Mariella Sibugan -- THE CAPIZ TIMES
(Note: This article was published on our paper THE CAPIZ TIMES. Visit our website at www.roxas-online.net.ph/thecapiztimes/ - thanks!)
I have been an Internet surfer for more than seven years now. During my college days, the bulk of my allowance was spent surfing the Internet. Now, surfing has become much easier, thanks to the DSL connection. I was able to convince my dad to subscribe to DSL so we would not be left behind by this latest craze in information technology. Since then, I have been checking my emails on Yahoo and my Friendster account at least twice a day. Last Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006, to be exact, I arrived home around 9 p.m. after having a videoke session with my husband and some friends.
I opened my email account as soon I arrived home and I was surprised that a certain James Aluga, who introduced himself as a barrister based in Lome Togo, tried to reach me. He was telling me that he had a client named Mr. Morris Brut Aguirre, a Filipino national who worked in Lome, Togo, in a Shell Company and who died in an airplane crash with his family May 4, 2002. He said that he failed to locate his client’s relatives here in the Philippines for more than two years now. The bank that Mr. Aguirre purportedly deposited his money worth $23.7 million issued a notice that if Mr. Aluga cannot provide the “next kin” of Mr. Aguirre, the huge amount will become “unserviceable” after 21 official days from the date of notice. Mr. Aluga asked me to represent as the “next kin” of Mr. Aguirre owing to the fact that we have the same surname. I’m an Aguirre. Sibugan is the surname of my husband, Romeo. According to Mr. Aluga, the huge amount of $23.7 million would then be awarded to me and that we would discuss his share from the said amount after I have received it. He also said that I have nothing to be afraid of for he had all the legal papers to back me up.
Sounds too good to be true, I told myself. I must admit that I was overwhelmed by the staggering amount (who would not be?). For a while, I almost fell prey to this guy’s trap. I asked for the guidance of the Lord. The next thing I did was to ask my father’s opinion. He said that it’s okay to answer Mr. Aluga’s letter. There’s no harm in trying so long as I’d lose nothing from it. So, I answered it. I told Mr. Aluga that I’m willing to cooperate and help him in working out such claims.
The next day he replied, advising me to keep the transaction confidential, meaning just between us. He directed me to sign the draft application for the claims which he had attached to his letter and immediately and send it back to the bank. Fortunately, while I was replying to Mr. Aluga, I noticed that he’s online on Yahoo Messenger. I buzzed him and asked to chat with him. I asked him several questions, like what is the nationality of Mr. Aguirre, what is his Philippine address. All he said was that he didn’t have the address of Mr. Aguirre who, he said, had a dual nationality. I also asked him how many years he had practiced his profession. “18 years,” he replied. He asked me if I had a bank account so that the money can be deposited to the said account. I replied that I didn’t have any existing bank account right now. He asked me sarcastically where would I think the amount be deposited if I didn’t have any bank account. I told him dumbly, possibly through a check?
While I was chatting with him and going through over his emails several times, I felt something strange. I prayed. I asked the Lord’s guidance and wisdom on what to do. It suddenly dawned on me to search the name of BARRISTER JAMES ALUGA. To my surprise, I stumbled on the Nigerian law website. His name was there as one of the “personalities” who had victimized several people by his modus operandi. Thank God! He answered my prayer. I nearly fell to Mr. Aluga’s trap.
People like Mr. Aluga have victimized through emails a lot of people by telling them to reveal their bank accounts so that the money that their deceased relatives have purportedly left for them can be deposited there. These people are trying to “blind” their would-be victims by dangling to them the “huge amount” of money that they’re going to receive. The weak and the gullible, then without hesitation, give details of their bank account. Unknown to the poor victims, their money in their bank has already been withdrawn, through fraudulent means, that is.
Others used the victim’s names plus their bank accounts for credit approvals. Honestly, I’m not into column writing. I’m more into writing news. But as a media practitioner, it’s my responsibility to create awareness on matters of public interest. Our editor encouraged me to write this story at the last hour. Nang Wow just started to lay out this week’s issue. Click here for the expertlaw.com website that cautions people to be aware of Mr. Aluga’s modus operandi. This is for you readers to visit and know what to do in case you’re going to receive email of such nature in your e-mail’s inbox. This website could help you a lot.
In everything we do, we have to analyze the consequence carefully. Analyze the situation first before you bite. I know most of us are craving financially. I know that money will not come that easy, as Mr. Aluga would want to make it appear. There must be sacrifices and hard work. Bingo players and lotto winners spent a lot of money before they can win. In my case, it’s a good way to start the New Year. I learned something very important. I could have put myself and my family on the line had I made the wrong decision. Thank God for your guidance.
{mos_sb_discuss:1}