Reported Top Nigerian Email Scammer Arrested (bbc.com) 65
Reader retroworks writes: Interpol reports that a Nigerian behind thousands of online scams around the world has been arrested in the southern oil city of Port Harcourt. The 40-year-old man, known only as "Mike" is alleged to head a network of 40 individuals behind global scams worth more than $60 million. His operations involved using malware to take over systems to compromise emails, as well as romance scams. Nigeria's anti-fraud agency was also involved in the arrest.
"In one case, a target was conned into paying out $15.4 million," Interpol said in a statement. "Mike" also allegedly ran a money laundering network in China, Europe and the US. The network compromised email accounts of small to medium-sized businesses around the world. They would then send fake messages to buyers with instructions to make a payment to a bank account under their control.
"In one case, a target was conned into paying out $15.4 million," Interpol said in a statement. "Mike" also allegedly ran a money laundering network in China, Europe and the US. The network compromised email accounts of small to medium-sized businesses around the world. They would then send fake messages to buyers with instructions to make a payment to a bank account under their control.
So.... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:So.... (Score:5, Funny)
He's the scammer formerly known as Prince.
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
Well, technically no, but last I heard he's looking for someone to help him transfer 60 millions out of the country because they're in danger of being confiscated. I'm sure he's willing to share the booty with a kind soul willing and able to help him.
Re: (Score:2)
Is he really a prince?
"In one case, a target was conned into paying out $15.4 million," Interpol said in a statement.
He might as well be.
Can I get that e-mail? (Score:5, Funny)
Anyone know that user's email? I need that user's email for research.
Re:Can I get that e-mail? (Score:5, Funny)
My name is Abooloosaa Qui`d Ubololso, Prince, and Son of a Prince, and Grandson of a Prince, who called the river bo, the sky so`ck.
I am in possession of a bank account that holds 15.4 million dollars. This money was conned out of a foolish American businessman. But unfortunately, before we could empty the account, our ring leader has been arrested. For legal reasons I can not appear in person to collect the money.
Please help me present you as the rightful owner of that money, a foolish man, conned by us. Once you take possession of the money, I plead with you to be honest and give us our fair share, just 5 million dollars. The rest you can keep for your efforts.
Please contact me ...
Re: (Score:2)
To be fair, they didn't just send out Nigerian Prince e-mails.
From the article: "The other strategy they used was to take over the email account of a high-level executive and give instructions to transfer money into a bank account they controlled."
And the "take over" was probably as simple as "send a fake e-mail appearing to come from that address" which is trivial to do.
Nigeria has an anti fraud agency? (Score:3, Interesting)
I think the real news here is that Nigeria had an anti fraud agency. I always imagined Nigeria was like that city in adventure time where everyone some from each other, all the time, forever, as if it were a compulsion.
Re: (Score:3)
Yes someone has to pursuit you if you didn't pay your bribe money in time
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You have now convinced me that I need to watch Adventure Time.
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Nigeria has an anti-fraud agency, like Casablanca (in the movie of the same name) had a police department.
In other words: (Score:3, Funny)
"Mike's" brother in law, "Jeff" has taken over the operation. They have assured us that there will no disruption of service.
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Comment removed (Score:5, Funny)
Oblig: Tom Smith link (Score:2)
http://www.thefump.com/lyrics.... [thefump.com]
Artist: Tom Smith
Title: The Most Trusted Man in Nigeria
Re: (Score:1)
If you are serious about the Texas thing, I am sure that you can set up a GoFundMe page to collect enough from the potatriots there to finish the purchase and secede from the U.S.
Re: Why is this even a crime? (Score:1)
I see you lack the ability so see things from someone elses perspective, also know as empathy. I know this is going to be hard for you, but imagine if this happened to you or more likely your grandparents.
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Re: (Score:1)
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Every boy wants his MeeMaw around!
The word is Grandmother or Grandma, Johnny Reb! Only NASCAR and Bible addled Southrons use MeeMaw. Around here you can always tell an immigrant from the South by their Dale Earnhardt bumper sticker on their pickup truck, socks with crocs in the winter, and use of words like MeeMaw.
