The perpetrators of Advance Fee Fraud (AFF), known internationally as
"4-1-9" fraud after the section of the Nigerian penal code which addresses
fraud schemes, are often very creative and innovative.
Unfortunately, there is a perception that no one is prone to enter into such
an obviously suspicious relationship. However, a large number of victims are
enticed into believing they have been singled out from the masses to share in
multi-million dollar windfall profits for doing absolutely nothing. It is
also a misconception that the victim's bank account is requested so the
culprit can plunder it -- this is not the primary reason for the account
request -- merely a signal they have hooked another victim.
The most prevalent and successful cases of Advance Fee Fraud is the fund
transfer scam. In this scheme, a company or individual will typically receive
an unsolicited letter by mail from a Nigerian claiming to be a senior civil
servant. In the letter, the Nigerian will inform the recipient that he is
seeking a reputable foreign company or individual into whose account he can
deposit funds ranging from $10-$60 million that the Nigerian government
overpaid on some procurement contract.
If you feel you have been a victim of any this fraud scheme contact the U.S.
Secret Service at 202-406-8000.