Attorney General's News Release

February 24, 2003

Beware of Nigerian check scam when selling items over the Internet, Nixon warns

Jefferson City, Mo. —Attorney General Jay Nixon today cautioned Missourians selling items over the Internet to beware of a scheme from Africa that could cost them thousands of dollars. In this latest version of the well-known Nigerian money scams, criminals pose as potential buyers of high-dollar items, such as automobiles and furniture, Nixon said.

The Nigerian counterfeit check scam usually begins with a buyer in Africa making an offer to purchase an expensive item the consumer has posted for sale online. The buyer sends a cashier's check for thousands of dollars more than the asking price, along with a story to explain why and asking for the difference to be wired back. Assuming the check is legitimate once it is accepted by their bank, the consumer wires the money. Days later the bank notifies the consumer the check was counterfeit and the consumer is required to repay the funds.

Nixon said his office has received several complaints recently, including one from a man who advertised a motorcycle on the Internet for $4,500. After receiving a check for $10,000, the consumer wired the difference back to the buyer in Nigeria. Within a few days, his bank contacted him to say the check was counterfeit and he was responsible for repaying the money.

The Attorney General's Office has dealt with similar Nigerian scams in the past. In a related letter scam, individuals were contacted by letter, fax or e-mail by someone claiming to be a Nigerian official who needed to transfer a large sum of money into a U.S. bank account. In exchange for providing their personal bank account number, the victims were promised a cut of the money.

Nixon advised consumers to be extremely skeptical of any offers from Africa offering to pay by cashier's check. Even if your bank initially accepts the check, this is no guarantee of authenticity. If the check turns out to be counterfeit, you will be held responsible for repaying the money.

If you are a victim of the Nigerian counterfeit cashier's check scam, contact the U.S. Secret Service, the lead agency fighting this fraud, by calling 202-406-5572. E-mail complaints to the Secret Service. Consumers also should notify the Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222.

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