Contents
- What is Nigerian spam?
- History of Nigerian spam
- How does Nigerian spam work?
- How to identify Nigerian spam?
What is Nigerian spam?
Nigerian spam, also known as "419 scam" fraud, is a form of internet scam in which perpetrators attempt to defraud users of their money or gain access to their bank accounts. This type of fraud employs emails where scammers present themselves as wealthy individuals willing to share their fortune in exchange for help in cashing it out.
History of Nigerian spam
Nigerian spam began its history in the 1980s when the first letters were sent by individuals claiming they could access the wealth of Nigerian dictator Sani Abacha. Over time, the narrative changed, and the letters began to feature fictitious Nigerian politicians, businessmen, and public figures. Following the arrest of businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky in Russia, similar letters also started to appear, where scammers asked for help in saving supposedly stolen money.
The geography of such fraudulent schemes has expanded over time, and now emails can come from various countries like Kenya, Iraq, and the Philippines. For example, amid political instability in Iraq, users received letters about supposedly stolen Iraqi money during the war. Scammers are flexible and quickly adapt to changes in global politics.
How does Nigerian spam work?
The essence of the scam is that spammers claim they possess a large sum of money obtained illegally. They ask the recipient to help cash out these funds, promising a reward ranging from 2% to 30%. To create the illusion of an easy transaction, scammers may offer a small amount of money.
During correspondence, scammers might request help with various issues, such as processing transactions, paying taxes, or bribes. Some schemes include stories about inheritances that cannot be cashed due to unstable political situations. However, typically, after sending money, the victim ends up with nothing.
How to identify Nigerian spam?
To avoid falling into the trap of scammers, it is important to know the key signs of Nigerian spam:
- Mention of large sums of money.
- The author of the email states a problem preventing them from accessing the funds.
- The recipient is asked to help and promised a percentage payment.
- Emails may contain documents with counterfeit stamps from well-known firms.
Scammers often create an illusion of credibility by renting offices with working phones and fax services to instill trust in their victims. However, it is essential to remember that such schemes are dangerous and can lead to the loss of personal funds. Law enforcement agencies have started to work more actively on uncovering such crimes, and some organizers of these mailings have been held accountable.