An attempt by the Nigerian crime gang to perpetrate a confidence trick via the internet laid bare.
The Nigerian 419 gang are a celebration of technological style over substance. Masters at the adoption of new technology, 419 once held up a telecommunication node belonging to a UK telecoms company for three days during the 1990s, while they poured messages through it.
One of the first organised crime gangs to take on email, 419 have shown time and again an ability to stay right on the edge of new technology, perhaps in part on it’s insistence that every seven man cell is led by a qualified science graduate.
The gang’s adoption of Skype is only the latest example of the gang’s familiarity with modern communications technology.
During the past five years 419 has shown a frightening ability to respond to global disasters, notable recent examples being the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre, the US war with Afghanistan and the UK – US invasion of Iraq in all of which 419 developed scenarios of funds going missing that could be spirited into your bank account.
The following is a transcript of a Skype conversation six months ago between a 419 ’employee’ and a US citizen.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
FYI, “she” had contacted me before. Nothing happened, but “she” gave me the Yahoo screen name “diy_fantacy” as a contact point.
9/6/05 9:25 PM
Stephen
hey, i’m back
9/6/05 9:27 PM
tracy_fantacy
hello
9/6/05 9:27 PM
Stephen
hi
9/6/05 9:27 PM
tracy_fantacy
how are u doin?
9/6/05 9:27 PM
Stephen
Pretty good, kinda tired
9/6/05 9:28 PM
tracy_fantacy
ok
9/6/05 9:28 PM
Stephen
And how are you?
9/6/05 9:28 PM
tracy_fantacy
well im not fine here?
9/6/05 9:28 PM
…
pls where did u find me pls
9/6/05 9:28 PM
Stephen
Umm, not sure I understand your question
9/6/05 9:28 PM
tracy_fantacy
how did u mean by that
9/6/05 9:29 PM
…
well im not fine here?
9/6/05 9:29 PM
Stephen
What did I mean by “and how are you?”
9/6/05 9:29 PM
…
Me confoozled.
9/6/05 9:30 PM
tracy_fantacy
im sturcked up and stranded in the hospital here in nigeria
9/6/05 9:31 PM
Stephen
Then how are you on a computer?
9/6/05 9:31 PM
tracy_fantacy
im using the Dr laptop
9/6/05 9:32 PM
Stephen
How the crap did you get to be in Nigeria? Your profile says U.S.
9/6/05 9:33 PM
tracy_fantacy
this is what happen my father is a business he brings electronics to nigeria to sell he has a shop here….he now thinks instead of him coming here and going back to the state…he decided he move to nigeria with his family…beore we left the state he has sold our house and the rest of the properties..we set to nigeria 4 a new life…on arriving to airport in nigeria we took a cab to our destination on the way we had an accident …we were rushed to the hospital by some good samaritans i dont know all this until i open my eye i met my self in the hospital..i asked about my dad ,mum and my sisters unfortunately the Dr told me they were all dead that am the only all that survive..
9/6/05 9:36 PM
Stephen
If my entire family died, I’d be hard pressed to get on IM.
9/6/05 9:36 PM
tracy_fantacy
.i dont know anywhere in this country..i dont know who to contact my mum is from mexico while my dad was adopted when he was young ..i will be happy if u can help me out and take me to come and stay with u 4 sometime to get my own apartment..if u love me i dont mind to be with u 4 the rest of my life….
9/6/05 9:39 PM
Stephen
So you’re saying there is NO ONE AT ALL in the United States who you know better than me who you can contact.
9/6/05 9:39 PM
tracy_fantacy
yeah
9/6/05 9:40 PM
…
u are the only one i have said this too
9/6/05 9:40 PM
…
pls i promise if u help me out of here u will never regret this
9/6/05 9:40 PM
…
are u married or have a kids
9/6/05 9:40 PM
Stephen
Either way, I don’t know how I can help you.
9/6/05 9:40 PM
…
I’m 16.
9/6/05 9:41 PM
tracy_fantacy
i want u to help me with the hospital bill im owing here
9/6/05 9:41 PM
…
im 21
9/6/05 9:41 PM
Stephen
I see.
9/6/05 9:41 PM
tracy_fantacy
i will pay u back when i get to u in the state
9/6/05 9:41 PM
Stephen
And how much is your bill?
9/6/05 9:43 PM
tracy_fantacy
$300
9/6/05 9:43 PM
…
pls i want u to do this 4 me i will never let u down when i get to the state
9/6/05 9:44 PM
…
i will always be with u day and night
9/6/05 9:44 PM
…
pls are u helping me with the bill now
9/6/05 9:44 PM
Stephen
So let me get this straight: I’ve hardly spoken 20 words to you prior to this. You suddenly get urgent today, tell me a long, heartbreaking story, and expect me to send you $300 with no proof whatsoever.
