1400 Bremer Tower
445 Minnesota Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 296-3353
(800) 657-3787
TTY:(651) 297-7206
TTY:(800) 366-4812
Nigerian Advanced Fee Fraud
Minnesota businesses and consumers are continually receiving letters, faxes and even e-mails from Nigerian nationals. For example, a Nigerian contact may request the use of your bank account to transfer money into the United States. This scam has run rampant through the United States for many years.
The Attorney General warns small businesses, churches and non-profits to be especially vigilant, as they are often targeted for this scam.
How the Scheme Works
You receive a typewritten letter on official-looking stationery that is generically addressed to a business owner or individual. Letters are usually marked "urgent" or "confidential" and postmarked from Nigeria or surrounding Western African countries. The letter, signed by a supposed government official, outlines a "confidential business proposal" that you can use to make millions of dollars. The offer claims you can make a commission of 25-35 percent for assisting with the transfer of surplus funds. Your bank account number is requested to complete the transaction.
The Bottom Line: You Lose
If you fall for this scam, you could lose money several different ways. First, you will be asked to pay "legal fees," "taxes," "government bribes," "personal expenses," or other fees. The constant request for money to cover all of these "fees" has exhausted the resources of some victims. Second, your bank account may be drained of money. Third, you may be invited to travel to Nigeria or a bordering country to finalize the transfer of funds. Once there, you will be pressured to pay additional fees and expenses. Several victims who traveled abroad reported that the shakedown took some menacing turns, causing them to fear for their personal safety.
The bottom line is that no one has ever received the promised funds, and losses from participating in illegal foreign business deals are nearly impossible to recover. It is estimated that this scheme has cost U.S. businesses and organizations $200 million over the last several years.
Protect Yourself
If you receive such a solicitation, either dispose of it or forward it to:
United States Postal Inspection Service
PO Box 64558
St. Paul, MN 55164-0558
(651) 293-3200
www.usps.com/postalinspectors
If you have been the victim of such a scam, send documentation to:
United States Secret Service
Minneapolis Field Office
300 S. 4th St., Suite 750
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 348-1800 Fax: (612) 348-1807
If you receive any business or investment opportunity, check out the company or individual's reputation. Find out if the Better Business Bureau has any complaints or if the Attorney General's Office has taken any legal action. Make sure that you have all the information before you send any money or give someone your bank account number.
The Attorney General's Office can be contacted by mail, phone, or electronically as follows:
Minnesota Attorney General's Office
1400 Bremer Tower
445 Minnesota Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 296-3353
1-800-657-3787
TTY: (651) 297-7206
TTY: 1-800-366-4812