Advance Fee Fraud
Nigerian Advance Fee Fraud aka 419
Advance Fee Fraud has been around, in various forms, for centuries. The basic technique is to convince a victim that they are going to receive a large reward in return for little or no effort on their part. Once the victim is 'hooked', the fraudster(s) will gradually reveal various fees that must be paid before the victim can access the fortune that they believe is waiting for them. These fees may be in the form of bribes to officials, duties, taxes, account fees, etc. As each charge is paid by the unsuspecting victim, a new fee arises. Naturally, there is never any reward, and this process continues until the victim realises what is happening, or simply runs out of money.
In modern times this form of fraud has become a major 'industry' in Nigeria, so much so that it is now commonly referred to as "Nigerian Fraud", even when perpetrated by citizens of other countries. Another common name is "419 fraud" after Section 419 of the Nigerian Penal code, the section that specifically prohibits this type of crime. Whereas they originally sent handwritten letters with forged postage stamps, they now make use of the Internet to reach their victims.
This type of fraud is carried out in a number of different ways. One very common scheme is to convince a victim that the criminal has a very large amount of money trapped in a bank or security company, and for some reason cannot retrieve it. The victim is promised a large percentage of the fortune in return for essentially 'laundering' the money through their own bank account. This is an important feature of the scam: the victim is lured into agreeing to an unlawful enterprise, so that they will feel reluctant later to contact the authorities.
These scams have evolved into online romance scams where the actors lure victims into a fake online romance, while after a period of grooming, convince the victim to pay monies to them upon some pretext. Miltary romance scams falls into this grouping. These scams are also often accompanied by investment scams where victims are encouraged to invest there savings into bogus investment schemes.
The criminals operating these schemes often try to encourage the victim to travel to meet them in a foreign country; sometimes Nigeria or a neighbouring country, but often European cities such as Amsterdam or Madrid. Once again, the intention in getting the victim away from their home is to make them feel vulnerable, and reluctant to contact the police. In rare instances, victims who meet with the criminals are actually threatened, kidapped, or even murdered.
Related links
- aa419 fake site database
- Is this a legit bank? Online search tools
- How to Report advance fee fraud to the Dutch authorities
Cameroonian Non-Delivery Fraud
Cameroonian Non-Delivery Fraud is a type of online scam that originated in Cameroon and has become notorious for its deceptive sophistication. Fraudsters advertise goods online and accept payment, but never deliver these goods. Victims are typically diverted to fake couriers where the victim is defrauded further, also potentially extorted.
- Fake Websites: Scammers create professional-looking websites that target the desired audience which may be businesses or general consumers. Spoofing is rife when it comes to business targeting scams, often showing stolen business credentials. Consumer level scams often show no contact details, or a disposable telephone number and an email address only.
- Social Media: Scammers use search engine optimization and social media platforms to drive traffic to these sites.
- Product Types:
- Pets scams are common, sometimes also endangered species like Asian Arowana, parrots or reptiles.
- Forged document scams such as drivers licences, visas, passports, IETLS and TOEFL scams are rife, often accompanied by counterfeit currency and black money scams.
- Certains scams are regional like poultry and livestocks scams targeting South Africa, or magic mushroom scams targeting Australia.
- Illicit drugs scams are common, even cocaine, heroin and/or LSD being used as bait.
- Medical supplies e.g., masks, hazmat suits, ventilators became prevalent during COVID-19 showing how adaptable these scams are.
- Extortion Tactics: Victims may be blackmailed after attempting to purchase illegal items like drugs or CITES protected sepcies. Scammers impersonate law enforcement and threaten legal action unless more money is paid.