"In early summer 2004 we formalized a partnership with OCH 101 and Ecom Media Group to provide a new housing search and roommate finding service to the University of Maryland community. This collaboration has dramatically increased our capacity to serve students, landlords and property managers. Here are the reasons that OCH 101 deserves recognition as an outstanding program in support of commuters..."
Jennifer M. Pigza, Coordinator
Off-Campus Housing Services
University of Maryland
Scam & Fraud Information
Advanced Fee Letter Fraud (419 / Nigerian Letters)
Throughout Canada and the United States letters concerning the request for urgent business transaction" usually the transfer of millions of dollars, are being sent out to consumers and business' via mail, email and fax transmission. These letters are commonly referred to as Nigerian Letter Scams or West African Fraud Letters.
The scheme begins once a consumer receives a letter. Letters are sent by mail, fax transmission and email, while email transmission being the preferred method of delivery for the letters. PhoneBusters have seen an increase in email delivery. In addition to stressing the urgency and confidentiality of a transaction, these letters will also stress the importance of trust and honesty in order to make the reader believe that there is a validity to the letter. For instance , the writers of these letters will commonly claim to be a Doctor and/or a corporate entity with a major corporation of Nigeria. There will also be some mention of government involvement.
Typically, after receiving a letter a consumer would respond either by phone, fax, or email. the response would be a request for further information on the requirements and procedure for the transaction. Once contact is established, the writer of the letter will normally ask for an up front processing fee and in some cases arrange for a meeting to discuss the transfer of funds. Most letters come with a breakdown of the percentage of money each party involved will receive once the transaction is final. For instance, many letters received at PhoneBusters offer the following breakdown,
- 30% for the account holder
- 60% for me and my partners
- 10% to be used in offsetting taxes and all local & foreign expenses.
PhoneBusters advises consumers not to open unsolicited emails. Spam usually means scam and the message may contain a virus that can damage your computer.
Copies of the letters (regardless of country origin) can be directly forwarded to PhoneBusters via fax at 1-888-654-9426 or by email at wafl@phonebusters.com
Please contact PhoneBusters by phone at (888) 495-8501 if contact has been made with a "Nigerian" representative.
For more information on Advanced Fee Fraud Letters please visit the The 419 Coalition Website.
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