Scam 419: Do you know about this age-old fraud that is causing havoc ?

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Do you know about the 419 scam, also called the Nigerian scam ? Behind this mysterious name lies a fraud that you may have already encountered. Explanations.

A well-known modus operandi

As explained by Geeko, 419 refers to the number of the article in the Nigerian code that prohibits this type of scam. This attack is based on a process that has a few variations, but always starts the same way.

Concretely, you will receive an email from a person you do not know. The latter explains to you (as if by chance) that she has a large sum of money and that you could benefit from it if you agree to help her.

The malicious actor will then ask you to pay certain fees in advance in order to access the next stage where you could receive the expected amount. Obviously, this is absolutely not an option and you will never see the color of it.

How to avoid falling for it ?

These scams do not often work, but by relying on the mass sending of messages, only a tiny proportion of gullible people are needed to generate profits. You must therefore exercise caution, because, over time, these scammers have become more efficient. They can thus play on the heartstrings by explaining that they are sick or have a loved one in need.

Some scams can also start with a simple email and the cybercriminal can then establish a close, romantic or friendly relationship with their target, in order to extort money from them. The best thing is therefore to never respond to messages and to block their emissaries.

A tragedy narrowly avoided

While these scams are now well known, some people still fall for them. Earlier this year, we learned the story of Roxanne Doucette who thought she was talking to a star from the TV series The Bold and the Beautiful.

Deeply in love with someone she had never seen (not even by video), she ended up letting herself be convinced by this scammer and sent him money. Worse, she even tried to murder her husband. Fortunately, her daughter discovered the correspondence and ended up reporting her to the police. To learn more about this sad story, click here.

Have you ever heard of the term 419 scam ? Have you fallen victim to this type of scam ? Tell us in the comments.

What to remember:

• The name “scam 419&#8221 ; comes from the Nigerian code number that prohibits electronic fraud
• These attacks have become much more sophisticated over time
• Several news items related to these frauds have recently hit the news

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