On Saturday 25 February 2006, we scammed an African scammer into calling Triple J. :) Credit goes to Mr Protozone for the initial idea, and, of course, to the real Mr Dave Callan for handling matters so gracefully.
To have a listen, visit THIS link. If you encounter any problems, let us know (the file gets deleted after 30 days of inactivity).
Basically, the story is that we started talking to one of these criminal motherflippers in December last year. We told him our name was Dave Callan.
"Dear Sir, I'm very interested in inheriting the USD1.5 million that I'm entitled to for no particular reason, but could you have a chat with my wife Kathy? She's not completely comfortable. We run a small after hours business called 'JJJ Enterprises' that only operates Saturdays 6pm-9pm."
The point was to get this guy to waste time and money, and to expose himself publicly.
When he called last week, things went better than expected. Firstly, he never realised he was on a radio station (although there were a couple of things in the conversation that might have given the game away). Secondly, he was keen enough, had been given enough incentive, to persist; he phoned twice to get through. And lastly, Dave just played along with it, perhaps partly because we'd been sending him SMSes and e-mails like the Durka Durka message (hence Dave's question about African royalty).
It's unclear that Dave realized what was going on; he probably thought the African man was a carnie pretending to be an scammer...
Some pics and correspondence below.
Updates
Wednesday 1 March 2006: Dave has been e-mailed the truth. The scammer has been invited to call again. Tune in next Saturday to find out what happens...
Monday 6 March 2006: The African Man tried to call, but couldn't get through. Maybe the $150,000 dangling in his face will lure him back next week...
Monday 13 March 2006: The final confrontation. African Man made it through. Dave has a conversation with his producer, who
tells him to shush up when he starts swearing. Click
HERE
to find out more...
From: "FROM: BARRISTER BOGA WILLIAMS ESQ" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
Date: Fri, 2 Dec 2005 08:58:52 -0800
Subject: FROM: BARRISTER BOGA WILLIAMS ESQ
FROM: BARRISTER BOGA WILLIAMS ESQ
RUE DU COMMERCE
ABJ PLATEAUX 06 BP 32
ABIDJAN-COTE D'IVOIRE
EMAIL: bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr
DEAR SIR/MADAM ,
This is sequel to your non response of our earlier letter to you on behalf of the Trustees and Executors to the Will of late of Sir Engr.Stafford Morris , I wish to notify you that you were listed as a beneficiary to the bequest of the sum of USD$1,500,000.00 in the codicil and
last testament of the deceased.
The late Sir Engr.Stafford Morris until his death was a former Managing Director and pioneer staff of a big construction company here in Abidjan-Cote D'Ivoire. He was a very dedicated Christian, and a great philanthropist during his life time.
Late Sir Stafford died on 9th February 2002 at the age of 68,He was buried on the 23rd of February. Late Sir Engr.Stafford Morris even though he was an American living and working in here as a foreigner he requested before his death that he be buried here in his words, "I regard here as My home and the people as my people". He said that this token is to support your ministry and help to the less- privelegded. I
hereby request that you forward any proof of identities of yours, your current telephone and fax numbers and your forwarding address to enable us file necessary documents at our high court probate division for the release of this bequest of money.
congratulations.
Yours faithfully,
BARRISTER BOGA WILLIAMS ESQ.
*****
From: "boga williams" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2005 09:21:24 +0100 (CET)
Subject: Response from Barrister Boga Esq
To: "Kathy M and Dave C"
Dear Mr.David,
Thank you for your urgent response to my letter of bequest.
Actually, you or your wife is not related to the deceased.
I contacted you on mutual grounds believing you will have interest in laying claims to this inheritance (USD$1.5M) since all efforts to trace the relations of the deceased has proved abortive over three good years now.
In accordance with laws of Cote D'ivoire (Ivory Coast), if on expiration of three years, claims of such magintude is left unclaimed, consequently the Government after due verifications shall take possession of such inheritance.
In lieu of this therefore I emailed you so that you can give me your support and encouragement to go ahead and process all the documents of claims legally in your favour and swear affidavit of claims with a view to securing this inheritance in youir favour legally before the jurists at the high court of probate here.
Incase you may wish to verify this claims, I have in my custody the relevant documents of proofs.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks
Barrister Boga Esq
*****
From: "boga williams" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
Date: Sun, 1 Jan 2006 14:38:23 +0100 (CET)
Subject: Attached documents of proofs from Barrister Boga Esq
To: "Kathy M and Dave C"
Dear Dave,
Thanks for your response to my mail.I apologize for not addressing you as such earlier before now.
I am not suppose to email you today but circumstances warranted that I should hence you have given me your support.
I shall proceed to the high court of probate first thing tomorrow to file application of claims in your favour legally.
Before that I would appreciate you forward the following informations immediately to enable me proceed to the court.
