Internet Fraud

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Frequently Asked Questions

Report an Internet Fraud

If you want to advise FBI Jackson of matters concerning Internet Fraud, please send an e-mail to our Internet Fraud Coordinator at ifcc.jk@fbi.gov.

You may also wish to complete a complaint form at the Internet Fraud Complaint Center where your complaint will be accumulated with others concerning the same subject or matter so that an appropriate response can be made.

Nigerian Scam Letter

The FBI receives numerous e-mails every day concerning what is commonly known as a "Nigerian Letter Scam." The exact wording and content of these e-mails vary, but run along the same general theme. The sender introduces himself or herself as a son, daughter, widow, or aide to a governmental minister, general, or wealthy individual who has died. The sender expresses a desire to find a trustworthy individual who is willing to assist in transferring vast sum of money--typically $10 million or more--which belonged to the deceased individual. The funds are described as "lost", that is, no one has a legitimate claim on them. The sender needs the help of a stranger in the U.S. so as to avoid having the funds confiscated by their government. The sender asks for some or all of the following items:

  • A signed letter of commitment that you will keep the transaction strictly confidential.
  • Your ID or driving license number.
  • Your telephone and fax numbers.
  • Your full permanent address.
  • Your bank account information.
  • A sample of your business letterhead.
There is often a breakdown of how the funds will be divided, with 5% to 10% allotted to expenses, 20% to 30% for you, and the remainder kept by the sender. There is a strong emphasis on keeping the transaction confidential. There is often a suggestion that the transaction is somewhat--if not completely--illegal.

If you have received one of these letters or e-mails, forward a copy to the United States Secret Service (USSS) which maintains a database of these letters. The USSS asks that you fax a copy of that letter to (202) 406-5031. There is no need to respond to the individual who sent the e-mail or letter to you.

If you have in fact already suffered a financial loss by responding to one of these letters/e-mails, please forward appropriate written documentation to the United States Secret Service, Financial Crimes Division, 950 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20223, or telephone (202) 406-5850, or contact them by e-mail or by completing the online form found here. The USSS maintains a webpage concerning this type of fraud which can be accessed via this link.

There are a number of websites devoted to sharing information concerning Nigerian Letter Scam. Using the terms "Nigerian", "letter", and "fraud" at your favorite search engine should identify several for you. A well-documented description of this type of fraud, complete with sample letters/e-mails, can be found at snopes.com.


Last revised: August 03, 2004.