Email fraud is no longer news. We regularly hear about successful frauds committed on the Internet through the use of fraudulent emails. 419 fraud is a code name for an email fraud originating from Nigeria.
Take note, don’t be fooled 419 fraud is the code name for an email fraud that promises contracts involving large sums of money. It is not peculiar to Nigeria only but mostly originates from Nigeria.
WHY DO PEOPLE FALL VICTIMS OF 419 FRAUD?
The 419 scammer uses social engineering that most information security consultants neglect to gradually convince the unsuspecting victim that the fictitious contract posted before the victim is legitimate.
People are falling victims every day why?
- They get closer to you through regular chats over a long period of time, developing a kind of bond (friendship).
- They use the power of sympathy to play games with their victims.
- They take advantage of the innate desire in us to earn money.
- They use the names of known organizations to perpetrate the crime.
- They use real life circumstances and situations, which are very reliable to commit fraud.
SAMPLE OF A TYPICAL 419 EMAIL (FRAUD EMAIL)
This sample 419 email is original (no spelling errors corrected).
Mr. Felix Afuwa
ECOBANK
Credit Control Manager
Victoria – Island Branch
Phone: 234-1774-8735
Fax: 234-1759-3019
Warning: XXXXXXXXXX
I am Mr. Felix Afuwa, Credit Control Manager of ECOBANK, Victoria Island Branch in Lagos, Nigeria.
I am in charge of credit finance at the bank. The banking sector has a peculiar character in my country in terms of financial transactions; everything is possible for you to stay afloat with the enormous competition that exists.
There was this foreigner, Mr. John VanderPloeg, who came at one point to deposit the sum of US$15.8 million US dollars in various installments on behalf of some multinationals for the prosecution of the late General Sani Abacha to succeed himself as civilian president from my country. What happened to this plot is left for prosperity to judge.
My reason for contacting you is because I want to know if you could help me with this situation.
This money has been in the bank for some time and due to the manner and purpose for which it was deposited, no next of kin was provided for this transaction. Mr. John VanderPloeg, I have good authority, was just an agent used for this purpose and fled the country after a series of revelations about how the Abacha plundered the Nigerian economy and further revelations emerged at this Oputa panel 3 years after the death of the dictator. At the end of this year, the bank would amass the money if no one shows up to claim it.
Taking into account the above, I am in a position to make all the necessary arrangements to present you as the next of kin regarding this transaction in the bank, so that this money can be transferred immediately at your request to another bank account abroad. .
I am willing and ready to offer you 10% of the funds for your assistance.
Call me so we can discuss more
Sincerely,
Mr. Felix Afuwa
TIPS FOR NOT BEING A VICTIM OF 419 MAIL (EMAIL FRAUD)
- Don’t open mail that you didn’t request or ask for.
- Do not reply to any mail requesting a certain amount of money or gifts before a contract is awarded, please do not reply to such mail.
- If you are interested in the business that you never applied for or asked for, check with the security agencies located in your country. Be sure to present a copy of the mail when reporting.
- Always tell your spouse or friend about any mail requesting money or a gift before doing business.
Advice
Fraudulent emails are sent daily. Don’t become a victim by getting regular phishing education through newsletter subscription, audio seminars, security e-courses, purchase of security e-books. Don’t be the next victim, take safety education seriously.