Nigerian email scammers

The infamous Nigerian email scammers!

Nigerian email scammers, also known as "419" scammers, are individuals or groups that send fraudulent emails or messages claiming to have access to large sums of money or valuable assets, and promise to share them with the recipient if they can provide personal or financial information. These scams often originate from Nigeria, hence the name.

Here are some common tactics used by Nigerian email scammers:

  1. Advance fee fraud: They promise to transfer a large sum of money to the recipient's account, but require an upfront payment or fee to be paid first.
  2. Lottery or prize scams: They claim the recipient has won a lottery or prize, but need to pay a fee to claim the prize.
  3. Romance scams: They build a fake online relationship with the recipient, gaining their trust, and then ask for money or personal information.
  4. Investment scams: They promise high returns on investments, but actually steal the recipient's money.
  5. Phishing scams: They send fake emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or government agency, and ask for sensitive information.

To avoid falling victim to Nigerian email scammers:

  1. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages: If you didn't initiate contact, be wary of emails or messages that ask for personal or financial information.
  2. Verify the sender's identity: Check the sender's email address and phone number to ensure they are legitimate.
  3. Don't respond to suspicious emails: Don't respond to emails that ask for personal or financial information.
  4. Don't send money: Never send money to someone you don't know or trust.
  5. Report suspicious emails: Report suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your email provider.

Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always prioritize your safety and security online.

Here are some additional resources to help you stay safe:

Stay vigilant and stay safe online!