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Consumer Advisory III



Education is best way to fight scams

 

The most effective method in fighting illegal schemes is education. It should be prosecution, but this method is successful only five percent (5 percent) of the time. More reporting of scams would raise this percentage somewhat, however avoiding the crime is the best protection by far.


The Nigerian 419 scam has a history that spans over a quarter of a century now. The number 4-1-9 is tagged to the scam because it is a section of the criminal code in Nigeria. This scam goes by many names: 419 fraud; Advanced fee fraud; Four-One-Nine fraud; or the Nigerian Connection scam. However it is usually called plain old ?" even by the Nigerians.


It is estimated that $5 billion has been spent on 419 scams since the early 1980s under successive governments of Nigeria. How can this scam run year after year and find victims willing to give away their money? Call it ignorance in the true sense of the word. If everyone could get proper information, these con artists would find respectable careers. There is little doubt that these criminals are very intelligent, energetic, with pleasing personalities. Why then do they resort to crimes to support their lifestyles?


The scammer sends the victim an unsolicited email, fax, or letter offering an opportunity of a lifetime. Usually some money laundering or allegedly from a wealthy, dying person in another country. Help is needed to acquire the fortune and if you will lend a hand you will receive a sizeable percentage of the money collected. Not much effort required on your part and a large amount of money adds up to a deal to good to pass up.


Other appeals are from “over-invoiced” or “double-invoiced” oil or other supply and service contracts where the crooks plot to get the overage out of Nigeria. Or it may be a “bequest” left to you in a will by a distant relative. If not kin through your blood line at least you each share the same last name.


Some write that large sums of money need to be “chemically cleaned” before it can be used and the con artist needs money up front to buy the product needed in washing process.


Locally, Milam County residence have received checks for more that the purchase price with instructions to send the overage to a third party. The seller puts the money in the bank and the check bounces, of course, and the bank places the responsibility for presenting a counterfeit check back to you. You have lost the overage you sent as instructed.


It is wise to question any offer that requires you to send money in order to receive a larger amount. At some point the con artist will ask and sometimes demand an advance fee of some sort. This fee may come to you as “an advance fee,” “Transfer Tax,” “Performance Bond” or to extend your credit. Whatever, if the victim sends the money, then complications will develop and more money is needed from victims. Soon the victim is sending in payments because they are anxious to protect their previous investments. This continues until the victim quits sending money or runs out of money or they quit because they have run out of money.


It is reported that the Nigerian scam is the third to fifth largest industry in Nigeria. Money sent for some form of the Nigerian 419 is seldom, if ever, recovered. You gave it away and it is gone.


You should remember these simple rules for doing business with Nigeria. Never pay anything up front for any reason. (Underscore “any”) Never extend credit for any reason. Never do anything until the check clears the bank. Never expect any help from the Nigerian Government and do not expect the United States of America's government to bail you out.


Michael Berry, a British prankster did engage the con artists and had them performing many time consuming tasks to waste these crooks time. Now, that is funny!


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