope you have a pleasant journey and look forward to taking care of your travel bookings in the future.

 

Best regards

Qantas

 

Booking reference number xxxxxx

 

Auckland International Apt (AKL),to Sydney (SYD), Qantas

Flight number – QF 190

Class – Business

Flight routing – Non-stop

Departs 21 July 04, 13.20

Arrives 21 July 04, 14.45

 

Sydney (SYD), to London (LHR), Qantas

Flight number – QF 001,

Class – Business

Flight routing – One stop

Departs 21 Jul 04, 16.50

Arrives 22Jul 04, 06.45

 

London (LHR), to Amsterdam (AMS), Qantas

Flight number – QF 3371,

Class – Business

Flight routing – Non-stop

Departs 22 Jul 04, 08.40

Arrives 22Jul 04,10.50

 

Amsterdam (AMS), to London (LHR), Qantas

Flight number – QF 3941,

Class – Business

Flight routing – Non-stop

Departs 29 Jul 04, 18.55

Arrives 29Jul 04,19.05

 

London (LHR), to Sydney (SYD), Qantas

Flight number – QF 002,

Class – Business

Flight routing – One stop

Departs 29 Jul 04, 22.15

Arrives 31 Jul 04, 05.25

 

Sydney (SYD),to Auckland International Apt (AKL), Qantas

Flight number – QF 163

Class – Business

Flight routing – Non-stop

Departs 31 July 04, 07.00

Arrives 31 July 04, 11.55

 

 

Traveller information

 

Traveller: 1 Adult

Full name: Mr Stephen Nelson Seagoon

Passport number: GBR 695481528

Country issued: United Kingdom

Phone: 025 280 3710

Email: [email protected]

 

 

Preferred meals: Low fat, fish/poultry.

Delivery and payment details: Paid, Visa.

Total fare for all travellers (including taxes): New Zealand Dollars NZD 10,343.30

(Including GST: New Zealand Dollars NZD NIL)

Electronic Ticket (Airline Confirmation Number): Mr Steve Seagoonxxxxxx

 

 

Better chase him on meeting and hotel arrangements too.

 

 

Tue, 13 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Hotel and meeting

From:  [email protected]

 

Ahmed,

 

Couple of things I overlooked in my last message.

 

1.  Get me booked me into a luxury hotel in Amsterdam, preferably near the “red light” district.  E-mail the hotel name and address to me.

 

Book me in to the hotel for the nights of 22 July through to check out on 29 July.

 

I will want to go directly to the hotel to sleep after spending 30 something hours on planes.

 

2.  Pickup at the airport, make sure the security company protocol unit have my name right, STEVE SEAGOON.

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon

 

Director, Australasian Operations

Global Automotive Supply Company Inc

USA, Europe, Asia, Australasia

 

 

I sent a private request for a photo of Mrs Abacha, and Ahmed sends me back a selection of family pics.  Plus contact details for the Security Company in Amsterdam.

 

 

Tue, 13 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Re:contact info /pictures requested.

From:  "ahmed bako" [email protected]

 

Dear steve,
This is to acknowledge the receipt of your email you included your flight schedule and the request for the hotel reservation.All of that will be handled by the handling company.

Below stated is the contact details of the handling firm in Holland-Amsterdam. I had earlier informed them of your readiness to come over for the consignment, so they await your email. Get in touch with them to confirm the reservation they are going to make for you. I shall also confirm with them later.


As for your request,attached photographs are the personal and family pictures of my client for your perusal.
I will also forward the deposit certifcate and the letter of Authority secured in your name for your perusal and records. The information are as follows;

 

UTILITY TRUST SECURITY COMPANY
Zuiderlaan 5, 1100 Schipol Clearing House
Amsterdam
Tel: +31-6452 62077 Tel: +33 632 791 928
E-mail: [email protected]
Operation officer:Dr. Peter Meyers

Be free to communicate directly with the operation director Mr Peters Meyers for any clarification.

