What is a ‘Nigerian 419’ scam?

Scams involving money transfers and upfront payment are ‘Nigerian 419 scams’. The numeric is a criminal code against such a practice in Nigeria.

Their general mode of operation is:

• Scammers send a polite email or letter in broken English.
• Scenarios in those emails go this way: they are always stranded in a war-torn country, restricted by the government laws in inheriting their estate and working on a mission abroad.
• You’ll be asked for bank account details right away. Scammers’ pick are always either Moneygram or Western Union.