Nigerian 419 | The Communication Blog

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Nigerian 419

By Odesi Desko

Within the last few years, the 419 fraud has quickly become one of the most prevalent forms of fraud out there. Due to widespread use of the Internet, it has since become far easier to commit fraudulent activity and target thousands of people, specifically through email accounts. In order to work, this method requires the recipient to advance money to the fraudulent people under the promise of receiving a gain on their money.

While the advance-fee type scam has been around for a while now, it has since spread from its origin in African countries to others. Through email, the recipient is informed about a large volume of money, and all they need to do is send a small advance. Despite the dubious nature of this scheme, many people have lost money through it.

Specifically, the fraudulent scam works by contacting an individual and informing them that through some legal stipulation, they are entitled to a large sum of money; however, in order to collect, they first must advance a small amount to settle administrative fees and forward their bank account information. Unfortunately, due to this scam, not only to the target lose the advance money, they may also lose funds from their bank accounts as well.

Since most 419 frauds are based in foreign countries, it becomes increasingly more difficult to find out whether or not the source of the offer is legitimate. Use instant-phone-lookup.net/407/605/ or other such telephone services to figure out whether or not a provided telephone number in the email can verify the information you were given. Unfortunately, for the most part you just get an email address and a name; as a result, if you ever see an offer like this, use extreme caution.

Often the person receiving a 419 fraud communication is elderly or is low on funds. Such an offer is very enticing as, they think, here is the chance of a lifetime to solve all their money problems. Unfortunately, that is not the case and, as a result, many people have had all their funds depleted.

Any offer for a large amount of money from an overseas country should immediately be suspect. Questions that should immediately come to mind might include: How did they get my name and e-mail? Why would they contact me? Who is this person or persons?

The Internet has connected the world and all of us. Communicating with individuals from foreign countries is enjoyable. However, this has also allowed for scammers to target a much larger volume of people. The 419 fraud scheme frequently exploits the elderly and people who trust easily.

In any event where you receive communication from an unfamiliar individual or company, you should always be cautious and validate them first. Furthermore, if they offer you an opportunity that appears too good to be true, that should serve as a warning. Immediately, research this person or company, and in the event that they seem suspicious, contact the fraud division of whatever government agency may be applicable.

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