Yours faithfully,

Ahmed bako Esq.

 

 

I delay sending a reply, what bad luck to be travelling and to have a modem failure.  I forget the identity I’m using in this scam and use the title I have been using in another scam.  Oh well, maybe I’m a director of a number of companies.

 

 

Thu, 15 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Re:Update

From:  [email protected]

 

Ahmed,

 

I'm travelling at the moment and my laptop has a malfunctioning modem so I have to use a internet cafe.

Will contact you when laptop fixed.

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon

 

Director

Seagoon Automotive Group

New Zealand

 

 

Ahmed seems keen for me to be in contact, and to contact the Security Company in Amsterdam

 

 

Thu, 15 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Re: Update

From:  "ahmed bako" [email protected]

 

Dear Steve,
Hope all is well. Why have you not acknowledge the receipt of my last email with the contact information of the handling firm in Amsterdam, the documents of claims and pictures I sent you.I called the mobile phone number you gave me, it is switched off. The office telephone is a personal phone and the woman that picked it said there is no such name there. Please check if the number is correct and let me get an update from you.
Regards
Ahmed Bako Esq.

 

 

 

Thu, 15 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Re: Update

From:  "ahmed bako" [email protected]

 

Dear Steve,

I got your email.Have you been contacted with the details of the Hotel reservation?Also let me know if you got the documents I sent to you.

You can call my telephone:234 803 560 7826 from a public phone since you can use a public cafe to access your internet.

Yours faithfully,

Ahmed Bako Esq.

 

 

So I contact the Security Company, emphasising that I will be carrying a large amount of travellers cheques.

 

 

Fri, 16 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

CC:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Arrival details and hotel reservation - Steve Seagoon

From:  [email protected]

 

Attention: Dr. Peter Meyers, Operations Officer

 

Dear Sirs,

 

I have been requested by my solicitor, Mr Ahmed Bako, to advise you my arrival details in Amsterdam.

 

Here are my arrival details:

 

London (LHR), to Amsterdam (AMS

Qantas Flight number – QF 3371,

Arrives Schiphol, 22Jul 04,10.50

 

This flight is a code share flight, it is probably a British airways flight so I will arrive from where

British Airways passengers deplane.

 

A couple of other things:

 

1.  Please book me into a luxury hotel in Amsterdam, preferably near the “red light” district.  Please make sure that the hotel room has a security safe in the room, I will be carrying a substantial amount of travellers cheques.

 

Book me in to the hotel for the nights of 22 July through to check out on 29 July (7 nights).

 

I will want to go directly to the hotel from the airport to sleep.  I expect to be jet lagged after

spending 30 something hours on planes.

 

E-mail the hotel name and address to me.

 

2.  Please arrange to have me met at the airport, make sure the security company protocol unit have a sign with my name on it, just "SEAGOON" will be sufficient.  I would expect your protocol unit will deliver me to my hotel.

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon

 

Director, Australasian Operations

Global Automotive Supply Company Inc

USA, Europe, Asia, Australasia

 

 

Fri, 16 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  urgent!urgent!!urgent!!!

From:  "ahmed bako" [email protected]

 

Dear Steve,

I am in receipt of your email copy sent to the security company.Kindly acknowledge the receipt of my email with all the attached documents.

You have not told me of the receipt of my emails,you refuse to address the issue of the telephone number. Why have you not send me the copy of your international passport and family pictures I require from you?,please give me another telephone number l need to talk with you urgently.

Regards,

Ahmed Bako Esq.

 

 

Sat, 17 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Re:Update

From:  [email protected]

 

Ahmed,

 

Its early Saturday morning here, I've been travelling around the country clearing things up before my overseas trip, I got home late last night and I'm still tired.

 

I'll contact you regarding documents, passport photo, everything later today.

 

Don't panic, everything will be OK.