Re: (Score:2)
Yo, my bae is lit, fam, she drives a Prius.
Now that's lingual sophistication m'boy!
Re: (Score:2)
What is this "bae" thing you speak of? Some bastardization of proper English? I actually had to look it up a few weeks ago. It apparently can either mean "before anyone else" or it can be used as short for "baby".
Language Philistines, BAH! Inamorata or girlfriend/boyfriend are good enough for anyone.
I do drive a Prius though.
Re: (Score:3)
Because they are competing with Christian televangelists for a limited number of retarded morons in rich countries.
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Have you ever read the emails? These aren't smart people. They're exceptionally stupid people, preying on the elderly who've developed dementia but not been hospitalized yet.
Hope (Score:2)
Good, finally I have a chance to get my 5 grand back
Nope (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
More the con-artist formerly known as prince.
Bail set? (Score:5, Funny)
GREETINGS RESEPECTED ONE,
MY NAME IS WUMI ABDUL I RECEIVED YOUR NAME FROM INTERNATIONAL WEB DIRECTORY. MY COUSIN PRINCE MIKE IS BEING HELD AGAINST HIS WILL BY NIGERIAN AUTHORITIES. HE IS IN THE POSSESSION OF $60 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS THAT WE WILL GIVE YOU 45% OF IF YOU ASSIST US. ALL WE ASK IS THAT YOU DONATE $25000 U.S. DOLLARS TO OUR "FREE PRINCE MIKE" KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN.
IF YOU DONATE YOU WILL RECEIVE A "FREE PRINCE MIKE" COFFEE MUG.
ANTICIPATING TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.
THANKS AND GOD BLESS.
BEST REGARDS,
WUMI ABDUL
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET AROUND THE LAMENESS FILTER??
According to Prince Mike, CowboyNeal is running the Kickstarter.
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Every Nigerian scam e-mail I've ever received has been all caps. The AC must be pretty dense if he can't get the joke. I guess I was able to get around the lameness filter the same way he was able to get around the login page.
Seriously? (Score:4, Interesting)
Re: (Score:2)
Sometimes clichés deserve their status.
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Sometimes clichés deserve their status.
Which cliché did you mean?
This one:
The Nigerian scammer was actually Nigerian?
Or the one in the parent-poster's signature:
Suborbital [spaceflight] is the special olympics of spaceflight. - Rei
Ah crap (Score:3)
Now I'll never get my inheritance. :(
Interpol press release (Score:4, Funny)
Interpol announced today that they have arrested 'Mike', a prolific Nigerian email fraudster. They are keen to hear from victims of this scammer or indeed from victims of any scammer. Please send your name, address and date of birth to fraud@theinterpol.com. Don't forget to tell us the amount you have lost and include your full bank account details so we can process your refund without delay.
The Fresh New Look of Nigerian Opportunity (Score:2)
This arrived yesterday, 160731 :
Hello Dear,
l am Frank David, a financial consultant and friend to a foreigner who died in Dec 26, 2011 that shared same surname with you. I am contacting you to assist retrieve his huge amount that he reserved in bank prior to his death. Would you be interested to partake in the deal? I will be pleased to advise more on the next step to take upon your willingness to assist.
Kind regards
Frank David
And here is Frank's eddress for those who would like to help him: frank00146@outl
I am offering to help this poor man... (Score:2)
Ok... (Score:2)
Nigeria's anti-fraud agency was also involved in the arrest.
So, basically: Nigeria's Anti-Fraud Agency got off their ass and made it look like they did something meaningful.
That's a relief.
Considering that whole blasted State is rife with corruption, fraud, and violence: The removal of one major kingpin out of countless many will certainly make them look like they are hard at work. Especially since Interpol and who know how many other international LE agencies did all the hard work for them.
Wait.. (Score:2)
Mailing list seized! (Score:1)
Political party gold there. A list of really stupid people to get to contribute to their party. All they have to do is put bullshit like "we'll make you rich if you vote for us". Oh wait, that's the Democratic party.