Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 12 October 1999

Crude Oil Promises actually a Refined Scam!

The names have changed to protect the guilty, however international fraud remains the name of the game in an intriguing overseas con originating in Nigeria.

International cons of this type are of such major concern that substantial space is dedicated to warning the public about them on the United States Secret Service website, www.treas.gov/usss/alert419.htm.

Perth business people are once again receiving faxed letters supposedly from Nigerian Public Servants who have knowledge of more than US$200 million that is up for grabs. Naturally the spokesperson for this generous group of people a Professor Edward Musa, assures recipients of the utmost integrity of the offer, however is quick to point out that his group requires the recipient's assistance in the strictest of confidence.

Perth businesses are being sought to become "co-contractors" in an oil pipeline venture by doing nothing more than supplying some of their letter-heads and other commercial stationery, for 20% of the expected windfall. Professor Musa ends his letter by reminding prospective participants that they will also need to provide their bank account details so that dividends can be paid. Commissioner for Fair Trading WA Patrick Walker said that since August this year, the Ministry had received eleven (11) complaints from people caught up in the web of deceit.

Mr Walker said the Ministry of Fair Trading had previously warned that letters of this nature should be thrown in the bin, also advising people to always keep their bank details secure. The scam in 1997 claimed to have $31 million in a Lagos bank that had been "forgotten about" and a public servant (on this occasion a Mr Kola Eyewole) was willing to split it with whoever would help him transfer it out of the country. In reality, Nigerian con-men were using company stationery and bank details received to establish their own bona-fides in order to carry out fraudulent activities. Victims are chosen by a variety of methods including trade journals, newspapers, community directories and libraries, with letters/faxes normally being sent out en masse. They are often addressed generically to the Managing Director, CEO etc.

"...Because it can be difficult to assist people who get into difficulties with scams which originate overseas, the Ministry of Fair Trading is eager to warn the public to watch out for these dangerous schemes...." Mr Walker said.

"...Recent initiatives to educate members of the public and traders through the media and community information publications, is believed to have had some success in raising awareness of these scams...." Mr Walker said.

Media Contact:

Mike Winchester
Tel: (08) 9282 0961