1) your full names
2) your correct mailing physical mailing address office or residence
3) your correct telephone, mobile and fax numbers for easy communications
4) your scanned identification like driver's license or copy of international passport for proper identification before the JURISTS at the high court of probate duly scanned and attached via email.
Attached are the relevant documents of proofs and my copy of international passport for identification purposes.
Upon the receipt of the above requested informations, I shall not hesistate to proceed to the court to file application of claims and swear affidavit of ownership before judgedment shall be given in your favour after due verification and deliberations by the JURISTS.
After this step, the bank here establishes communication with you as beneficiary and request from you how you wished this fund USD$1.5M to be wired once you provides them with your banking details.
Hope to have these informations as soon as possible.
Have a great day and happy new year.
Regards
Barrister Boga Esq
*****
From: "boga williams" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
Date: Mon, 2 Jan 2006 08:30:04 +0100 (CET)
Subject: I shall call you wednesday.
To: "Kathy M and Dave C"
Dear Dave,
Thanks for the mail once again.
Today here is a holiday, so the court is not working.
I shall call you on wednesday and explain this further.
Your wife shouldn't have any negative feelings towards this at all as it is an opportunity for you.
As already explained to you before now in my first mail, the deceased is not ion any way related to you both. But my contacting you was on mutual believe and trust and I would like you to reciprocate this gesture.
Not to worry, I shall by wednesday at exactly 10.00pm your time.
Till then, have a nice holiday and my regards to your wife.
Regards
Barrister Boga Esq
*****
From: "boga williams" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 2006 02:45:30 +0100 (CET)
Subject: Treat Urgent !!!!
To: "Kathy M and Dave C"
Dear Dave,
I promised calling you today but due to rebel uprising that engulfed the city of Abidjan yesterday, all communications going out of the country was disrupted till further notice.
You know that since four years now, the country has been on war politically to be precise 19/9/2002.
So I wish to notify you that we can't call out or receive calls for the mean time.
I hope you shall pass this message over to your dear wife and let her see reasons with me that it isn't deliberate.
I hope the remaing informations, you shall find time to forward them to me so that I can proceed to get this inheritance legalized in your favour.
This business means alot to me because as an idenpendent lawyer, we find it very difficult to survive nowadays.
Kindly treat this matter with every sincerity of purpose it deserves.
Thanks and waiting to have the informations
Regards
Barrister Boga Esq
*****
From: "boga williams" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 10:45:20 +0100 (CET)
Subject: I called this morning without success.
To: "Kathy M and Dave C"
Dear Dave,
I tried calling your telephone number 61-1300-055536 this morning my local time without success.
However,
I shall continue to try until I gets through.
I wish to inform you that my contact telephone number is +22505736637.
OnceI gets in touch with you, I shall detail you further on the progress made so far as per filing application of cliams on your behalf.
Thanks and have a great day.
Regards
Barrister Williams
*****
From: "boga williams" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 10:25:50 +0100 (CET)
Subject: Thanks for your response.
To: "Kathy M and Dave C"
Dear Dave,
Thanks for your response and for sure, I shall call you exactly at the appointed time on saturday.
Please be aroud to answer my call.
My regards to your humble wife.
Barrister Williams Esq
*****
From: "boga williams" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2006 11:49:07 +0100 (CET)
Subject: I
shall call before the appointed time.
To: "Kathy M and Dave C"
Dear Dave,
I shall call on time before the scheduled time.
Have a great
day.
Regards
Barrister Williams Esq
*****
From: "boga williams" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
Date: Sat, 25 Feb 2006 10:00:44 +0100 (CET)
Subject: Attached documents of proofs including my attached
passport copy.
To: "Kathy M and Dave C"
Dear Mr.Dave,
It was nice talking to you this morning
my time.
As promised, I have just attached to you the relevant documents of proofs includig my passport copy for
identification purposes.
Kindly forward your informations as promised this weekend to enable me proceed to
the high court of probate to file application of claims in your favour as the bequeathed beneficiary to this
inheritance legally.
Awaiting your urgent attention to this respect.
Thanks foryour total
co-operations.
Regards
Barrister Boga Esq
*****
From: "boga williams" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
Dear Dave,
***** From: "boga williams" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
DearDave,
***** From: Kathy C and Dave M
Dear Sir,
***** From: "boga williams" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
Dear Dave,
***** From: "boga williams" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
Dear Mr.Dave,
***** From: "boga williams" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
Dear Mr.Dave,
***** From: "boga williams" (bogawilliams2005@yahoo.fr)
Dear Mr.Dave,
Date: Mon, 27 Feb 2006 10:34:10 +0100 (CET)
Subject: Still waiting for your urgent attention !!!!!!!
To: "Kathy M and Dave C"
I am still waiting for the information's from to enable me proceed to the court as soon as possible.
Have a wonderful day.
Regards
Barrister Boga Esq
Date: Tue, 28 Feb 2006 10:31:26 +0100 (CET)
Subject: Still waiting for your urgent attention !!!!!!!