 

Steve Seagoon

 

 

Sat, 17 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Re: Give me update

From:  "ahmed bako" [email protected]

 

Dear Steve,

Thank you for your email. I will expect to hear from you shortly.

My client needed to greet your wife but there is no access to do that,so kindly extend her greetings to your entire family and if possible send her telephone number so she can do so.

Have you had any contact from the handling firm in AQmsterdam on the hotel reservation?if so send me the details as well.

Yours faithfully,

Ahmed Bako Esq.

 

 

I receive a hotel confirmation from the security company.

 

 

Sat, 17 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Reservation of the Hotel

From:  <[email protected]>

 

OUR REF / 2004 ZS

ATTN: MR STEVE SEAGOONS

DEAR SIR,

 

Reference to your message sent on 16th Jul 2004, the content its well noted. The reservation as been made at Crowne Plaza Hotel Amsterdam City Centre. from 22nd to 29th July 2004, as soon as you arrive in Schipol Airport just take a Taxi and tell him/her that you are going to Crown Plaza Hotel in central station or you give the Hotel phone number to the taxi driver they will take you straight to the Hotel.

 

Hotel information

 

Reservation code No:-#3915

Tel:- +31-206-200-500

Fax:- +31-206-201-173

Email:-[email protected]

 

Sir, all the necessary arrangement for the delivery of your consignment will be make before your arrival in Amsterdam Netherlands. Do not hesitate to contact me on My direct number (0031-645-262-077) as soon as you arrive in the Hotel. 

 

Wish you safe and pleasant trip to Amsterdam Nederland.

 

Thank for your cooperation.

 

best regards,

 

Peter Mayers

 

 

Sun, 18 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  I have not received documents

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Ahmed,

 

I have been travelling around the country clearing matters before my “vacation” in Europe.

 

However I have not received any e-mail from you with documents attached.  Please send these urgently.

 

The only e-mail I have received from you with an attachment was the one with photos of Mrs Abacha and her family.  By the way, thanks for sending these.

 

I have received an e-mail from the security company advising of hotel reservations at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Amsterdam City Centre.

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon

 

Director

Seagoon Automotive Group

New Zealand

 

 

Mon, 19 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Re: Attached 2 documents

From:  "ahmed bako" [email protected]

 

Dear Steve,

Find attached email below. Ahmed.

............................
Tue, 13 Jul 2004 12:38:25 -0700 (PDT)

From: "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject: The 2 documents

To:[email protected]

 

Dear steve,

Sequel to my last email to you,I hope you received the pictures of my clients family, I sent you.The handling firm in Amsterdam has said they will communicate with you directly regarding the reservation to be made on your behalf.

I am sending the deposit certificate and the power of attorney enabling you to take ownership of the consignment.

Endeavour to send the copy of your international passport and some family pictures so my client can have a view as well.

I await your reply.

Yours faithfully,

Ahmed Bako Esq.

 

 

Attached to the e-mail was a Certificate of deposit and Power of Attorney.

 

 

Mon, 19 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Re: I have resent documents

From:  "ahmed bako" [email protected]

 

Dear Steve,

I have resent the 2 documents to you,I will need to have a phone discussion with you today.If you can please call me any time on Telephone number:234 803 560 7826 or you let me know when I can get you on your mobile phone.

I await your reply.

Yours faithfully

Ahmed Bako Esq.

 

 

Mon, 19 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Re: I have resent documents

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Ahmed,

 

It's late at night here in New Zealand and I am just clearing my e-mails after having packing my luggage.  I have brought my flight out of Auckland forward one day so that I can spend one day with our Australian operations in Sydney.  I leave very early tomorrow morning.

 

Yes, I have received your documents, I've printed them out and will take them with me tomorrow.

 

I see you have asked for images of my passport and of my family.  I will scan my passport tomorrow in Sydney and e-mail it to you.

