Attorney General's News Release

May 31, 1996

Nixon warns consumers to throw away scam letters from Nigeria

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today warned Missourians to throw away letters and faxes from people claiming to be Nigerian government officials and who promise millions of dollars for helping to get illegally obtained money out of that country.

Nixon, whose office has received almost 100 inquiries and complaints about the letters since the beginning of the year, says this is a scam that business people and consumers should avoid completely.

“The best response to these solicitations is via air mail — to your trash can,” Nixon said. “Like any offer that promises lots of money for very little effort, the ultimate goal and result is the separation of the participant from his or her money.”

Nixon said the “government officials” try to recruit American businesses by claiming that their new “partners” will get cuts worth millions of dollars for depositing huge sums of money into their accounts. As the scam progresses, the Nigerians request blank, signed business letterhead and invoices; bank account numbers; bank addresses, phone and fax numbers; and money to cover transaction expenses.

Although the Nigerian scam is not new, Nixon said his office has seen a recent increase in the number of calls about the letters. There also are new variations, he said, including one letter that purports to warn Americans about the scam letters, then asks for money to be wired to the sender of the letter.

Missourians who have complaints or inquiries about the Nigerian money scams can contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818