Attorney General's News Release

March 16, 2000

Source of scam letter from west Africa moves from Nigeria to Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast, Nixon says

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today warned Missourians about a long-running, get-rich-quick scam that originally emanated from Nigeria but now appears to be coming from the nearby countries of Sierra Leone and the Ivory Coast as well.

Nixon said his office has received copies of a "letter of assistance" from a Sierra Leone man claiming to be possession of a trunk containing $28 million. The man asks the recipient to help him remove the money from the Ivory Coast to an overseas account and provides a telephone and fax number in the Ivory Coast to contact him. The recipient is asked to come to the city of Abidjan in the Ivory Coast to help move the money.

"This is the old pigeon drop scheme on steroids," Nixon said. "Not only will there not be any money to pick up in the Ivory Coast, your bank account will end up considerably lighter. In addition, your personal safety might be at risk traveling to a foreign country under those conditions."

Nixon's office receives hundreds of inquiries each year from individuals and businesses that receive similar letters and faxes. Such letters and faxes are sometimes signed by people claiming to be current or former Nigerian government officials and who promise millions of dollars for helping to get illegally obtained money out of that country.

"Like any offer that promises lots of money for very little effort, the ultimate goal and result is the separation of the participant from his or her money," Nixon said. "If you receive a solicitation like this, just throw it in the trash."

Missourians who have complaints or inquiries about Nigerian money scams or their variations can contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 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