 

As for my family, I am a widower, my wife was killed in a car crash with a drunken driver 12 years ago.  We never had a family, and I have never remarried.  I have kind of thrown myself into my business enterprises in place of a family life.

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon

 

Director, Australasian Operations

Global Automotive Supply Company Inc

USA, Europe, Asia, Australasia

 

 

Nice note back from Ahmed, though I was confused by his reference to being sorry about the incident.  Oh, my wife’s death in a car crash.  Don’t worry about it Ahmed, it’s was as real as the $24 million I’m going to share with you and Mrs Abacha.

 

 

Mon, 19 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Re: I have resent documents

From:  "ahmed bako" [email protected]

 

Dear steve,

Thank you for your email,I am sorry about the incident.You endeavour to call me from Sydney tomorrow or email me.Please be careful with the documents of claims you have printed out and keep them carefully since your journey is a far distance.

I will expect to get the copy of your passport.

Yours faithfully,

Ahmed Bako Esq

 

 

Time to close down Ahmed’s yahoo account, lets see how much trouble that causes.

 

 

Tue, 20 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  419 scammer using yahoo.com e-mail account

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Sirs,

 

I received one of those Nigerian e-mails at my business e-mail address some time ago.

 

I have opened a Yahoo.co.uk e-mail account using a non-existant name so that I can bait the sender (i.e. take up the scammer's time and effort, and to try to get his e-mail accounts closed down so that it makes it more difficult for him to scam innocent people).

 

His e-mails, one is attached, come from a Yahoo.com account.

 

I hope you will close the e-mail account, [email protected].

 

Regards

Steve

 

Note: forwarded message attached.

 

 

However, Yahoo are a bit slow and I receive the following good wishes for my journey.

 

 

Tue, 20 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Re: Safe journey

From:  "ahmed bako" [email protected]

 

Dear steve,

This is to inform you that as soon as you arrive your hotel in Holland-Amsterdam, forward the room number and telehone number to me. I will need to talk with you, so you dont allow the handling form know the content of the consignment.

I wish you a safe journey to Europe.

Yours faithfully,

Ahmed Bako esq

 

 

Thu, 22 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Re: confirm arrival

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear ahmed,

 

Arrived in Amtserdam, havent slept on the plane, woke in the middle of the night thinking it was daytime back home in New Zaeland, feel like I don't know where I am.

 

Taking a sleeping pill, will e-mail you when I wake.  Will ring Utility Trust when I wake too.

 

regards

Steve Seagoon

 

 

Thu, 22 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected]

Subject:  Hotel information

From:  <[email protected]>

 

OUR REF / 2005 ZS

ATTN: MR STEVE SEAGOONS

DEAR SIR,

 

Hotel information

 

Crowne Plaza Hotel Amsterdam City Centre

Reservation code No:-#3915

Date:- 22nd to 29th July 2004

Tel:- +31-206-200-500

Fax:- +31-206-201-173

Email:-[email protected]

 

Sir, all the necessary arrangement for the delivery of your consignment as been made before your arrival in Amsterdam Netherlands. Do not hesitate to contact me on My direct number (0033-632-791-928) as soon as you arrive in the Hotel.

 

Wish you safe and pleasant trip to Amsterdam Nederland.

 

Thank for your cooperation.

 

best regards,

 

Peter Mayers

 

 

Fri, 23 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Re: confirm arrival

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Ahmed,

 

What a difference some sleep makes!  I'm alive and well here in Amsterdam.  I am booked into my room at the Crowne Plaza hotel, my room number is 458.  It is now Friday morning, and I have the prospect of the weekend in Amsterdam ahead of me.

 

I think it is much too short notice to contact Mr Mayers of Utility Trust today.  Also, I still feel a little sleepy and light headed from the flights.  I wouldn't want to be conducting business of the magnitude our project entails while feeling like this.  I will phone Mr Mayers/Utility Trust on Monday.

