Nigerian Advance Fee Fraud a.k.a. "4-1-9" fraud

If you haven't received an email similar to the two (2) I am about to show you, then rest assured that it may soon be coming to an inbox near you. Please be assured that the United States government is well aware of this fraud; however, that does not stop the scammers from continuing in their game. Especially since so many people are duped. Those who are duped are either hurting for money, in some kind of financial distress, desperate, or plainly naive. Note the following two (2) emails and please NEVER reply to something like them.

Hello,

I am Mr. Smith Bowani, an auditor of a reputable bank
in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province in the Republic of South Africa. I have an
urgent and very confidential business proposition for you.

We had a
foreign client named Mr. Wooin Shim, who deposited a huge sum of money (18.6
Million United States Dollars), with our bank. Eventually, this client died in a
plane crash and since his death we have not had anybody come up for the claims
as the next of kin.

You may want to take a look at other
passengers, who were on the same plane; here is a site for your
perusal.

A situation I have monitored closely with my position in the bank. Now having
monitored this deposit and managed it over the years before his death, and hence
nobody has showed up as the next of kin for the past years. I now solicit for
your assistance to present you as the next of kin as every other arrangement/
processes will be monitored by me and my partners involved. However I got your
contact from a trade consultant here in South Africa, though I did not disclose
the purpose of my seeking for a foreign business partner to him. Although we
will still have to sign some agreement before the final transfer of the fund
into any of your designated bank account.

I have involved a very
senior official in the operational department, and we have agreed that after the
transfer of the money into your account, you shall be entitled to 20% of the
total sum, my colleagues and I will have 75% while 5% will be used to reimburse
any expenses incurred. All necessary precautions have been taken to ensure a
risk free situation on the side of both parties. Please note that this deal can
only take place on the following conditions;

1. You will provide
the bank account and other relevant particulars/information for easy and onward
Remittance of the Eighteen million, six hundred thousand USD.

2.
Absolute confidentiality and sincerity will be required and guaranteed,
considering our positions in the bank.

3. Assurance that our own
share will be released to us in good faith when this money finally gets into
your account.

Please treat with utmost confidentiality. Contact me
as quickly as possible through my e-mail.

Expecting your urgent
response,

Best Regards,
MR. SMITH BOWANI

Notice how they want everything to be completely CONFIDENTIAL? Anything done in secret usually is not good. Here's another email:

From : Barrister. lambert Greaney

Kindest
Attention,

Firstly, not to cause you embarrassment, I am Barrister.
lambert Greaney,a Solicitor at law based in the United Kingdom and the personal
attorney to Late Mr. Michael Pierre a National of France, who used to be a
private contractor with the Halliburton in Saudi Arabia, herein after shall be
referred to as my client. On the 21st of April 2001, he and his wife with their
three children were involved in an auto crash; all occupants of the vehicle
unfortunately lost their lives.

Since then, I have made several
enquiries with his country's embassies to locate any of my clients extended
relatives, this has also proved unsuccessful. After these several unsuccessful
attempts, I decided to contact you with this business partnership proposal. I
have contacted you to assist in repatriating a huge amount of money left behind
by my client before they get confiscated or declared unserviceable by the Bank
where this huge deposit was lodged.

The deceased had a deposit
valued presently at GBP30million and the Bank has issued me a notice to provide
his next of kin or Beneficiary by Will otherwise have the account confiscated
within the next thirty official working days.

Since I have been
unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over three years now, I seek your
consent to present you as the next of kin / WillBeneficiary to the deceased so
that the proceeds of this account valued at GBP 30Million can be paid to you.
This will be disbursed or shared in these percentages, 60% to me, 30% to you and
10% to charity

I have all necessary legal documents that can be
used to Back up any claim will be obtained From the Court of England with the
Certificate Of Deposit which has been issued to me by the Bank. All I require is
your honest Co-operation, Confidentiality and Trust to enable us see this
project through.

I guarantee you that this will be executed under a
legitimate Arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law. All the
relevant documents that will give you the legal backing to claim the fund will
be processed.

Please acknowledge receipt of this message by e-mail.
As I am based in the United Kingdom. And please provide me the following below;
this is to enable me commence immediate preparation of all legal document that
will back up our claim.

1. Full Name
2. Your Telephone Number
and Fax Number
3. Your Contact Address.

Your urgent response
will be highly anticipated and appreciated.

Best regards,
Barrister. lambert Greaney

The second email was not all about secrecy and confidentiality. But the same theme was inherent:

1. someone died,
2. money was left behind,
3. you were contacted to receive that money (or a portion thereof),
4. and now you must provide information to them to start the transaction process.

