Scammer targeting Northern Irish email accounts calls himself 'William Orange'

The conman begins his email by claiming he is contacting the potential victim on behalf of an investor "who needs to invest his funds in your country."

He adds: "My name is Mr William Orange, an investment manager, we represent the interests of very wealthy investors across the world."

He goes on to explain that due to the sensitivity of the investor’s position and the unstable environment of their country they would like to move the majority of their funds into the account of the recipient of the email.

All the potential victim has to do is forward their terms and conditions so William Orange can arrange to have the "unmentioned amount" moved into their account.

Of course, those in Ireland will be aware of a more controversial William Orange, AKA Prince William of Orange, sometimes fondly known as King Billy, sometimes less fondly known by other unprintable names.

The representative of rich, and apparently very trusting, investors signs off: "Sincerely yours, William Orange."

One cyber security expert said: “They’re obviously targeting people in Ulster, so they’ve just Googled ‘Northern Ireland’ and taken a look at grand names associated with the place. They’ve come across the story of King Billy and thought, ‘William Orange - that'll do me!’

“Hopefully nobody falls for it, because it’s all too common.

“I mean to be extra safe these wealthy investors could transfer their vast wealth as bitcoin - or maybe bitBoyne…”