South West MEP Giles Chichester warns about scams that are 'too good to be true'

I have received a personal letter from a Mr Lin Ling, who claims to be the Principal Assurance Manager for the Nangang Commercial Bank in China. He tells me that he can arrange for me to be the beneficiary of the estate valued at 8 million US dollars of Alfred Chichester, who died several years ago. As poor Alfred died intestate with no next of kin, it could be arranged that I would receive this money which is on deposit at the Guangdong Development Bank.

My scepticism increased as I read that Mr Ling insisted his involvement in the process had to be kept confidential. He would, however, arrange everything including contacts for me with the Guangdong Development Bank to verify my identity and home bank details. His fee for acting as intermediary would be half the money that I received.

My rule in life where money offers are concerned is “if it is too good to be true, then it usually is!”

Under no circumstances will I give my identity or personal financial details to anyone who appears to be offering me a pot of gold. I have received variations on this scam from Africa and India and all have ended up in my waste paper basket. I urge your readers to do the same. Be warned that these scams are becoming very sophisticated. Before passing on any financial details to those inviting you to get rich quick, do take advice from your bank.

Giles Chichester MEP
Conservative MEP for South West England and Gibraltar