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419 Scam Costs Britons 8.4m GBP in 2002

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the you-gotta-be-kidding dept.

Albanach writes "In this article the Scotland on Sunday newspaper reports figures from the UK's National Criminal Intelligence Service which show 150 Britons were caught out by the Nigerian 419 scam and its variations in 2002, with a total loss of 8.4m GBP ($13.3m US)or around 57,000 GBP ($90,000 US) a head. "

2 of 299 comments (clear)

  1. How stupid can people be? by osgeek · · Score: 5, Insightful

    While I heartily encourage the full prosecution of the con artists, I don't feel all that sorry for the victims.

    I mean, if you're that stupid, it's probably best for society if you don't have any economic influence anyway. Your right to vote should probably be taken away as well. :P

    --
    Why are you letting these clowns ruin our country?
    1. Re:How stupid can people be? by nomadic · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I would feel some sympathy for them if they were merely stupid.

      However, most the people who fall for it are also dishonest; in most cases they think they're bilking the Nigerian (or Botswanan or whatever) governments. Makes me feel a bit less sorry for them.