Business Scams from Sea to Shining Sea

Each week, many U.S. embassies and consulates deal with “scams.” The scam artists seek businesspeople and common people alike. Many of those scammed experience significant loss, ranging from thousands to millions of dollars.

Most often, when persons go overseas to “finalize deals,” they find themselves not only losing money, but they also risk bodily harm from their business associates.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

• Any deal that seems too good to be true;
• Any offer of a substantial percentage of a large sum of money to be transferred to your account, in return for your “discretion” or “confidentiality;”
• Requests for urgent air shipment, accompanied by an instrument of payment whose genuineness cannot immediately be established;
• Solicitation letters claiming the soliciting party has personal ties to high-ranking officials;
• Request for payment in U.S. dollars, in advance, of transfer taxes or incorporation fees;
• Statements that your name was provided to the soliciting party either by someone you do not know or by “a reliable contact;”
• Resistance from your business associates to your checking in with the U.S. Embassy;
• Any offer of a charitable donation.

Types of Scams & How They Work

Money Transfer: The operator claims to have a large sum of money, usually millions of dollars worth of ill-gotten gains, which needs to be transferred to a “safe” bank account abroad. You, as the bank account owner, are promised a percentage of the huge sum, in exchange for use of your account. You may be asked to provide blank, signed invoices, letterhead and bank account information, or to send money for transfer taxes in advance.

Fraudulent Order: The operator usually places a small order ($1000 or so), paying with a genuine cashier”s check drawn on a European bank. A second, somewhat larger order is placed, again paid for legitimately. Then, you receive an order from your overseas partner urgently requesting that a large quantity of your product be air-shipped. Confident in your previous dealings, you send the product prior to receipt of payment. When the cashier”s check (which looks the same) finally arrives, you learn it is fake, while attempting to make a deposit.

Charitable Donation: The operator offers to donate to your organization, and asks for bank account information (see Money Transfer, above).

Contract: The operator claims to have a foreign government contract and needs your company”s expertise to carry out the job. The operator scams you by collecting thousands of dollars in “fees” before you can do business. When fees are legitimate, they are published by Ministries and do not exceed $215 USD.

How Scam Artists Contact You

These fraudulent operations use the internet, e-mail and fax correspondence to troll for and then reel in potential victims. If you receive such a solicitation, contact your local law enforcement officials immediately.

Real Life Examples of Scams

John Doe, who was adopted at birth and raised in the United States, was contacted from abroad by phone, and convinced that his birth parents had left him a $7 million dollar inheritance at a bank in Lome. After lengthy discussions with U.S. Embassy officials, Mr. Doe realized he had fallen prey to a scam. He lost a total of $7,000 in “lawyer”s” fees.

Jane Doezer, who by age thirty, became a self-made millionaire by distributing cosmetic supplies and jewelry, found herself a victim of international business fraud. One day at her shop, she sold hundreds of dollars of products to a merchant couple from Cotonou, Benin. Before leaving, the couple asked for her card so they could contact her if her products sold well at their store back home. Weeks later, she received a call from the couple with an order, and everything worked out fine. This business arrangement went on for several months. One day, the couple called with an extremely large order for products that they needed as soon as possible. Without thinking twice, Jane told them she would send the products out the next day. Despite assurances of prompt payment, Jane is still waiting for a $5,000 check from her entrusted business associates in Benin.

Is It A Reputable Business?

To check on a businesses legitimacy in the U.S., contact the country Desk Officer at the International Trade Administration, Room 3317, Dept. of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. (Tel: 1-800-USA-TRADE or 202-482-5149, fax: 202-482-5198)

If you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Am I Being Scammed?

If you are in the U.S., contact the country Desk Officer at the Dept. of Commerce (see address above). You may want to contact local police as well, if threats have been made against you. If you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

What Can The U.S. Embassy Do?

The U.S. embassy or consulate officers will help you by directing you to the appropriate local law enforcement authorities, to report the details of the scam and any threats made against you. They can facilitate the replacement of your passport, provide communication with relatives in the United States and, if necessary, provide an emergency repatriation loan. But, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate cannot recover a scam victim”s money.

Traveling Abroad?

Please consult our web site before you go. You will find Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.

- view this brochure and lots of other helpful information at the U.S. State Department website -

Update on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 11:23PM by Gina O'Leary, General Manager

Thought I’d share an email an email I got from a “princess” with you…… (Will be filed as SPAM. Maybe I should report it to the State Department too)

Dear Friend,

GOOD DAY AND COMPLIMENT

I am writting this letter in cofident believing that if it’s the will of you to help me and my family , God Almighty will give you the grace to do so and He will bless and reward you abundantly, I got your contact through internet during my  search on some one who would help us.

I am  a female student in University of Benin Rep of Cotonou ,portonovo Campus, I am 20years old I would like any person who is carering,loving and home oriented I would love to have long-time relationship with you and to know more about you.

I would alsolike to build up a solidfoundation with you in time coming if you can be able to help me in this transaction. Well;my both parents died earlier Nine month ago in a tragic car accident while coming back from a wedding reception of a relation and I my kid brother were left alone, my father was a titled King before his death.

I was his Princess and the only one now who can take care of his wealth, Presently we are in Benin republic of Cotonou for safety reasons because of the little wealth he left behind for us as we ware being hunted by his kings men who wants to make away with the  huge money.  My father left(US$19,350.000.00)Ninten million three hundred and fifty thousand USdollar, with asecurity company before he died and I don’t know how and what I will do to invest this money somewhere overseas so that hiskindred will not take the money over what belong to my father, I am a young female as stated and by our culture that is why I was happy when I saw your contact and we strongly believe that by the grace of God you will help us secure and invest this money .

We therefore need your assistance in bringing the boxes contaning the money out from the security company, based on your reply I will furnish you with more details on how we can proceed. Meanwhile,We are ready to give you 30% of the total amount to you if you help us in  securing this money and another 10% interest of annual income for handling this business for us which you have absolute control over, if you can handle this project sincerely and also willing to assist me and my kid brother in lifting this money, kindly reach us and I will let you know the next step to take toward actualizing this transaction as quickly aspossible.

Please, note that this transaction is 100% risk free. We look forward to hearing from you soon through my privet box

 

Thank you and God bless you, 

Princess VICTORIA UDEJI.