You've probably received one of those emails that purports to be from a Nigerian who needs your help in getting some cash. I have too. Usually, I just delete them, but since I saw this story at the BBC, Turning the tables on Nigeria's e-mail conmen, I've been looking forward to receiving them.
These types of scams are called "419 Scams" in reference to a chapter of the Nigerian legal code. A group of people at 419eater.com have started scamming the scammers. The stories of these counter-scams are hilarious. Check out The Tale of The Painted Breast.
Since learning of the 419 Eaters and their techniques I've been dying to try them out for myself. In fact, just today I received an email from a Mr. Alhaji Muhammad Khalil who needs my help in claiming 35 million dollars from a dormant bank account...
This is going to be so much fun.
Posted by jdmays at July 17, 2004 03:26 PM | TrackBackNext time I get one of those emails I'm not going to delete it. Sounds like fun.
Posted by: Cryptomaniac at July 18, 2004 12:12 AMI haven't seen a good 419 eate scam letter in months. Thank God.
Posted by: Mary Adamson at September 25, 2004 11:28 PMI haven't seen a good 419 eate scam letter in months. Thank God.
Posted by: Mary Adamson at September 25, 2004 11:28 PMI haven't seen a good 419 eate scam letter in months. Thank God.
Posted by: Mary Adamson at September 25, 2004 11:28 PM