This scam is aimed usually at young people, who might think they hit the jackpot by mistake.

An e-mail or letter comes to the victims, from somebody living in London or Amsterdam.

There is a “thank you” note from somebody who used to live in a poor country, such as Ivory Coast or India. “Thank you for the help with starting the business. I have been a happy person since I moved to London, and that’s all because of you. Without your huge help with your connections, I would have never made it. As a token of my appreciation, I would like to pay you back a little something. I hope you’ll accept it”.

Victims do know they had nothing whatsoever to do with the success of this person’s life, but many of them would gladly accept the gift. Unfortunately, several people give away their bank accounts number for apparent funds to be transferred, which – of course – will happen only the other way around.

How to avoid: ignore the message; if you don’t know the guy, you don’t deserve anything anyway.