Scam Types dot Com

If you’ve read more than a few pages here at ScamTypes you will probably realise that the most common type of internet scam is the 419 advanced fee scam, so named as 419 relates to the Nigerian penal code that covers such crime.

For this reason, plus issues of government and corporate corruption and fraud, Nigeria has a pretty poor reputation around the world. However, the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission aims to change that.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) offers a whole wealth of advice and other information on scams pertaining directly to Nigeria. In addition to warnings and descriptions of scams they also post a most wanted list and regularly updated news.

The EFCC is headed by a 46 year old native Nigerian, Mal Nuhu Ribadu, whose illustrious career spans service in the police force in addition to his duties as a barrister. Highly thought of Ribadu has won many awards for his efforts in combating the scammers and corruption within his country.

 In this picture, taken from the site, Ribadu can be seen with Juliana Ching, an 86 year old woman from Hong Kong whose daughter, Vivian,  fell victim to a classic 419 scam.

Promised 25% of $25m that had supposedly been overpaid on a contract from the Nigerian government, Ching transferred around 320m Hong kong dollars to the scammers whilst mistakenly expecting to receive her share of this bounty.

Ultimately, Ching handed over around $4.5m over a period of 4 years. Eventually the EFCC became involved after being petitioned by the Department of Justice. Arrests were made and the scammers admitted to their crime before handing over the money.

Ribadu can be seen here reimbursing Mrs Ching with a cheque for $4.48 million (I hope it didn’t bounce!).

The EFCC has had other such successes too, though the number of victims that have become reacquainted with their money is still extremely minimal. However, it does go to show that Nigeria is beginning to take some of it’s well publicised problems seriously and that men of quality, such as Ribadou, are beginning to take the fight back to the scammers.