Whatever you do - don't fall for it. It's a line of B.S. that's been running for years. Replying to their emails only encourages them because they realize they're being noticed. And if they know they're noticed, they'll believe that someone will reply with what they want.

It's best to ignore them.

Here are services that can help you if you fall victim to this fraud or if you want to learn more about it in order to avoid it:
*Secret Service
*FBI
*FBI Press Release
*U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
*U.S. Department of State - Travel info
*U.S. Department of State (requires adobe acrobat)
*Federal Trade Commission
*United States Postal Service
*Internet Fraud Complaint Center
*U.S. Department of Justice - Go to Page 40 (requires adobe acrobat)
*Royal Canadian Mounted Police
*British Columbia Financial Institutions Commission (requires adobe acrobat)
*The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
*Australian Institute of Criminology (requires adobe acrobat)
*BBC News release - Morris Ibekwe arrested
*ZDNET UK article 05/01/02 – six people arrested

A Sane Perspective: Religious Fervor For Terrorists

BBC News: Mullah Omar said the jihad, or holy war, being fought by the Taleban was not aimed at "getting to power".
"If [the Taleban] wanted to secure power and material benefits, they could have made a deal with the Americans," he said.

Who are they to assume that the U.S. of A. would make any sort of “deal” with them? The history of Arab terrorists goes way back – and they simply haven’t changed their tune. (Read A brief history in terrorism written 8/24/04 – August 2004 archives.) Their past “deals” with our country started off as “tributes”. Basically, it was “you give us such & such amount of money and we promise not to bomb your ships and make your people serve as slaves”.

Here’s an example of the unchanged tune: One hundred years ago, Ahmed er Raisuli didn’t like the way the Moroccan government was being run and wanted to overthrow Abdul-Aziz. So how did Ahmed “deal” with the situation? He kidnapped someone, held them for ransom and then got the whole world’s attention to the event. (Sound familiar?) Raisuli had a reputation for returning messengers with their throats cut or just sending back their decapitated heads in melon baskets.

The United States has international business dealings all over the world, as do other countries. And technically, the Taleban (and its numerous copycat insurgent gangs like “The Holders of the Black Banner” – Read Egypt Gives Into the Bully written 9/25/04 – September archives) is kidnapping and chopping off the heads of just about everyone who is not 100% Arab and living or working in that region. So what kind of statement are they making?

In Mullah Omar's latest message he again rounded on President Hamid Karzai:
"The puppet administration and agents are installed to destroy the courage and belief of the Afghans, their fate and their morally clean society."
…
Mullah Omar said that the US "should know that we are determined to win the independence of our country".

What exactly is this Omar’s definition of independence? Apparently he believes the U.S. is somehow “controlling” the so-called “puppets” over there. “Controlling” and “educating” are two different things. Yet, a perverse dictator with the inability to let-go might actually combine the two. But truly, when a country cannot manage its people and resources for hundreds of years, then maybe it’s time it took a lesson in Government 101. And what better teacher than from an established country that began from scratch by a bunch of immigrants over three hundred years ago?

So the U.S. is helping Afghanistan form a government. It is not dictating how things should run, but educating those people in government how to administer the affairs of Afghanistan. The United States is a country that is For the People, By the People. When governing a country, it is important to remember that the people are what make the country. One cannot lord over them, amass abundant riches and flaunt it in the forms of 20 man-made island palaces and expect the people to show respect to such a “leader”. If Afghanistan wants independence, then it asked the right country for help. We are a generous country. We give our money, resources, man-power, and whatever it takes to help another country establish a foundation.

He added: "I will not let you and your hopes down. I will not leave a shameful history as a legacy for our future generations."
Mullah Omar has periodically issued taped messages urging his followers to maintain their attacks on Western forces.

Y’know, the more I read, the more I think that this actually sounds like someone is upset because they had plans to run the country. Sounds like frustration. Was this Omar promised the country? Is there more to this than meets the eye? Why is he so hell-bent on making sure that the U.S. has no involvement when all we are trying to do is assist? It sounds like he’s trying to sell himself to the Afghans with his words. “Vote for me.” Except in this case, there’s no voting. He just wants to take over. He’s encouraging war with “Western forces” a.k.a. United States troops.

It’s like the world just wants to say to this guy, “Step aside, buddy. Yer making this harder than it has to be. Sheesh.” People in Afghanistan obviously want our help or they wouldn’t have accepted it from us. The only persons encouraging trouble are Osama and this Omar. Can I suggest Ritalin? Better yet, Valium? Might need something stronger.