9/6/05 9:45 PM
tracy_fantacy
i know how u feel about this u just have to do this 4 me
9/6/05 9:45 PM
…
i guess u know what im passing through here
9/6/05 9:47 PM
Stephen
Hold on a sec.
9/6/05 9:47 PM
tracy_fantacy
ok
9/6/05 9:50 PM
Stephen
Sorry, just a bit more, I’m being harrassed on the phone.
9/6/05 7:55 PM
…
SHIT I have to take out the garbage, I’ll be back in 10 minutes…sorry
9/6/05 8:01 PM
…
ok back
9/6/05 8:01 PM
…
OK, I have one question
9/6/05 8:02 PM
…
you still there?
9/6/05 8:02 PM
tracy_fantacy
Ok
9/6/05 8:02 PM
…
Am here
9/6/05 8:02 PM
…
So please are u gonna help me out of this ??
9/6/05 8:02 PM
Stephen
My question is this – if I can bring you over to the US, and we could be together
9/6/05 8:02 PM
…
Could we eat sauerkraut 3 times a day?
9/6/05 8:02 PM
…
I love sauerkraut.
9/6/05 8:03 PM
tracy_fantacy
How do u mean
9/6/05 8:03 PM
Stephen
Sauerkraut is my favorite foot.
9/6/05 8:03 PM
…
*food
9/6/05 8:03 PM
…
Sometimes, I even wear it as clothing.
9/6/05 8:03 PM
tracy_fantacy
I know is food
9/6/05 8:04 PM
Stephen
My question is this – if I can bring you over to the US, and we could be together
9/6/05 8:02 PM
…
Could we eat sauerkraut 3 times a day?
9/6/05 8:02 PM
…
I love sauerkraut.
9/6/05 8:03 PM
tracy_fantacy
How do u mean
9/6/05 8:03 PM
Stephen
Sauerkraut is my favorite foot.
9/6/05 8:03 PM
…
*food
9/6/05 8:03 PM
…
Sometimes, I even wear it as clothing.
9/6/05 8:03 PM
tracy_fantacy
I know is food
9/6/05 8:04 PM
tracy_fantacy
Please that is not inportant than to gtet me out of here
9/6/05 8:04 PM
Stephen
Sorry, I didnt mean to paste that long message
9/6/05 8:04 PM
tracy_fantacy
So please are u gonna get me out of here
9/6/05 8:04 PM
Stephen
I probably can’t pay for it. All I have is $350.
9/6/05 8:05 PM
tracy_fantacy
U cant pay for what ??
9/6/05 8:05 PM
Stephen
A plane ticket
9/6/05 8:05 PM
tracy_fantacy
I have my passport and my return ticket here with me
9/6/05 8:05 PM
Stephen
So why don’t you just come back?
9/6/05 8:05 PM
tracy_fantacy
But the hospital have siezed it from me
9/6/05 8:06 PM
Stephen
I didn’t think hospitals could do that
9/6/05 8:06 PM
tracy_fantacy
All i want from u is to help me to pay the hospital bills and to allow me to stay with u for a while when i get back to the state
9/6/05 8:08 PM
Stephen
If I sent you $300, it would be the last of my money. My family relies on me for survival.
9/6/05 8:09 PM
tracy_fantacy
Please i really want u to help me out so i can get out of here today
9/6/05 8:09 PM
…
Please
9/6/05 8:09 PM
Stephen
Why does it have to be today? You have a bed, right?
9/6/05 8:11 PM
tracy_fantacy
How do u mean
9/6/05 8:11 PM
Stephen
Would it be so bad to say there for a couple more days while I get some funds together?
9/6/05 8:11 PM
tracy_fantacy
My return ticket is gonna expire this week
9/6/05 8:12 PM
…
That is why i really want u to get me out of here today please
9/6/05 8:13 PM
Stephen
OK, I think I can send you some money, but can I add a friend to this chat? He’s gonna loan me some and he wants to meet you.
9/6/05 8:13 PM
…
Is that ok?
9/6/05 8:14 PM
tracy_fantacy
Not until i get to u
9/6/05 8:15 PM
…
I have never tell any one else all this that is why i want u to help me out
9/6/05 8:15 PM
…
Can u email the Dr now and tell him that u dont have all the money right now
9/6/05 8:15 PM
Stephen
Why haven’t you told anyone else? I’m sure they would be better equipped to help you than I am.
9/6/05 8:15 PM
…
What is the doctor’s email?
9/6/05 8:15 PM
…
And what is the hospital’s phone number?
9/6/05 8:16 PM
…
I would much rather speak to the doctor in person.