To: "Kathy M and Dave C"
Thanks for your mail.I wish to reassure you and your wife that this inheritance is legitimate and geniune.
All I need from you are the requested information's so that I can proceed to the high court of probate to file application of claims in your favour as the bonafide beneficiary to this bequest.
Those documents sent to you will be legalized in your favour and there's no problems to that since I have perfected all machinaries needed to faciliatate this inheritance.
As per how much it will cost, I can't say for now until I files the application of claims in the court.
Also, let her understand and be double assured that this transaction is solely handled by me not even my personal assistance has access to my email account.
Sir, with due respet, I urge you to take a bold step of faith and forward the requested information's to enable me file this application since we are running out of time.
The only money you shall pay me is 10% out of the total inheritance (USD$1.5M) which is my professional legal service charge but this will be before the bank transfers the said fund into your designated bank account you feel is conducive for you.
Date: Wednesday 1 March
To: Barrister Boga
Thank you for your message. I didn't appreciate the urgency of this matter.
Would it be possible for you to call me again? I would be delighted to proceed subject to the condition that we can discuss some of these issues. I would also like you to speak to my wife if possible to reassure her.
I apologize for the inconvenience, but it is important to me to clarify some of these issues, and I believe they are too complex and confidential to be discussed by e-mail.
I also believe I may have misunderstood. Is it my wife and I who are to be the beneficiaries of the inheritance, or are we assisting you with your inheritance? If it is the former, I would like to discuss what is involved in laying claim to the inheritance. We are doubtful whether we have any bona fide right to it!
With regards to documentation, I am afraid I prefer to send this to you by registered post, not e-mail. It's too easy to hack into people's accounts these days! Would you be able to provide your mailing address?
With regards to payment of funds, would you be able to discuss this with me when you call. In particular, what is the most convenient means of payment? Do you have a credit card facility, for example, or would you prefer an electronic transfer or a postal order or bank cheque?
Please understand that, if we reach agreement on Saturday, it will take me at least a week to sell some assets to raise the necessary funds for your legal expenses and for court costs. I will need to discuss with you on Saturday the issue of how soon your company requires to be paid, and by what date the courts require a deposit.
Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to speaking to you this weekend!
Yours faithfully,
Dave Callan
Date: Wed, 1 Mar 2006 10:53:40 +0100 (CET)
Subject: Thanks for your mail.
To: Kathy M and Dave C
Certainly, I shall call you by Saturday as promised.
In the mean time, you should feel free to forward the requested information's through email as there is no problems to that.
Send it via email due to the urgeny this transaction requires and make sure that your scanned identification is duly attached.
Regarding your question as per who isthe beneficiary, I wish to inform you that it is you. But it all depends on you whether your wife should be the benefactor as I believe both of you have the same mutual trust.
Sir, with experience in my job and services rendered to individuals, Western Union Money Transfer is the safiest and reliable way to send money to the court which the name of the court registary will be given to youin due course for the court legal payment thereafter a certified receipt issued in your favour before a legalized doucment called court mandamus order issued.
With this doucment, the bank automatically shall establsih immediate communication with you as the beneficiary for transfer of fund.
Like I did tell you, I can't say how much the court shall charge for this legaliation.
Fpr mylegal service charge, universally, it is 10% which shall be paid to me as soon as the bank is ready to make wire transfer of funds to your designated bank account.
Sir, what you should bear in mind is to raise the court charges and be ready so that as soon as I files application of claims on your behalf, the next step is to settle the court accordingly.
I hope to talk with you on Saturday and my regards to your dear wife. Let herknow that what we are transacting on is LEGITIMATE 100%.
Thanks for your co-operation.
Regards
Barrister Williams Esq
Date: Sat, 4 Mar 2006 15:56:25 +0100 (CET)
Subject: Called several times without getting through.
To: Kathy M and Dave C
I called several times today at the appointed time without getting through.
The line will ring once and goes engaged.
I advise you call me on this telephone number +22505736637 so that we can talk this matter over as further delays could jeopardize this inheritance.
In the mean time, can you please forward the requested informations so that I can proceed to the court to begin filing of the application.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Have a great weekend.
Regards
Barrister Williams Esq
Date: Tue, 7 Mar 2006 20:34:53 +0100 (CET)
Subject: Still waiting for your urgent attention !!!!!!!
To: Kathy M and Dave C
I tried again to call your Resturant this morning my local time but some one picked up the telephone and told me that no one answers such name.
Can you tell what is happening?
Hope to hear from you
Regards
Barrister Boga Esq
Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 12:53:58 +0100 (CET)
Subject: I shall call u on Saturday
To: Kathy M and Dave C
I shall call you saturday and hope that the telephone line will be free?
My regards to your wife.
Till then, have a blessed day.
Regards
Barrister Boga Williams Esq