If they’re not seeking to secure power or gain material benefits, then they are a lot stupider than I initially thought they were. Basically they’ve admitted to be senselessly killing a whole lot of people because their country is receiving aide in a form they do not approve. Yeah, great leadership qualities. Super way to build international relationships. I’d give those guys two thumbs… down. If any Arab follower thinks that these guys are such great men and are willing to give up their lives to fight for these mens’ cause, then so be it. It only adds to the numbers of more senseless deaths. It’s okay to fight for a cause, but stop and think about both sides of the issue and consider other options. Death does not have to be one of those options. That’s a choice: Life or death. Which would I choose? Life – any day. In any form. If someone would rather choose death, then I have to question his or her supposed religion.

I am of the understanding that these men are conducting some kind of one-sided holy war (a.k.a. jihad). The question I ask is “Why”? I realize that Afghanistan has about five revised Constitutions and in it they indicate that the country’s main religion is Islam. So, they’ve established a country based on a religion. Just because the United States was established as a country that gives people the choice to exercise whatever religion they choose does not make our country atheist. Nor does that make our country lesser in the eyes of God.

I don’t care what name you call God. Allah. Yahweh. Buddha. Creator. As far as most people are concerned, there is only one God. From there on, each religion starts spouting off its different tangents on what comes next. However, one theme should run true for all these religions and that is: God gives life. The world and the heavens came into existence because He gave it all life.

Most Americans are Christian or Catholic. One thing we both have in common is the Bible. It reads exactly the same regardless of the translation version. Americans founded a country that allowed both religions to have a safe place to worship God. We have Russian Orthodox, Mormon, Presbyterian, Unitarian, Pentecostal, Episcopal, Islam… I hardly think that America cares to wage any kind of holy war. We unite people. We welcome people.

I think at least 90% of Americans would say that they want our military troops to come home. We do not like to see people die. Especially as senselessly as we have seen in the Arab regions. We do not like to witness or hear of suicides where people strap bombs on their bodies and walk into crowded buildings killing themselves and the people around them, including children. Most Americans literally hate seeing such death. It makes no sense to us because we live in a society where such violence is not encouraged. And those of us who believe in God know for a fact that God does not need us to make statements on His behalf. Statements like suicide bombings, holding people hostage and cutting off their heads for public display, flying airplanes into towers filled with innocent people.

But I think this is where Islam and Christianity (in its various forms) differs. Christians believe God is love. Love thy neighbor as thyself is the second greatest commandment. Faith, hope, and love but the greatest of these is love. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. The Bible is riddled with passages talking about love.

Whatever the Islam faith is, I would like to believe that it is not about hatred and killing people and threatening others. Because, truthfully, this is all I have seen about Muslims and Arabs on TV. If Islam is nothing like this, then let me just say that these men are making a bad name for this faith. And if that is what they are doing to the faith, think of how bad a shape the country would be in if it were put into their hands. Bad judgment is bad judgment no matter where it is exercised: faith or government. Perhaps the supporters being rallied should consider that. Religious fervor can be a dangerous thing. Just remember who God is - who Allah is. And remember, He doesn't need our help to make a statement. I am confident that all He wants is our love... for Him and for each other.

Bush Wins

I am glad this election is over and that we do not have to go through the same fiasco as in 2000: count the votes, re-count the count, re-count the re-count of the count, re-count the re-count of the re-count of the count.

I must admit that Kerry conceded very honorably. He had good things to say in his speech. His demeanor was very likeable - much more than John Edwards' speech. Edwards grated on me. I sat there listening to his speech and questioned: What about those of us who stood in line for 10 hours to vote for President Bush and other Republicans??? Did you hear our voices too? Did we not forego field soccer, doctor appointments, and jobs to stand in line too?

At any rate, some amazing historical facts came about in this election:
**Bush won the most popular votes ever held by a President. Ronald Reagan used to hold that claim.
**After 25 years, there is now a Hispanic Senator again: Ken Salazar (D) from Colorado.

Also, the Republicans gained 30 seats in the GOP: 230 (R) & 200 (D).

Since I voted for Bush, I am pleased that he won. I chose Bush because of his unwavering ability to make a decision after weighing out facts. He does not tell the American people what we want to hear, but rather what exists. I listened to his debates and decided that he had good values in regards to life, family, justice, science and its impacts on our society, protection to our country and people, and all in all that his words indicated that he had a good heart.

