This scam is a confidence trick in which the target is persuaded to advance relatively small sums of money in the hope of realizing a much larger gain. It’s originated in Nigeria, and the number ‘419′ refers to the article dealing with fraud of the Nigerian Criminal Code.

The advance-fee fraud is similar to a much older scam known as the Spanish Prisoner scam in which the trickster would tell the scam victim that a (fictitious) rich prisoner had promised to share (non-existent) treasure with the victim if the latter would send money to bribe the prison guards.

Today email is used to send these scam letters and most of you have probably seen this kind of spam before. I just got one in my inbox, to refresh your memory:

Dear Beloved

Due to the sudden death of my husband GeneralAbacha the former head of
state of Nigeria in June 1998, I have been thrown into a state of
hopelessness by the present administration.I have lost confidence with
anybody within my country. I got your contacts through personal research,
and had to reach you through this medium. I will give you more details
when you reply.

Due to security network placed on my daily affairs I cant visit the
embassy so that is why I have contacted you. My husband deposited
$12.6million dollars with a security firm abroad whose name is witheld for
now till we communicate. I will be happy if you can receive this funds and
keep it safe I assure you 20% of this fund. I will need your
telephone/mobile numbers so that we can commence communication.

Sincerely Yours,

Hajia Mariam.

Looks like a great deal, doesn’t it?

I’m talking about this 419 scam, because it was in the news a few days ago. Justice wants to make it less easy for Nigerians to operate from the Netherlands. Because of this, it must be impossible to make anonymous calls anymore and money exchange offices (GWK) must check identity of customers. So this will apply for all Dutch people, not just Nigerians. When the government really introduces these plans, we all will lose some privacy. So next time I want to buy my concert ticket at the GWK I have to show my identity, just because some people really fall for these ridiculous email messages. I am not supporting any criminal activities, but if you’re paying a sum of money because someone – you don’t know – promises a large fee than you’re a real butthead.