You’re probably getting the ‘Nigerian’ scam email regularly if your email address has been around for a while.
The Nigerian scam originally started via regular snail mail. With the advent of email, this scam has become easier and faster to pull off.
The specifics vary, but the general scenario is that the sender is in control of a large sum of money and they are looking for a way to move it overseas. They are contacting you to receive the funds for which you’ll get a very generous cut. Of course, the scammer wants you to not discuss the arrangement with anyone.
Soon after you agree to help something will delay the transaction. There will be an unexpected transfer fee or an official that needs to be bribed that will require a small amount of money to overcome. Given the huge amount of money that you will be receiving, it seems dumb not to pay. Unfortunately, these ‘problems’ will continue until you finally give up and stop paying the scammer. When you do stop paying, the scammer will blame you for causing the deal to fall through.
There are other variations such as a widow who has six months to live and wants you to spend her life savings on a good cause or a lottery notification with details of the wonderful riches that you have won. Whatever the story, the scam is the same – you will need to provide money or bank account details in order to get the money that’s being promised.
However, there’s a new trend to these scam emails: requesting “proof of identity” in addition to your bank account details. Giving your ID and bank account information opens you up to a greater risk – identity theft. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime on the Internet.
As with any scam, the best defense is caution. If you suspect a scam, do some research. Copy some of the text from the email and paste it in your search engine. Usually these scams are sent out to millions of people, so chances are someone else is talking about it.
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At least every other day I get a letter in my e-mail box. While I can’t believe that some people fall for the Nigerian email scam, I guess it’s important for all of us to continue sounding the alarm.