It is a CRIME for anyone to use the email to carry out a scheme or plan to defraud (trick or lie) an individual or group.
The African/Nigerian advance fee scam or money transfer fraud is one of the most famous and has been around for quite a while, but despite many warnings, continues to draw in many victims. This scam is now being used to target unsuspecting companies via the Internet, especially through email.
The advance fee scam or money transfer fraud usually works as follows:
A letter, e-mail, or fax is sent from an alleged official representing a foreign government or agency.
The letter presents a business proposal to transfer millions of dollars in over- invoiced contract funds into your personal bank account. You are offered a certain percentage of the funds for your help.
The letter presents a business proposal to transfer millions of dollars in over-invoiced contract funds into your personal bank account. You are offered a certain percentage of the funds for your help.
The letter encourages you to travel overseas to complete the details.
The letter also asks you to provide blank company letterhead forms, banking account information, and telephone numbers.
Next, you receive various documents with official looking stamps, seals and logos testifying to the authenticity of the proposal.
Finally, they ask for up-front or advance fees for various taxes, processing fees, license fees, registration fees, attorney fees, etc.