9/6/05 8:17 PM
tracy_fantacy
cross_hospital@yahoo.com
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
9/6/05 8:17 PM
…
Can u call the Dr on the phone ??
9/6/05 8:17 PM
Stephen
Actually no, not now, sorry
9/6/05 8:17 PM
tracy_fantacy
Ok
9/6/05 8:18 PM
…
Can u email the Dr right now ??
9/6/05 8:18 PM
Stephen
In a sec, yes
9/6/05 8:18 PM
…
I have to open some programs
9/6/05 8:18 PM
tracy_fantacy
Ok
9/6/05 8:18 PM
…
I will be right here
9/6/05 8:24 PM
…
Are u back yet ??
9/6/05 8:26 PM
Stephen
sry my email program is being stupid
9/6/05 8:26 PM
tracy_fantacy
How do u mean
9/6/05 8:26 PM
Stephen
it keeps crashing
9/6/05 8:26 PM
tracy_fantacy
Can u please talk to me on yahoo now ??
9/6/05 8:28 PM
Stephen
I’m on yahoo, you’re not responding.
9/6/05 8:29 PM
…
I need your name so I can tell the doctor who the money is for.
9/6/05 8:29 PM
tracy_fantacy
Annita
9/6/05 8:29 PM
…
My name is Annita
9/6/05 8:29 PM
Stephen
And what is your last name?
9/6/05 8:30 PM
tracy_fantacy
Benson
9/6/05 8:30 PM
Stephen
btw, what was your phone number back in the states? I can see if anyone came to your house.
9/6/05 8:31 PM
…
I’m about to send the email too.
****AND NOW, THE CONTENTS OF THE EMAIL:****
I have been contacted by one of your patients, Dr. and they have requested my help in returning them to their home in the United States. I am going to pay her bill of $300, but I have not collected the funds yet.
Unfortunately for you, I am not a gullible bastard. If you need money, go get a ***** job instead of trying to scam people who know better.
9/6/05 8:33 PM
…
hello?
9/6/05 8:33 PM
tracy_fantacy
Am here with u
9/6/05 8:34 PM
…
Can u please talk to me on yahoo ??
9/6/05 8:34 PM
Stephen
I tried, but u didnt answer.
9/6/05 8:34 PM
…
are you going to tell me what ur phone number was back in the united states? it’s not very hard to just type it here.
9/6/05 8:34 PM
tracy_fantacy
annitaalone@yahoo.com
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
9/6/05 8:34 PM
Stephen
No, not your email! your PHONE NUMBER OF YOUR HOUSE IN THE UNITED STATES.
9/6/05 8:35 PM
tracy_fantacy
But it wount work
9/6/05 8:35 PM
Stephen
why not?
9/6/05 8:35 PM
tracy_fantacy
It has been disconnected
9/6/05 8:35 PM
Stephen
why?
9/6/05 8:35 PM
tracy_fantacy
When there is no one at home
9/6/05 8:35 PM
Stephen
a phone line isn’t disconnected when there’s no one home.
9/6/05 8:36 PM
tracy_fantacy
We ask them to do it
9/6/05 8:36 PM
…
B4 we left the state
9/6/05 8:36 PM
…
What is ur email screen name on yahoo ??
9/6/05 8:36 PM
Stephen
I JUST MESSAGED YOU FIVE MINUTES AGO.
9/6/05 8:37 PM
…
Using the sn you gave me yesterday.
9/6/05 8:37 PM
tracy_fantacy
Nope u this
9/6/05 8:37 PM
…
annitaalone
9/6/05 8:37 PM
Stephen
Yesterday you said your ID was “diy_fantacy”
9/6/05 8:37 PM
tracy_fantacy
am on there right now waiting for ur massage ??
9/6/05 8:37 PM
Stephen
it says you’re not online.
9/6/05 8:38 PM
tracy_fantacy
annitaalone is mine
9/6/05 8:38 PM
…
But that is my friend’s on
9/6/05 8:38 PM
…
So now am on mine
9/6/05 8:38 PM
Stephen
I am messaging that account and it says you are not online.
9/6/05 8:38 PM
tracy_fantacy
annitaalone@yahoo.com
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
9/6/05 8:39 PM
…
Have u email the Dr now ??
Stephen added Paul to this chat
9/6/05 8:40 PM
9/6/05 8:40 PM
Stephen
Yes, I have.
9/6/05 8:40 PM
…
I added my friend, who is a fraud inspector, to this chat.
9/6/05 8:40 PM
Paul
Good evening, “tracy”.
9/6/05 8:41 PM
tracy_fantacy
Hello
9/6/05 8:41 PM
Paul
Or shall I sayÉAnita?
9/6/05 8:41 PM
Stephen
Inspector Paul and I have been discussing our situation.
