# Oh, those silly Nigerians **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 28, 2003, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076 "2003-10-28T18:31:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![NajaNivea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@NajaNivea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NajaNivea)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2003, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/1 "2003-10-28T18:31:14Z")
What makes the “Nigerian” label so attractive to scammers? Do they truly believe that calling themselves Nigerian somehow makes them more credible? Or are they truly Nigerian? Here’s one that seems to be going around the dog forums I frequent–it’s been sent to my breeder and posted on one or two breed specific forums: urgent Posted by daniel obi on 10/25/2003, 2:58 pm, in reply to “Sorry, it’s me…” [ip address deleted, not sure if that violates forum rules or not–if someone can tell me how to trace the IP or if it’s okay to post the IP in this forum, let me know] DEAR SIR/MADAM, I AM DR DANIEL OBI, COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IN - CHARGE OF DOGS SECTION IN POLICE HEADQUARTERS.I HAVE BEEN MANDATED BY THE POLICE COMMISSION TO SOURCE FOR AN INTERESTED DOG BREEDER OVERSEAS TO SUPPLY THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE WITH 2500 PUPPIES.THESE PUPPIE S ARE TO BE TRAINED BY OUR PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS TO HELP COMBAT AND DETECT CRIMES ACCORDINGLY.THE PUPS MUST BE BETWEEN 4-5 MONTHS OLD. THE FERDRAL GOVT OF NIGERIA IS READY TO GIVE UPFRONT PAYMENT TO ANY INTERESTED SUPPLIER BEFORE SUPPLY IS MADE.THIS CONTRACT WILL LAST FOR A PERIOD OF 5 YEARS. SIR, IF YOU ARE INTERESTED ON THIS OFFER,YOU ARE FREE TO CONTACT ME ON MY PHONE NUMBER 234-803-711-6296 FOR MORE DETAILS. ALL CORRESPONDENCE SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MY ALTERNATIVE E-MAIL ADDRESS OR EXPECTING TO HEAR FROM YOU URGENTLY, YOURS FAITHFULLY, DR.DANIEL OBI(CP) The entire message is [sic], formatting and all. I took out the email addresses just in case, even though the guy freely posts them on boards and in guestbooks and to private emails. Interesting that the guy offers upfront payment. I wonder what the scam is here, or just trying to get ahold of lots of dogs? This message is being sent to breeders and forums that represent a breed that regularly sells for $1500-2500 for a pup, so I guess he’s hoping to get a lot of them to sell? Strange. ~mixie ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2003, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/2 "2003-10-28T19:09:23Z")
The guy sends a bank note, you deposit it, send the dog, the bank lets you know the note was a fake, takes back the money. You’re out the dog and the money. They also do this on eBay a lot. Nigeria is notorious for having a lot of corruption, and keep in mind that one aspect of a successful scam is relying on the victim’s sense of greed to draw them in. Strangely, most people are not automatically repelled from dealing with suspected crooks but instead find this aspect to be a “feature”. ---
**Author:** ![dantheman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dantheman/32/9421_2.png) [@dantheman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dantheman)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2003, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/3 "2003-10-28T19:14:04Z")
It’s not always Nigeria, though. I received one from Benin last week. ---
**Author:** ![NajaNivea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@NajaNivea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NajaNivea)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2003, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/4 "2003-10-28T19:28:46Z")
Weird. I honestly cannot possibly imagine anyone seeing this and thinking “Wow! What a great, totally legitimate sounding business opportunity!” and arranging to start shipping pups to this guy. But obviously there are enough suckers in the world to keep them in business. Either that or it’s just one guy who keeps trying different tactics… ---
**Author:** ![NajaNivea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@NajaNivea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NajaNivea)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2003, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/5 "2003-10-28T19:30:35Z")
Huh, I guess in all that careful removal of identifying information, I might have noticed the _phone number_. Mods, if this is important, please remove it. I don’t know that anyone cares. ---