 

In the mean time, I have deposited the money in the hotel vault where it will be safe and sound.   I think I will take some pleasures and a few beers down in the "Red Light" district over the weekend.

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon.

 

Private citizen, millionaire to be!

 

 

And also inform Utility Trust that I have arrived and will see Mr Peter Mayer on Monday morning.

 

 

Fri, 23 Jul 2004

To:  <[email protected]>

Subject:  Re: confirm arrival

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Peter,

 

I have booked into the Crowne Plaza and had a good sleep.  There was a little confusion when I booked in, but that was probably the result of my flying for 30 somethinghours without sleep!

 

I am awake now after catching up on my backlog of sleep, I did take a sleeping pill at some time when I woke up at morning time back in New Zealand.  However I still feel a little sleepy and light headed, probably the after effects of the sleeping pill and I still need some more sleep.

 

So I won't contact you today, I think I will take it easy today, but get out and enjoy Amsterdam over the weekend.  I've asked that no calls be put through to my room today, I'd hate to be getting some sleep and have the phone ring

 

I will be in touch with you on Monday morning.  Would you like to meet me here at the hotel around 10.00 am, we could have coffee.  Please e-mail me and i will clear my e-mail when able.

 

Thank you for your help so far,

 

Steve Seagoon

 

Director, Australasian Operations

Global Automotive Supply Company Inc

USA, Europe, Asia, Australasia

 

 

Now, how to avoid meeting in the foyer of my Amsterdam hotel and keeping this bait progressing?

 

 

Mon, 26 Jul 2004

To:  <[email protected]>

Subject:  URGENT - STEVE SEAGOON'S RETURN TO NEW ZEALAND

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Peter,

 

I am sending this from the business class lounge at Schiphol Airport.  I have booked out of the hotel, have had my ticket re-issued, and am returning immediately to New Zealand.

 

I received an e-mail from home which I opened and read this morning.  My eldest daughter was involved in a car accident on Saturday night (Saturday morning here in Holland).  She has been quite severely injured, she has suffered extensive head injuries and is in a coma in the emergency care ward of our local hospital.

 

I will therefore be unable to meet you on Monday, and unable to return to Amsterdam in the foreseeable future to conclude this transaction.

 

I am sorry to depart so suddenly without at least having made your acquaintance.  But when a member of my family is lying unconscious in a hospital bed, then family takes precedence over any business transaction.

 

I hope there is some way we can progress this transaction without me returning to Holland.  If not, I will have to leave this consignment where it is.

 

Thank you for your understanding,

Steve Seagoon

 

 

A note to Ahmed Bako as well.  Even if I must say so myself, it’s a nice touch that I am prepared to forego my $4.8 million share of the funds in the interests of my family.

 

 

Mon, 26 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Sudden return to New Zealand

From:  [email protected]

 

Ahmed,

 

I have sent you a blind copy of my e-mail to Peter Mayer.  I hope you understand the need for me to return home to be with my family at this time.

 

As I said to Peter, there is unlikely to be anyway for me to return to Amsterdam in the near future.  If there is no way of conducting the release of this consignment without me returning to Amsterdam, then I would have to regrettably suggest that Mrs Abacha and you need to find another partner.

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon.

 

 

And checking my inbox I find this e-mail from my Nigerian Solicitor.  Better clarify that I wasn’t in fact in room 458.

 

 

Fri, 23 Jul 2004

To:  [email protected].uk

Subject:  Re:PHONE CALL URGENT

From:  "ahmed bako" [email protected]

 

Dear Steve,

This is to acknowledge the receipt of your email. The hotel room number you sent to me does not exist in Crowne Plaza Hotel Amsterdam,they dont have up to "458' rooms. which of the hotel did you lodge,what is the telephone number and your check in name?.

It is amazing that you have refused to call my telephone line which is easier for you to contact me at this time. I will really appreciate if you clear up all these issues ASAP.

