What is the background of the typical 419 scammer?

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Hello I'm New here! Joined: 10 Jun 2011 Posts: 2

GOOD DAY TO YOU FINE SIRS!

First, I apologize if this is the wrong forum for this question. I know there are many 419 experts here, and as such, I would appreciate some information from you concerning the demographics of 419 scammers. I know solid information on this subject is probably difficult to come by, as even the veracity of the 2006 Nigerian census is still in doubt.

What I am looking for is information concerning where in Nigeria these scams tend to emanate from and what the age range, economic class, and ethnic / religious background of 419 scammers is.

It appears that many of the scammers come from (or at least live in) Lagos or from the south in general, which is more developed and prosperous than the north. Is this true, and can anyone, ideally someone who has first-hand experience with Nigeria and Nigerians or is even Nigerian themselves, provide additional context and information?

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 10:36 am

GOOD DAY TO YOU TOO

you will find some of that info in this Eater University post:

http://forum.419eater.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=144298

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 10:42 am

There's no hard and straight answer to that.

Regarding the scammers coming out of Nigeria (remember that 419 is a problem elsewhere too), they're perpetrated by people from all walks of life and from many different parts of the country.
Judging by the lads I've dealt with, Muslims are just as likely to scam as Christians or Animists. Northerners as likely as Southerners.
Age-wise, it's just as widespread. I've dealt with lads in their early teens right up to guys in their 50s.
Economically is no different. I've seen lads who are millionaires running big gangs, right down to street boys.
You'll see more scams emanating from Lagos, simply because it's a bigger city with more cyber cafes. Build up Abuja, Port Harcourt, etc and you'll probably see the same trend - a lad will go where the work is.

To understand the demographics and sociology of scamming, you've got to look at Nigeria itself. It's a country where corruption is rife and totally endemic. It permeates just about every aspect of society and is considered "normal". Ask any Nigerian and they'll tell you the same - they may not like it, but it's something that they have learned to live with. When corruption becomes the norm, even though it may be morally unacceptable to some, it will spread through the whole of society, touching every class and every age group. 419 scamming is just a different aspect of that corruption.

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 10:42 am

Scammers come from all backgrounds. What unites them is one thing, laziness. They don’t want to work and contribute to their communities. Also, morale level is so low that they even scam their own family and their own people.
It’s common in some countries because it becomes like a cultural thing and is accepted among their social groups. It’s not about poverty, colonialism or corruption as they try to claim.
They’re just fat cows who don’t want to work.

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 10:59 am

There are probably more cafe's in the south. But (C) ANY / ALL of the above.

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 11:04 am

college, male, twens, unemployed, criminal
This is what most African and Russian scammers appear to have in common. The foot soldiers, I mean. The more advanced ones, maybe not the majority, come from anywhere, do anything, are of any age, can be your neighbours...

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 11:27 am

curiousaboutnigeria wrote:

It appears that many of the scammers come from (or at least live in) Lagos or from the south in general, which is more developed and prosperous than the north. Is this true,

Yes. There is the false claim (often made by scammers) that they are poor people who scam to feed their families. While there are certainly poor Nigerians, they can't afford Internet access even if it is available. Scamming needs some computer knowledge, Internet access and knowledge of at least one foreign language (usually English). So it's a largely urban activity.

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 11:37 am

There is no such thing as "typical 419 scammer"...
Unfortunately they come in all ages, sizes, can be found in any location ....

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 10 Jun 2011 Posts: 2

thanks for the info everyone.

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