**Author:** ![Palikia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e95f7d/32.png) [@Palikia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palikia)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2003, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/6 "2003-10-28T19:31:34Z")
I got something similar by fax yesterday from South Africa. The cover sheet stated it was being sent by fax instead of regular mail because of the recent anthrax scare. It wanted big bucks for a wonderful business opportunity. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2003, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/7 "2003-10-28T19:40:17Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by dantheman \* > \*\*It’s not always Nigeria, though. I received one from Benin last week. \*\* It started out in Nigeria, but now has spread throughout Africa. I collect these things. The 42 I have so far involve, in addition to Nigeria: Benin Cote d’Ivoire/Ivory Coast Democratic Republic of Congo Ghana Guinea-Bissau Senegal Sierra Leone South Africa Togo Plus one from Haiti I’m constantly amazed at how many different wives and children Gen. Abacha of Nigeria had, and how many of them ended up with $50 million each. Also, just on the basis of the letters I have received, that there seems to be at least $2 billion in U.S. dollars and gold bullion sitting around in warehouses, old trunks, and what-have-you in West Africa. ---
**Author:** ![Ponder\_Stibbons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponder_stibbons/32/343_2.png) [@Ponder\_Stibbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponder_Stibbons)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2003, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/8 "2003-10-28T22:15:08Z")
**ftg** hit the nail on the head – I doubt _anyone_ thinks these things are legit. The poor fools that are taken in by these are thinking they’re making out due to someone else’s problems or because they’re helping someone run some sort of smuggling “under the radar” (so to speak) or even think they’re doing the scamming themselves! I have little empathy for anyone taken in by these sorts of things … ---
**Author:** ![hybrid\_dogfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a587f6/32.png) [@hybrid\_dogfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hybrid_dogfish)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2003, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/9 "2003-10-28T22:39:34Z")
I think i have a new country, Angola: > [@](#): > > THIS INFORMATION IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE PERSON OR ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN CONFIDENTIAL AND / OR PREVILEDGED MATERIA. ANY REVIEW. RETRANSMISSIO, DISEMINAITON, OR OTHER USE OF OR TAKING OF ANY ACTIONS IN RELIANCE UPON THIS INFORMATION BY PERSONS OR ENTITIES OTHER THAN THE INTENDED RECIPIENT IS PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS IN ERROR, PLEASE DELETE THE COPY. THANK YOU. > > ATTN: PRESIDENT /CEO > > My name is Edurado Raymond, from the Republic of Angola. I am writing you with trust and confidential. And I got your contact through the internet (business journal). After going through your profile and due consideration, I became aware and assured of your credibility and capable of handling a transaction of big magnitude. Thus, my humble decision to solicit for your understand and cooperation in this business that will benefit you and I. At the mid term of the rebellion which is still on till date, my father, thinking fast, decided to send my brother and I out of the country (Angola), with a total sum of (US$75M), Seventy five million United States Dollars only. > > This money was meant for the purchase of arms and ammunitions for the rebel, packed In a diplomatic baggage.On arrival in Madrid, Spain, we discovered that as political asylum seekers, we are not allowed to operate bank accounts. And With the instruction of my father, we deposited the baggage in a security company. This is without declaring the contents to them.Unfortunately, because of my father’s political influence,he was assassinated.We therefore need your assistance by coming to Madrid, to open a non-resident bank account with any of the local banks. > > The non-resident account will enable the onward telegraphic transfer of the funds to your nominated bank account. The whole arrangement will be strictly under our supervision and the transaction will be absolutely risk free. The transaction will not last for more than three working days, from the day of your arrival.We intend to share the money upon successful completion of the transaction as follows:- 25% will be entitled to you for your assistance, while 75% will be for us. Should this meet your utmost consideration, kindly contact us on telephone number +34-XXX-XXX-XXX The confidentiality of the transaction cannot be over emphasized as we trust and believe that you will oblige us the security and attention it demands.Thank you very much. > > Edurado Raymond > NB: please always Reply to: (Contact info removed by me) The worrying thing is that at least some people must fall for this, or they wouldn’t bother. The civil war in Angola has been over for 18 months now, you would think they would get their facts right! A trace of the originating IP in the header leads me to a server in Lagos, Nigeria, I wonder if they all come from there in reality. ---
