Tips to Fighting the Nigerian Scam
Despite large losses amounting to over $700 Million last year in the U.S. alone, the Nigerian Scam a.k.a 419, Advance Fee Fraud and the Nigerian Letter, has continued to wreck havoc on more and more individuals globally. Perhaps due to gullibility, trust or the desire to get rich quick, individuals and corporate organizations still fall victim to the scam.
The perpetrators who hitherto used to operate from within Nigeria have now established operational bases in most of the major European Cities and the United States. Their methods of communication are cheaper now with the Internet and Virtual Phone numbers giving them cheaper access to more and more potential victims.
Their modus operandi has moved from the mundane style of writing letters requesting for help to more large sums of money left by a dead relative to the more bizarre, EBay auction buyers scam which abuses the sense of the average auction participant with impunity.
With the massive media attention given to this industry it is amazing to find out that people still fall victim to this scam. One cannot blame them because just as the world is taking steps to fight the scourge, the scourge like the AIDS virus keeps mutating and taking different forms, as such it needs to be updated constantly.
The chief means to fighting this Scam is adequate information which can be found from different sources outline. Here are few steps to take to avoid falling for the scam:
* Never pay for goods or services with Western Union unless you verify comfortably the identity of the seller and you are in receipt of the goods or have confirmation from an escrow service before you release your funds
* Do not respond to any letter seeking for your help to transfer large sums of money from any country with promises of huge rewards from the owners of such funds.
* If you did not establish the business contact first on any proposal from Africa, consult the trade unit of your embassy in that country to ascertain the authenticity of the proposed partner before proceeding.
* If you receive a check higher than the value of the goods you are selling with request for the extra amount to be sent to the buyer after you might have deducted your own funds. PLEASE DO NOT GO AHEAD. SIMPLY IGNORE!
The Nigerian Scam extends beyond the pages of a book; however paying attention to a few tips could help you safeguard your hard earned money. Guard your wealth with intellect.
About The Author
Jaimon Minko is a victim of the 419 scourge; he took a trip deep into the heart of the "industry" and has written a free e-book to help individuals know more about the scourge. Meet him at www.nigerianscamexposed.com.
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