What is Nigerian Letter Fraud?

Nigerian Letter Fraud is attempted both by mail and email. The letter states that a self-proclaimed government official is attempting to transfer money into the United States. For your cooperation in transferring the funds, you are offered to share in percentage of the money. In reality, there is no money.

Millions of dollars have been lost by victims of this fraud. In addition, "some victims have been lured to Nigeria, where they have been imprisoned against their will, in addition to losing large sums of money." Here are some warning signs to watch for:

• Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as Nigerian or foreign government officials asking for your help in placing large sums of money in overseas bank accounts.
• Do not believe the promise of large sums of money for your cooperation.
• Guard your account information carefully.

If you or someone you know receives a letter from Nigeria asking you to send personal or banking information, do not reply in any manner. File a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and send the letter to the U.S. Secret Service, your local FBI office, or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.