What
is 419, 4-1-9, or Advance Fee Fraud?
An Advance Fee Fraud Scheme is the name given to a fraudulent means
of obtaining money. It is designed to play on various emotions, like
sympathy, empathy, or to appeal to moral instincts.
As well as appealing to the emotions, the scam is designed in such
a way that the person being scammed is led to believe that they are
in a no-lose situation where they themselves, will make a great deal
of money. Too tempting for some.
Why
419 or 4-1-9?
The scheme, which originated in Nigeria, is known internationally as
'419' after the section of the Nigerian penal code which deals
with this particular type of fraud scheme.
How
an Advance Fee Fraud Scheme Works
The first step in the scam is contact. This is done by snail-mail, email,
or even via a Personal Message (PM) on a message board forum.
The
Message from the Fraudsters
The message varies, but the general theme is that someone who used to
be in a position of authority in a country (Nigeria, Congo, Rwanda,
Liberia, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Ghana, the Philippines,
Egypt, Kuwait, etc, etc, etc); because of some form of civil unrest
or persecution, 'Government forces' are putting their lives in serious
jeopardy.They have, however, huge quantities of money stashed away
in various bank accounts which is theirs, or they can get their hands
on, but because of the unrest / persecution they are unable to get the
money out of the country. The sums involved range anywhere from $4 million
to $50 million.
Alternative versions of the scam involve unclaimed wills, fund transfers
and oil.
The
Punch line
They have contacted you because someone they know of, knows someone
who has recommended you, or is just 'taking a risk' ... can you help
them get the money out of the country?
The
Catch
There are however, some problems ... firstly, because they are in fear
of their lives, they have to work through middlemen. Secondly, they
are unable to get to their bank account and therefore do not have any
funds. Thirdly, they need to help grease the palms of some corrupt officials
in order to get their money out of the country ... can you help? It
is only a small loan that is needed ...
The
Hook
If you will help them set up the deal from your end of the world, and
will forward them a 'small loan', they will give you a large percentage
of the 'millions of dollars' when they get it out of their country into
your bank account.
The
Scam
Initially, the victim, or 'mark', will probably be asked for a relatively
small amount of money to 'get things going'. After a while, there will
be a 'problem', usually describing some 'official' who is insisting
on more money to provide the required 'official stamps'. Can the victim
send more money to help?This state of affairs continues for as long
as the hapless victim of the scam will send money, with varying problems
arising which all need 'more money' to resolve. Eventually, the victim
realises something is amiss but usually not before parting with substantial
sums of money. The scammer disappears with the cash and the victim is
added to the statistics.
|
