the News

The 419 internet scam or what is known in local parlance as ‘yahoo yahoo’ has continued to grow unabated. Could this be as a result of the methods adopted in fighting the menace???
Nigerian Views is of the opinion that rather than trying to clamp down on the thousands scammers located worldwide, a pragmatic approach should be adopted, such as mass enlightenment.
In view of this, Nigerian Views, (no pun intended) decided to lend a hand in this huge fight against the scourge by publishing a list of tips by the EFCC*.
We couldn’t however resist the urge to add a bit of humor to it…after all what better way to learn than with a bit of humor, right?

TIP No. 1
DO NOT BE GREEDY:
This vice according to “Yellow Kid” Weil, one of the most successful con artists of the 20th century, is the most common vice that con artists prey upon. He believed the success of his swindles was made possible by his fellow humans greed. “I took money only from those who could afford it and were willing to go in with me in schemes they fancied will fleece others”.
Unfortunately, this is the mindset of most con artists, hence the self-justification for their misdeeds.

TIP No. 2
NEVER RESPOND TO MAILS ASKING FOR PERSONAL DETAILS, SUCH AS BANK ACCOUNTS OR CREDIT CARD DETAILS, UNLESS YOU ARE SURE OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DEMAND.
“Er… did you say 345 or 245?”

Also if ever you must, make sure when giving out information over the phone, the guy on the other end doesn’t keep repeating everything you say.

TIP No. 3
IF YOU HAVE NOT PARTICIPATED IN ANY BUSINESS DEAL, DO NOT ACCEPT ANY PROPOSAL FROM ANY SOURCE TO SHARE IN THE PROCEEDS,

(FORMAT)

This scam actually bears great resemblance to the “Drake Swindle.” Made popular in the 1920’s by a con man Oscar Hartzell. It basically involved promising any sucker or “mugu” surnamed “Drake” a substantial share in the long lost “Drake Treasure” to which he, Hartzell, had access. Thousands of people fell for the scam, which Hartzell succeeded in turning into a crusade against the government and all opposed to keep the Drake fortune from their rightful heirs. And in the process he made himself a quick fortune. (more…)