Kerry began to impress me toward the end of the campaign because it seemed he had gotten his act together. Instead of fumbling over himself by trying to explain all the details in between to only confuse us as to which way he leaned on issues, he carried himself confidently and was strong in his arguments (even though some of them were the same ones & I still disagreed with them). As I said earlier, I also admired Kerry's concession speech. Much more than Edwards'. Edwards appeared a bit too cocky for my taste. Kerry was very noble in addressing his defeat and appeared to harbor no ill feelings about the results of the vote. I appreciated seeing that because he did have some good ideas in his campaign and hoped that he would continue to be positive in looking for good results for our country.

I was also very pleased to hear that both Bush & Kerry spoke on the phone in regards to the division that appeared to be forming in this country. Watching the media and seeing the images of U.S. Americans trashing our country and its leaders was tough. The protests in New York were bothersome, resulting in people getting thrown in jail. Some were innocent, but being in the wrong place at the wrong time will get a person in jail. Better to avoid any appearance of wrong or wrong-doing.

"United we stand, divided we fall."

Now that the election is over, rather than go about crying who was elected into office where ever, I think the most intelligent thing the people of this country can do is to become a big think-tank and begin tapping into the entrepreneurial spirit that built this country into the success it became - both nationally and internationally. We need to collectively come up with ideas that will strengthen our nation economically. Where we have sent industries and companies overseas (known as "outsourcing") -- let us think of things that will create jobs in our country and then do those things. Some areas are trying to turn corn into a source of natural gas for automobiles to use. Is someone out there making this idea into an industry? Who owns cornfields? Is someone negotiating with these cornfield owners/farmers to come to an agreement on supplying a percentage of their corn for this industry? Or is that percentage too small and instead would it be feasible to grow their own corn? How many acres would be sufficient to produce enough "natural corn gas" to run one vehicle with a tank capacity of 10 gallons for one year? Now multiply that number by 300,000 vehicles (a large city). Is this do-able? No? Then, how about looking at fueling transit busses instead of private vehicles? Or fueling taxi cabs around the nation? Get the ideas generating.

Or what about international health? Can our country become the top producer of educated medical staff in this day of technological advances? With the spread of diseases, viruses and new mutations (i.e. avian influenza A, SARS, yellow fever, Dengue fever), the possibility of new strains developing in the future, and combatting the old strains by finding cures; then why not make it easier for American students to become Health care providers and scientists? Fund more grants and scholarships. Find a way to permit higher education to be more accessible both financially and locally so that low- to middle-income students can become doctors, nurses, infection control chiefs, scientists, and biomedical engineers. These professions will always be a necessity... so there needs to be thought put into retaining these workers as well. They can combat these illnesses as well as look into scientific solutions using the resources we have within our country's borders to fuel our economy and way of life.

Rather than blame some scapegoat -- which usually winds up being the Government -- let us try to be more productive and use our intellect for something meaningful rather than for debate. Put action into positive results. We are a nation that was founded "For the People, By the People". It's time the people do an extra step beyond going out to the polls to vote: Quit griping and help this country stand tall internationally.

As for the Iraq war - that will not tarnish our image. There is a history of turmoil in that land that has been going on way before our time. We're there now - we're working on rebuilding and helping that country's people establish groundwork - so let's cheer on the hardworking men & women who have put their lives in harm's way in order that another group of people in this world might know what it is like to live freely without tyranny and oppression. If we pull out and that country decides to have its own civil war, then let them have at it. Heck, we did. Which brings me to another thing: The United States of America is founded by a People that have a genuine heart to do good, build up, and see success. If not, we would not be One Nation Under God now. We would still be "the North" & "the South". We would not share public areas with mixed races. We would still be divided by color and separated with man-made prejudiced boundaries. We would not have things like Philanthropists, Grants, Scholarships, and Charities. We would still be working hard for every dime we get - all of us - and nobody would ever know the gift of these institutions.

God, Bless our President and the Leadership in our Country & Government. Give them wisdom and be an available Source of sound Counsel to them at all times. Help them to govern the People of the United States with mercy, wisdom, and truth. Bring peace and prosperity to our Country and People. Where there are divisons, strife, contentions... bring in a flood of peace and unity. Help us to prosper and encourage one another... and help us to help others. Where our military troops are stationed, Lord, protect them from destruction, harm, and evil. Watch over them and send your Spirit to comfort them, lead them, and strengthen them. Send people to them who can provide spiritual support for them to lean on You & Your understanding rather than their own. For in Your arms, Lord, we know there is strength and rest. Bless our enemies, Lord. Forgive them of their trespasses against our People and Country. Soften their hearts, Lord, and let there be peace in this world among all the Leaders of the Nations. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.