Bermuda have been proved to be false.

The Bermuda Monetary Authority has received confirmation from the Central Bank of Nigeria that the letters are nothing but attempts to defraud the receiver.

Mr. Malcolm Williams, the BMA's general manager, sought the bank's help after about a dozen or so Bermuda residents had received letters from Nigeria purporting to offer investment deals.

"The letters are seeking either money for one purpose or another or suggest residents may wish to invest funds through Nigerian entities or, in some cases, indicate they have substantial amounts which they wish to invest in Bermuda,'' he said.

"Some of the letters indicated ministerial involvement in Nigeria or stated that they were part of a reputable organisation.'' Similar letters had been sent to other countries, said Mr. Williams. The BMA sent the letters to the Central Bank of Nigeria for examination.

Mr. Williams said: "The Central Bank of Nigeria has studied these letters and has concluded that all the documents were faked with the intention of the writers duping those who received them.