Update: The 419 Nigerian scams

“There’s a sucker born every minute.” [P.T. Barnum (allegedly)]

Just over 6 weeks ago, I published this article on the infamous 419 Nigerian scams. I did so because a number of friends and colleagues were enquiring about email business solicitations that – although tempting – just seemed too good to be true (as was always the case). And I hoped the article would help increase public awareness of these trademark scams that have made suckers of so many people around the world.

Nigeria’s computer whiz–kids surfing the Internet for “business” opportunities. (Note the 419 warning which, evidently, is as much a deterrent to them as speed limit signs are to highway motorists.)

Well, the Los Angeles Times has surpassed my public spiritedness. Because last week this paper published an investigative report on 419 scammers from inside their dens of cyber iniquity. And, not surprisingly, the report reveals that these thieves are not only clever but also exceedingly proud of their ability to get maghas (i.e., gullible white people – invariably American) to part with their money.

Click here to read this insightful and instructive report. It’s truly sad. Because the folly of their misguided pride is only compounded by the realization that whilst these geniuses in Nigeria are busy designing new computer schemes to steal from Americans, their counterparts in India are busy designing new computer programmes to do business with Americans.

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