**Author:** ![Trygve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4af34b/32.png) [@Trygve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trygve)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2003, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/10 "2003-10-28T23:03:46Z")
Many of them sit around in internet cafes in Benin sending these things out (internet access seems to be cheaper in Benin than in Nigeria). ---
**Author:** ![NajaNivea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@NajaNivea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NajaNivea)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/11 "2003-10-29T00:32:45Z")
A search for the IP shows that it does in fact originate in Nigeria. That’s hillarious. ---
**Author:** ![DreadCthulhu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/db5fbb/32.png) [@DreadCthulhu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DreadCthulhu)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/12 "2003-10-29T01:41:55Z")
I believe this site [http://j-walk.com/other/conf/index.htm](http://j-walk.com/other/conf/index.htm) gives a good insite into the mind of one of these spammers. And this [http://www.geocities.com/steerp1ke/David\_Ehi.html](http://www.geocities.com/steerp1ke/David_Ehi.html) site gives the best respones to a Nigerian Spam letter that I have ever seen. ---
**Author:** ![Ringo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/779978/32.png) [@Ringo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ringo)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/13 "2003-10-29T02:51:18Z")
I’ve received many, beginning about ten years ago when they came via USPS in brown envelopes with the flap on a skinny side. I could usually tell from the addressing that they’d gotten my name from an industry directory. Almost all have been of the general form of, “I’m Dr. Obe Wan Kenobe of the Nigerian National Oil Company, and I’ve managed to embezzle _XX_ million bucks. Because I trust people I’ve never met, I’ll give you a big cut if you help me spirit my ill-gotten gains out of the country.” Several have also been of the relative of deposed/rebel leader type, as well. All of those establish right away that there is some degree of larceny involved. As noted above, it’s hard to feel much pity for those who respond. I have though, recently, received some variations. One claimed to be from the “Committee for National Rebird” that was attempting to recover funds for previous scam victims. It contained a memorable line something like, “How much are you a dupe?” Heh, scam you and toss in an insult while we’re at it. Another I received yesterday really did not include a commitment to larceny - a more traditional approach to scamming, perhaps? It told the story how Barrister Chewbacca had been attempting to find an heir to the considerable estate of American expatriate Dr. Thomas XXXXX befor the government swallowed it up. The XXXXX was my given name, which is most commonly seen as a surname. There software is progressing. My take on the OP’s scammer is that he’s not going to send any fake bank notes, and he doesn’t want any pooches. Some sort of licensing fees, import taxes or whatnot will pop up before the first doggie embarks. The promise of “upfront” payment just helps set the hook. They don’t have dogs in Africa? ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/14 "2003-10-29T19:54:04Z")
I’ve gotten the usual “URGENT REQUEST FOR BUSINESS ASSISTENCE” ones from government ministers, princes, wives/children of assassinated dicators, etc. I’ve also gotten more unusual ones, such as a recent one informing me I had won a lottery I had never entered. But now they are getting even more bizarre: I’ve been getting requests for help in setting up charitable foundations. Here are two of the odder ones: > [@](#): > > Subject: Be the TRUSTEE/FOUNDER-MEMBER of Medical Foundation… > > Attention Please, > > I obtained your email address from surfing the internet; I am inviting you to perform a noble act of mercy and charity; You will be doubly compensated; you will receive vast financial rewards, and the Almighty God will bless you too for this deed. > > I am Henry Tzee , currently an inmate of the National Prison in Port-au-Prince, HAITI; jailed for life without parole in November, 2001; I am a prisoner of conscience, jailed because of my political beliefs and affiliations; The Government claimed that I attempted to over throw the Government of President René Préval, who succeeded President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 1998; my case was a celebrated miscarriage of justice; everyone knows that I was innocent but the Government was afraid of my growing financial power; As an Attorney, I represented celebrated Drug barons, and became very rich over time; conscious of a potential threat from me, the Government simply set me up and threw me into jail for life…Now, I have terminal cancer, and also diabetic( my