The Different Types of Nigerian Scams & How to Spot Them

To begin with in order to spot a Nigerian scam, you need a basic understanding of really what a scam is. They really can be quite subtle. You will receive an email or letter, or even a telephone call telling you that you have won a substantial amount of money and all you need to do is pay the small senders fee.

The first thought that goes through our mind is that it is too good to be true, but then in the back of our minds there is that nagging little thought, "well what if it really is". After all they are really only asking a small amount of transfer money compared to the prize money, Plus you never know, you may have entered some contest that you have forgotten about. This type of scam is called the "advance fee fraud or the 419 fraud. This is just one of the many types of Nigerian scams

This is a type of Nigerian scam that is prevalent in Nigeria and they are actually accredited with starting it, although it can originate from any country. The first hint that it may be a Nigerian scam is when they hold a US account in one of the foreign countries. The account does not have to necessarily be in Nigeria.

You will also notice some unusual spelling or words in the body of the text, or poor grammar.

The content of the text is usually that the author is a hard done by individual. Just a normal everyday person that has fallen upon some type of hardship. There is however a large sum of money that is rightfully his but he needs help in getting it. The person will go onto give you some reason why he can't cash the check in his home country. He will attempt to give you some vague reference perhaps from a missionary in his country. It gets you to thinking well maybe you do know this fictitious referral.

Based on this so called trust the author is willing to deposit the check into your account but first you need to send the transfer money so he can do this

This is just one of the many variations that you may received concerning the Nigerian scam tactics. These are pros that are running these rip offs. Even if only 1% of the people they contact fall for it they are making themselves as nice little profit.