The Five Nigerian Gangs Behind Most Craigslist Buyer Scams

itwbennett writes Five Nigerian criminal gangs are behind most scams targeting sellers on Craigslist, and they've taken new measures to make their swindles appear legitimate, according to a study by George Mason University researchers Damon McCoy and Jackie Jones. In a new innovation, they're using professional check-writing equipment plus U.S.-based accomplices to not raise suspicions among their victims. McCoy and Jones will present their paper on Sept. 24 at the IEEE eCrime Research Summit in Birmingham, Alabama.

Comments

Re:We need to carpet bomb Nigeria

[Anonymous Coward]

Until these foreign countries are able to police themselves, they need to be considered hostile.

Know what? This is just American style capitalism at work.

You're free to not buy from the scammers, because that's how the free market works, right?

This is why every asshole who says "Yarg! Deregulation" need to be kicked repeatedly in the head.

Re:Some fool *tried* that on me on "postaroo"... a

[naughtynaughty]

Banks don't have time to make a phone call for every check you deposit, it is your responsibility to only accept checks from people you know so you can recover the funds if the check bounces. Your bank's job is to submit the check on your behalf to the bank it was drawn on and request that it be paid. You clearly are gullible and were fleeced, that isn't the bank's fault it is your fault. But because I'm a really nice guy I'd like to let you know that I have many contacts in the scammer community and believe I know the person who fleeced you. I can help you recover all your money but will need a $100 retainer sent via MoneyGram and will only keep 10% of the amount I recover. Reply for details.