doctor has given me 6/8 months); I have no family; I never married; both my parents are long dead… > > I need a trustworthy and God fearing person who can carry out a mission for me. It is a mission of charity, but, as I said in the beginning, it will bring in vast financial rewards to you; I INTEND TO ESTABLISH A CHARITABLE FOUNDATION IN YOUR COUNTRY, IN MY MEMORY; YOU WILL BE A TRUSTEE OF THIS 10 MEMBER FOUNDATION TO AID AND ADVANCE MEDICAL RESEARCH; To support innovative programs and research that promote health, prevent disease, and improve practices and health care delivery; I intend to donate USD45 million unconditionally to establish this Foundation. > > As you might have guessed, I made millions in my days as defense Counsel for Drug Traffickers , and because of their modus operandi, I frequently received my pay in cash, in Europe. Overtime, I accumulated a nest egg of over USD 60 million! This money is still sitting in a secure storage vault in Europe. > > I therefore need you to get this money and establish the Foundation as above; You will keep a quarter (25%) of this money for your self as gratuity; in addition, you will be a life Trustee of the 10 member foundation which you will establish according to the prevailing laws in your Country. > > Are you willing to undertake this mission? It is risk free and entirely legal; If you are interested, please contact me immediately by email only, stating your brief resume ( curriculum vitae), and phone and fax numbers; Please do NOT attempt to contact me by phone because it is not allowed. We can transact effectively for now using email. If I feel the need to call you, I > will do so by paying the Prison Superintendent… > > Awaiting your urgent response, > > Many thanks, > > Henry Tzee This one’s even weirder: > [@](#): > > Subject: URGENTREPLY. > > DEAR BELOVED [my real name], > > I SEIZE THIS OPPORTUNITY AT THIS MOST PAINFUL MOMENT OF MY LIFE IN A MIXED FEELINGS OF TEARS OF JOY AND PAINS. > > I AM MR.GEORGE MORGAN,A COCOA EXPORTER ,NOW VICTIM OF THIS DEADLY VIRUS THAT CLAIM THE LIFE OF MY BELOVED WIFE MAGDALENE ALONG SIDE WITH MY ONLY KEN(jnr) MORGAN WHO DIED WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL OF THE SAME VIRUS. > > I AM CHAIRING A NON SUCCESSFUL NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST THE MOST PAINFUL PLAGUE TO HUMAN RACE AIDS. > > I HAVE BEEN A PATIENT NOW FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS AND DOCTORS TOLD ME THAT I WILL DIE IN A FEW MONTHS FROM TODAY. > > I HAVE INVESTED OVER LOCAL CURRENCY EQUIVALENT OF $3.8M USD IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THIS DECEASE.UNFORTUNATELY ALL THIS FUND SO HAVE BEEN WIDELY MISUSED BY VARIOUS COMMITTEES ENTRUSTED WITH THIS FUNDS. > > NOW SINCE I HAVE LOST MY ONLY SON AND MY SWEET HEART (BELOVED WIFE) TO THIS SAME ILLMENT I HAVE DECIDED TO USE ALL AT MY DISPOSAL TO FIGHT IT. TO THIS EFFECT I HAVE EARN-MAPPED OUT THE WHOLE FUND IN MY BUSINESS VALUED WITH INTEREST AT $7.6M,TO FIGHT THIS DISEASE. > > SINCE THE FORMER FUNDS WERE MISMANAGED BY PEOPLE AROUND ME HERE, I PRAYED AND FASTED WITH THE HELP OF SOME OF THE PASTORS IN OUR CHURCH HERE OVER THE CASE AND THERE WAS A REVELATION AND INSTRUCTION THAT I SHOULD GO INTO AN UNKNOWN LAND AND MAKE SOMEONE THE PILLAR OF THIS MISSION. > > THEN IN ORDER TO GET A TRUSTED FELLOW I WENT INTO ANOTHER ROUND OF PRAYERS IN WHICH I WAS ASKED TO GO TO THE NET AND SELECT FIVE ADDRESSES PRAY OVER THEM AND ENTRUST THE FUND TO THE ONE I WILL BE DIRECTED TO. > > SO I DID AND I AM HERE REQUESTING FOR THE FOLLOWINGS FOR A SPEEDY RELATIONSHIP BEFORE MY DEATH. > > 1. EXERMINE YOUR SELF THAT YOU WILL NOT SELL THIS TRUST. > 2 SPEND ONLY 10% OF THE FUND FOR YOUR PRIVATE USE ONLY. > 2. PRAY ALL NIGHT OVER IT. > > AFTER ALL THIS I WILL INTRODUCE YOU TO THE SECURITY & DEPOSIT FINANCE TRUST COMPANY BASED IN GHANA > > WHERE I HAVE ALREADY DEPOSITED ALL MY FUNDS IN A TRUNK-BOX AS A FAMILY TREASURE FOR SECURITY REASON AND ALSO TO MY LAWYER SO AS THE FUND WILL BE ENTRUSTED TO YOU AS MY NEXT OF KIN FOR THE CHAMPIONING OF THIS COURSE. > > NOTE: THE SECURITY COMPANY DOES NOT KNOW THE REAL CONTENT OF MY TRUNK-BOX BECAUSE IT WAS DEPOSITED AS MY FAMILY TREASURE NOT MONEY FOR SECURITY REASONS. > DUE TO MY ILL HEALTH I CAN NOT CLAIM THIS MONEY . > > MAY GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU TOUCH THE LIFE OF OTHERS AMEN. > > REGARDS, > > GEORGE MORGAN > > NB:PLEASE INCASE I COULD NOT RESPONDE TO YOU AFTER TWO OR THREE DAYS OF YOU REPLY,IT MAY BE DUE TO MY ILLNESS CONTACT MY ATTORNEY VIA: xxxxx ---
**Author:** ![UncleBeer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/977dab/32.png) [@UncleBeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBeer)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-those-silly-nigerians/210076/15 "2003-10-29T20:43:35Z")
> [@](#): > > They don’t have dogs in Africa? Well, they have [these](http://www.bios.niu.edu/mitchell/j7d.jpg) anyway. Cute little buggers, but I s’psect training them’d be a real bitch.