Friday, March 11, 2005

MAIL SCAM FROM NIGERIA-THE "419" MENACE (Thanks to a friend in Nigeria for bringing this to my attention)

This was extracted from the Criminal Code of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria. Obtained by undercover personnel, Section 419 Of the Criminal Code.

This menace has been common practice by Nigerian youth and adults Since 1989. From then till now, many individuals of the world population have fallen prey to this scam. It is my belief that this 419, aka Advance Fee Fraud can be reduced to the barest minimum if not totally eradicated.

This is for real, I have done some research as to how this scam can be averted. In this process I came across many different Business proposals in which they lure their victims and I tell you, it is a mouth watering request that few can resist.

In The Nigerian scam Business Proposal it is stated in black and white that they have a huge sum of money to transfer abroad, and as Government employees they are not permited to own a foreign account, therefore, if you can assist in issuing them your account information to pay in millions of dollars as the case may be, they will give you 30% of the total sum. Many individuals jump into this and issue them their account number which they then issue to their fake or unexisting bank who will then give the unsuspecting people a call and request they pay some transfer charges and other relivant documents to complete this transaction. These fees are a made up sum which they believe their victims will pay, which might be anywhere from $100,000 to 500,000.

There are many forms of this practice; they can issue the victim a check if the victim says he or she cannot afford the amount which they request. These checks are forged, and some of them are from existing firms in the USA or CANADA which will be given to their victims. The victim takes it to his bank and the bank may pay this fund to him, which he will in turn send to the Nigerian 419 man unknowingly. Afterwards the check will bounce and the bank will come after the victim. It is left to the victim to come up with the money or go to jail for financial crimes.

That is why the world should wake up and fight this crime and stop giving their hard earned money to this miscreant. They claim to be the President of Nigeria or any other high RANKING PERSONNEL OF THE COUNTRY. Either the Ministry of Finance or the Central Bank Of Nigerian(CBN) Governor. Surprisingly, the foriegn victims do not see them face to face. They actually believe them and their impersonating phone calls and the Fax which they recieve and go on to make what ever payment they request from the victim.

It is high time we say no to this, refusing to take calls, faxes, and emails if we do not know who the writer is, and do not open e-mails that suggest transfers of funds. In addition, do not open mail that requests Investment Assistance. This is very important to note.

There should be a talk show, seminars or symposiums where people are EDUCATED ABOUT THIS MENACE. The press and media houses should organise an ad so as to create great awareness because the next victim could be you.

The 419 men have agents around the world. SOME claim to be working in Security companies and their victims are directed to meet with them in locations that they choose. Afterward, the security men will take the victim to a place like a Hotel or Restaurant and show him a case of darkened money. They will tell him it is security colored and he should bring the money with which to buy the chemical to deface the money which they claim is in millions and the victim seeing this will be terrified and pay any fees they request him/her to pay.

Getting underground to ask questions about how these criminals operate and having knowledge of some of their business proposals is not easy, for I have on two occasions, been beaten up, but when you are out to get information, you do what ever you can to come up with a clue.

Now, I have at my disposal up to ten different scam letters. I am particularly bothered because the image of my country is at stake and the world is in big trouble for they will no longer be doing any more business with the us for fear of been duped or 419nized.
419! 419! a crime that needs the world's urgent attention.

Amanze Akabusi

Below are two of the 419 email scam letters. The two out of the ten that I have:


The names, e-mail addresses and contact numbers will be deleted so no one will unwittingly contact these criminals.





1) Good day to you,
I humbly introduce myself to you; I am Mr. (name deleted), close confidant to the late (name deleted) the Northern Oil Company security Chief.
I am contacting you on the note of trust and humanity
for the investment of funds known to me and my late
boss. This in custody is $11.2 million U.S Dollars,
which he acrued from the pre-war times and the first
weeks of the war, for the purpose of investment after
the war might have been totally over. On receipt of
the bad news, the funds were deposited in a Diplomatic
Condominium in Europe with the help of some
professionals. I am presently in the United Kingdom
as i was held back by his death and have decided to
fufil his dream (website deleted)
On your response to assist me receive this money,
signals will be sent to the company in custody of the
funds and the professionals involved. Do not worry all
necessary information to enable you receive the funds
will be intact. For a secured, smooth and professional
conclusion, i cannot come out openly at this time to
lay claims hence i need your assistance. I believe you
will understand the reasons!
With your effort and help, you shall be entitled to
20% of the total balance(after deducting expenses).
I shall forward to you all the details required on the
receipt of your reply to carry on this transaction
with me.
I look forward to your prompt favorable response. Please reply
through my alternative email address : (address deleted)
Thanks for your anticipated understanding

Yours Respectfully,
Mr. (name deleted)

(name deleted) was a very objective and modest man who never
discriminated, the reason we could confide in
ourselves irrespective of my Native country and
religion. May his gentle soul continue to rest in
peace, amen.


2) FROM OFFICE OFTHE GOVERNOR (address deleted)

Dear Beneficiary,

IMMEDIATE CONTRACT PAYMENT.CONTRACT #. (number deleted)
(YOUR IMMEDIATE CONRACT PAYMENT)

From the records of outstanding contractors due for payment with the
Federal Government of Nigeria, your name was discovered as next on the
list of the outstanding contractors who have not received their payments.I wish
to inform you that your payment is being processed and will be released
to you as soon as you respond to this letter. Also note that from my record
in my file your outstanding contract payment is US$26.5 million
dollars(twenty Six million five hundred thousand united states dollars).
As soon as this information is received, your payment will be made to
you in a certified bank draft or wired to your bank account directly
from Central Bank of Nigeria and a copy will be given to you for you to take
to your bank and confirm it.Please re-confirm to me if this is inline with
what we have in your record and also re-confirm to me the followings:
1) Your full name.
2) Phone, fax and mobile #.
3) Company name, position and address.
4) Profession, age and marital status.

(name deleted).
Executive Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
Direct line: (number deleted)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Most of the people who fall for this type of scam are old people who think they're "helping someone out." They aren't necessarily idiots, just very trusting. In this day and age you really can't trust anyone. My sentiment is, if you don't know who's sending the e-mail....delete it! :)