Cyber Crime: Nigeria Must Not Bury its Head in the Sand

Published on 10th August 2008

A Result of Cyber crime
By now it does not surprise anyone about letters alleged to come from Nigeria alerting people to contract money they have awaiting them. I always ask, if one executed a contract, that is,. some work was done, why would such a contractor be notified by email about unpaid money awaiting collection? Now, the 419ers are using a West Texas angle as per the letter below by one Mrs. Harrison Mary, which does not make sense. Her given address in West Texas is - 319 Runnels; Big Spring, Texas 79720.

 

Subject: Release of your long awaiting held contract/inheritance payment.

 

Hello Friend,

 

I am Mrs. Carol M. Harrison, I am a US citizen, 36 years Old. I reside here in West Texas. My residential address is as follows. 319 Runnels; Big Spring, Texas 79720, United States of America.  I am one of those that executed a contract in Nigeria years ago and they refused to pay me, I had paid over $70,000 trying to get my payment all to no avail. So I decided to travel down to Nigeria with all my contract documents.

 

I was directed to meet Honourable Barrister Dan Amadioha Omore ESQ, who is the Attorney General of CONTRACT AWARD COMMITTEE, and I contacted him and he explained everything to me. He said that those contacting us through emails are fake. Then he took me to the paying bank, which is FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC, and I am the happiest woman on this earth because I have received my contract funds of USD$9.6Million Moreover, Honourable Barrister Dan Amadioha Omore Esq, showed me the full information of those that have not received their over due payment; and I saw your full name and email, your contract amount, your phone number as one of those that have not received their payment.

 

This is what you have to do right now. You have to contact him direct on this information below to release your payment.

 

Contact Name: BARRISTER DAN AMADIOHA OMORE ESQ.

Email Address: [email protected]

Telephone number +234-702-522-4736.

Fax: 234-1-4618287033

Office Address: Plot 1261 Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

 

You really have to stop your dealing with those contacting you through email communications or telephone calls conversations, okay, because they will dry you up until you have nothing to eat. The only money I paid was just $1,200 for IRS permit fees, which you know. So you have to take note of that and act accordingly and I assure you that with the help of this reputable Attorney General (Honourable Barrister Dan Amadioha Omore ESQ) you over due payment will be release and wire transferred to you.

 

 Thank you very much as you read this and God bless you and your family.

 

 Mrs. Carol M. Harrison.

 

If this woman has any sense, she will know that the title of Attorney General can only be used by a government legal representative and not for a Contract Administrator of a public traded company. Anyway, I am sure many know of this scam. I laughed when I read the email and often wonder why scam succeeds when every indication suggests it is one? Your guess is as good as mine.

 

She wants to convince the 'vultures' that she was successful and encourage others to take her lead. Like author James Hadley Chase said, 'if you believe this you will believe anything', is all I can say on this. Those who fall victim to this sort of senseless scam, are often scam artists themselves. Why would anyone with their senses travel to a country they never did contract, had no connection but responding to most badly written letters promising millions awaiting them, and all they need do, is pay some token and bam; one is a millionaire? When people want and expect to reap where they did not sow, then they fall in the category of 'a sucker being born every minute'.

 

This scam industry has tarnished Nigeria's corporeal image permitting individuals and nations to look at Nigerians as scum of the earth, fraud prone and bent. How I wish the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) sought collaborative understanding with some law enforcement agencies, arrested and prosecuted the perpetrators. But the government does not see the need to do so stating often via their official mouth pieces, that it's the fault of those who fall victim.

 

Yes, FGN is right. But how about the damage the country and her nationals suffer as a result of this wanton destruction of her image? Shouldn't such damage warrant a pursuit of effective action to set example with the perpetrators? It is time something other than the haphazard measures FGN use to tackle this nefarious conducts are put to bed. It can be done and I know how. The president should set up a Committee under the Attorney General of the Federation to prosecute to the full extent of the law. In cyber crime, an approach to arrest perpetrators is to set baits and lure the them. If NBC Chris Hansen can do so using meager resources, Nigeria's federal  government can definitely use similar approach and go after these marauders.

 

When a nation is mired in other issues that deal with basic needs of her population, pursuing an image cleansing and making project is the last thing on their agenda. But in a global village, image is an important consideration when others seek to invest in a country. Nigeria should and must not allow this scam to keep rolling and gathering muster. Nigerians suffer as a result. It is a common social commentary these days when someone knows one is a Nigerian and they say; 'I got some letter about some millions', and of course, those listening always chuckle. While Nigeria is not the only country known for crime of this nature, come to think of it, Italy is home to the Mafia world, Columbia drug lords, and so forth. But I do not think people meet Italians, Columbians and say; how about them Mafioso and drug lords? One is trampled upon if one is seen to come from a place where her leadership is not able nor willing to defend the integrity of her people. Nigeria seems not to care about what others say about her and her people.

 

I believe were FGN to contact US, UK and EU for assistance to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators, such request would be given due consideration. When a nation does not care about its image, especially those in Africa, the perception becomes reality and since those in the developed nations look for excuse not to favorably relate and or deal. They use such perception to further and deepen their position to distance their interests. As Igbos say; when a conduct [bad] is allowed to linger for a time, it becomes a tradition. Nigeria authority has allowed this to linger for too long to the detriment of her hardworking and well meaning people.

 

Nigeria must act and act for the teeming interest of her vast 150 million plus folks that are victimized as a result.

 

Ejike Okpa ii

Next Generation Fellow

The American Assembly

Columbia University


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