The so-called "Nigerian" or "419" scams have resulted in people around the world losing $US millions - and in a few cases even life and limb - over the past several years. The purpose of this web page is to alert people to these scams, which are increasingly taking place by E-mail, and advise when a scam seems likely.
The initial contact in the scam usually takes the form of an unsolicited fax or e-mail which aims to entice the recipient into starting a "negotiation". Some of the tricks used, which should alert you to the scam, are that the sender claims to:
- work in the civil service of an African country or for a major bank or for the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation
- be the only living relative of a person who has died in a war-torn African country leaving a substantial
amount of money in a bank account. The writer will ask for the victim's help by way of them providing their
bank account details into which the money can be deposited. The writer will then receive a thank-you
commission.
- work for a federal ministry in South Africa. As there are no federal ministries in South Africa, this is
obviously a scam.
- be importers from Benin who will state that the recipient must pay a safety deposit to the sender. This
deposit is said to be for the security of the imported goods as they go through customs in Benin. SGS is the
customs authority in Benin and can be contacted in order to authenticate a letter of this nature. (Ph: + 1
212-482-8700)
- require assistance with the investment of funds.
- be a funds manager for a bank have also been reported. In these circumstances it is best to verify the information with the bank
Other things you should keep in mind are:
- although the letterhead and stamp might look official, they are not
- telephone numbers quoted are often in a country other than that of the sender
- some of the stories result in the reader feeling great sympathy for the writer. Verify any story before
taking action.
The 419 coalition is one organisation dealing with the 419 scam.Their website provides invaluable information for identifying and dealing with the scam.
