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What is a Nigeria Scam?
So-called Nigeria, 419, Spanish Prisoner, Russian, or Ukrainian scams originated in the 1920s. The idea behind them is to convince someone to send some amount of money or personal information to a fraudulent source. This fraudulent organization or individual will pose as a foreigner in some terrible plight that prevents him or her from directly accessing a large fortune. The con artist claims that if you help him--by "paying bank fees," "bribing officials," or "opening accounts," he will eventually come into possession of his lost billions and give you a portion of the treasure.
The advent of the Internet has opened a floodgate of opportunities for criminals who operate under this basic strategy. Working through email, these scammers can send out hundreds or thousands of pleas for help in the hopes that a few will fall for the bait.
Concerns for Parents
- While children may stumble across scam websites or emails, scammers aren't going to target your kids. Why not? Because your children aren't old enough to use credit cards or have more than a few hundred dollars to their names at best. It's those of credit card-holding age--namely YOU and possibly older teens--who should be concerned!
How Can I Stay Safe?
- Be sure your email account has a spam filter. A good spam filter should keep this type of email out of your inbox.
- Should you receive a Nigeria email, don't be fooled! The following things should tip you off that the email you've received is baloney:
- The email states it is from a foreign country, particularly one undergoing political upheaval
- The subject line includes a plea for help--"Your assistance is needed," etc
- The English is misspelled and awkwardly worded with constant "Thanks be to God," "in due humility and thanks" or other interjections
- The email appeals to your emotions to make you feel pity for the person's terrible plight
- You are promised a large sum of money in return for paying bank fees, opening accounts, or other "small" favors
Here is a sample of what a Nigeria Scam email might look like
Where Can I Learn More?
Read this 419 Scam FAQ and explore the other resources the website offers (though we don't necessarily recommend toying with scammers as a worthwhile "cybersport," as some parts of this website suggest you do :) ).
Here is a great article about Nigeria scams with even more examples of fraudulent emails and letters scammers may try on you.
