US builder conned in $33k UK scam

Police want to trace the man who called himself "James"

A US builder was conned out of $33,000 in an e-mail scam which convinced him to fly to the UK to collect a £4.6m inheritance from an unknown relative.

The 55-year-old, from Wisconsin, was sent a series of letters about the estate, and a fake death certificate.

He was asked to pay several amounts of money for handling and shipping fees, before being told there was a problem and asked to fly to Manchester.

He was then forced to hand over more money but never received the payout.

The man was initially contacted by an e-mail which said he was the beneficiary of an estate of a relative who he had never heard of.

Greater Manchester Police said the victim was asked to pay a "Bob Adams" and "Reverend Peter Clark" the handling fees.

But in early September he was contacted to say there was a problem with transferring the money and told to fly to Manchester with a further $5,000.

No inheritance

On 12 September, he was met at Manchester Airport by someone who described himself as a diplomatic courier called "James".

He was taken to a hotel in Stockport, where he handed over the money to another courier called "Peter J".

Although the man grew suspicious, he was later taken to Stockport town centre to withdraw more money - but lost sight of the couriers.

The inheritance was never received.

Both couriers are described as black men, about 5ft 8ins tall, who were wearing dark-coloured suits.

The victim managed to take a photograph of one of the men - "James" - and police are appealing for anyone who recognises him to come forward.