GDS International Investigates Nigerian Email Scam

Nearly everyone has heard of the Nigerian email scam, and many have been made victims. Today, with economic conditions causing financial disaster for many, the Nigerian email scam may look like an easy way to make some much needed money. This method of gaining your bank account information has been around for decades; to ensure that you are not the next victim of the Nigerian email scam, read the warnings and tips below.

If you receive emails that appear to be from Africa and address you in a very polite manner, do not fall prey. A Nigerian email scam frequently makes mention of depositing money in your bank account, usually large sums of money. This may be due to transferring funds from a wealthy, respected persons bank account to yours from accounts that are "frozen", or supposed job opportunities.

Consider what the sender is offering you, and ask yourself "why". Common sense goes a long way toward avoiding the Nigerian email scam. Why would someone you have never heard of choose you to receive huge sums of money? More importantly, why would you give a complete stranger your bank account or other financial information that may put you at risk of identity theft?

Watch for email addresses that appear important or official at first glance. Often, those participating in a Nigerian email scam will use free email accounts, but place information at the beginning that sounds impressive. An example of this would be KingFinancialInstitute@yahoo.com. These are email accounts made up for the sole purpose of sending out fraudulent emails to innocent people.

Those who do fall for the Nigerian email scam may receive documents through the mail that look authentic. This is to further convince you that all is on the level, so that you may then supply a blank letterhead along with your bank account information; you may also be asked to provide funds to cover the transaction, plus attorney fees or transfer costs. When someone pulls off the Nigerian email scam and gains access to your bank account details, they can literally wipe you out financially.
What should you do if you suspect that someone is attempting to pull the Nigerian email scam on you?

If you receive an email asking for your assistance in transferring money from Nigeria to your bank account, forward the email to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov. Additionally, do not respond to these emails; if you do, you may subject yourself to further harassment.

Each year, about the Nigerian email scam is responsible for about 400 successful scams, resulting in millions of dollars in losses to the victims. It is estimated that about 250,000 scammers every year participate in this fraudulent activity. If you fall victim to the Nigerian email scam, report it to the proper authorities, even if you are embarrassed by your gullibility. It may assist in catching the scammers, and preventing other people from getting taken advantage of.

Click here to check out other GDS International scam articles.

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