Morealso,if the aim and objectives of your comming to Amsterdam is to conduct the business, I see no reason why you are waiting till Monday before you inform the Utility trust firm and their officer of your arrival.

Do reply me now. Call me on telephone no:234 803 560 7826.

Regards,

Ahmed Bako Esq.

 

 

Mon, 26 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Re:PHONE CALL URGENT

From:  [email protected]

 

Ahmed,

 

See my previous e-mail.  Sorry I didn't reply to your e-mail below, but I am just getting the chance to clear my inbox while waiting for my flight to Dubai to pick up an onward flight to Singapore and home.

 

Please keep me advised if there is any way of clearing this transaction without me having to return to Holland.  Otherwise, I would suggest that you will need to find another partner.

 

I must have been so completely jetlagged earlier here in Amsterdam.  Did I indeed tell you that my room number was 458!  I never got to the end of the corridors, but there were probably no more than 30 or so rooms on each floor.  My room was 418.

 

My flight is being called now.  Thank goodness for travelling Business Class, one gets to use the facilities in the Business Class lounge and also to be called for the flight much later.

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon.

 

 

I try to keep this bait going.  However I forget that I told Ahmed that my first wife was killed in a car crash, now we were divorced.

 

 

Thu, 29 Jul 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Back home

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Ahmed,

 

I got back to New Zealand in time to sit by my daughter’s bedside in the recovery room after she came out from a long operation to stop the bleeding inside her brain.  The Doctors and surgery staff worked miracles, they undoubtedly saved my daughter’s life.  They don’t expect there to be any permanent damage, though she will be kept in a drug induced coma for a few days to help her recovery.

 

However, out of this near tragedy, some good has come.  My two daughters were given to me by my first wife Mary.  We divorced when I met Josephine, who became my second wife, and Mary has never spoken or written to me since our divorce.  That is just over 17 years now.  Now, it must be the fact that our daughter was so close to death that has brought us together, but Mary and I have been catching up on all those lost years as we have waited outside the operating theatre and sat watching our girl lying there in her hospital bed.

 

I just thank the Lord that He has seen fit to save my daughter from permanent harm, and that He has given me the chance to talk to Mary again and maybe to repair the hurt that I inflicted on her so many years ago.

 

I am sorry that I had to drop our business project just like that and flee to the airport to catch a plane home.  I am sure that if you are a father yourself that you will understand.

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon.

 

 

I’d better make contact again, maybe I can keep Ahmed dangling longer.

 

 

Mon, 23 Aug 2004

To:  "ahmed bako" <[email protected]>

Subject:  Making contact again

From:  [email protected]

 

Dear Ahmed,

 

Well, I am finally able to make contact with you again.  Wonderful things have happened in the time since I last sent you an e-mail, and you will probably understand why I have not sent you an e-mail since then.

 

My daughter has largely recovered from her injuries.  She is still in hospital, though she is no longer in a critical condition.  It does not appear as if she has suffered any brain damage, and though she will walk with a limp until the end of her days she should recover fully in time.

 

My wife and I have been reconciled.  We have actually remarried in a simple ceremony in my daughter’s hospital room.  We have been honeymooning for the last two weeks, so you may understand why I have been unable to get in touch with you.

 

I hope you have been able to progress the transfer of the money without my presence, or find another partner to finalise this transaction.  I sincerely wish that my leaving so suddenly to handle family matters did not inconvenience you too much.

 

Regards

Steve Seagoon

 

 

Well, no responses from either Ahmed Bako or the security company.  Maybe, if one day there are no new e-mails from 419 scammers in the inbox I’ll be able to resurrect this one as Mary, the dead / divorced wife.

 

One thing I’ve realised during my initial enthusiasm for scam baiting is that one should not take on too many baits.  When this bait died, I considered sending a “YOU’VE BEEN BURNED” e-mail.  I decided against it, and now I think it’s too late.  So, just how am I going to get my death threat?

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