Nigerian Scammers
Have you gotten a message from someone claiming to be a representative of the Nigerian government, promising a multi-million dollar reward for your help in transferring a huge sum of money? Are you soon to be rich, filthy rich -- or could this be a scam?
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The 419 Scam
Sorry to dash your hopes for a share of the ill-gotten booty, but the letter below (and many variations on the theme) is a well-known scam that pre-dates the Internet. But unfortunately, alarming numbers of people are taking the bait in what has been dubbed "The 419 Scam".
Dear friend, Having consulted with my colleagues and based on the information Gathered from the Nigerian Chambers Of Commerce And Industry, I have the privilege to request your assistance to transfer the sum of (45,500,000.00) FORTY-FIVE MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS, into your accounts.
The above sum resulted from an over-invoiced contract, executed, Commissioned and paid for about three years ago by a foreign contractor. This action was however intentional and since then the fund has been in a suspense account at The Central Bank Of Nigeria Apex Bank. We are now ready to transfer the fund overseas and that is where you come in.
The total sum will be shared as follows: 60% for us, 35% for you and 5% for local and international expenses incidental to the transfer. The transfer is risk free on both sides.
When a potential victim reponds to the scammer, they are asked for their bank account and other personal information. The fraudster then tries to establish credibility by providing documents bearing Nigerian government letterhead. But invariably a "problem" arises. The victim is then pressured or threatened to provide one or more large sums of money to save the venture. According to the U.S. Treasury, this scam grosses hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and in a few cases scam victims have been killed.
To learn more about the Nigerian 419 Scam, check out this link. I think you'll also enjoy the very funny Annual Nigerian EMail Conference parody.
Got something to say about those wacky Nigerian scammers? Post your comments below...
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Posted by Bob Rankin on July 19, 2006 11:20 PM
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Most recent comments on "Nigerian Scammers"
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Posted by:
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I've done better than the Nigerian, better than the english lottery: I'm gonna be partners with MRS. ARAFAT herself! She wrote me the best email EVER and i's only a matter of [the end of] time now. Can't wait! yeah, right! |
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Posted by:
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Hello, EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm sure all of those addresses are anonymous throw-away accounts, so posting them here won't help. But your comments will be helpful to some, thanks. |
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Posted by:
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I too get to win the lottery several times a day and they are followed by the letters from Chiefs - Kings - Princesses and of course the occasional Prince. I am amazed that people fall for this kwap. |
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