9/6/05 8:41 PM
…
He advises me that you are attempting to put me out of $300.
9/6/05 8:42 PM
Paul
And we find it interesting that the only mode of communication you are willing to engage in is through the Internet.
9/6/05 8:42 PM
tracy_fantacy
WHAT !!!!!!!
9/6/05 8:42 PM
Paul
Postal mail would be far more secure and trustworthy.
9/6/05 8:42 PM
Stephen
To prevent us from reporting you to the authorities, we require some sort of identification.
9/6/05 8:42 PM
tracy_fantacy
And u believe that right
9/6/05 8:42 PM
Paul
I believe what?
9/6/05 8:42 PM
Stephen
She’s talking to me.
9/6/05 8:42 PM
Paul
I’m tempted to believe nothing now, “ma’am”.
9/6/05 8:43 PM
Stephen
We just need some sort of proof.
9/6/05 8:43 PM
tracy_fantacy
Like what
9/6/05 8:44 PM
…
I have been honest with u all this while
9/6/05 8:44 PM
Paul
Like a Last Will and Testament.
9/6/05 8:44 PM
tracy_fantacy
Am highly disappointed in u that u will not trust and believe me after all i have told u
9/6/05 8:44 PM
Stephen
You have given me no proof of your honesty. Not even a photograph.
9/6/05 8:44 PM
…
Not even a real name!
9/6/05 8:44 PM
tracy_fantacy
My real name is ANNITA BENSON
9/6/05 8:45 PM
Stephen
Where were you bornn?
9/6/05 8:45 PM
tracy_fantacy
I was born and grew up in Mexico b4 i came back to the state last yeah June
9/6/05 8:45 PM
Stephen
What city were you born in?
9/6/05 8:46 PM
tracy_fantacy
Cos my mum is from Mexico while my dad is from Ohio ashley
9/6/05 8:46 PM
Paul
What city?
9/6/05 8:46 PM
tracy_fantacy
Oaxa city
9/6/05 8:46 PM
Paul
In Ohio.
9/6/05 8:46 PM
Stephen
Or in Mexico?
9/6/05 8:47 PM
Paul
And it’s Oaxaca.
9/6/05 8:47 PM
tracy_fantacy
Mexico
9/6/05 8:47 PM
Paul
That’s a country.
9/6/05 8:47 PM
…
You win the prize!
9/6/05 8:47 PM
tracy_fantacy
Nope
9/6/05 8:48 PM
Paul
Well, what city is your dad from then?
9/6/05 8:48 PM
tracy_fantacy
Ohio
9/6/05 8:48 PM
…
Ashley
9/6/05 8:48 PM
Paul
Where in Ohio is that, anyhoo?
9/6/05 8:49 PM
tracy_fantacy
Ashely
9/6/05 8:49 PM
…
Ashley
9/6/05 8:49 PM
Paul
Where in Ohio is Ashley?
9/6/05 8:49 PM
…
because I know a cop there.
9/6/05 8:50 PM
Stephen
What was your phone number when you lived in the United States? We can use Google for this, I’m sure its database hasn’t been updated yet – if you give us your number, we can look you up in its virtual phone book to check your address.
9/6/05 8:50 PM
…
It’s very simple.
9/6/05 8:50 PM
Paul
I could get in touch with him and see what we could do about this.
9/6/05 8:50 PM
tracy_fantacy
GET THE ***** OUT OF MY SIDE
9/6/05 8:50 PM
Stephen
That’s no way to talk to someone you’re trying to scam out of $300. Did you get the email yet?
9/6/05 8:51 PM
Paul
I don’t know, but apparently I am leaning on her in some sort of weird cross-cosmological convolution of coherent spacetime.
9/6/05 8:52 PM
…
I know more words that start with ‘C’ but they don’t fit there.
**Paul set topic to “We don’t trust you and you don’t like it.”**
9/6/05 8:54 PM
9/6/05 8:55 PM
Paul
Well, since you no longer seem to be responding, now seems to be an appropriate time to flood you with incoherent messages.
9/6/05 8:55 PM
Stephen
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA
9/6/05 8:55 PM
Paul
wekio kwejoksdnf lknw elkdsfjlkwj
9/6/05 8:55 PM
Stephen
eep!
9/6/05 8:55 PM
Paul
lkw jelkjsdfoinwefndslknjwlkklsd jlk jfalkn kl
9/6/05 8:55 PM
Stephen
bjornkl
9/6/05 8:55 PM
Paul
klwjef kndsfoi nwlk fnlsdknfk wlnlk
9/6/05 8:55 PM
…
fk ljwelkrj lfknwondfkajflkja flaf
tracy_fantacy has left the chat
9/6/05 8:55 PM
Paul
🙁
9/6/05 8:55 PM
Stephen
shit.
