The Republic of Scam

Last week we mentioned people having fun with the email scammers, stringing them along, even turning the tables on them and squeezing some cash out of them.

The government of Nigeria has finally decided that being known as the scam capital of the world might not be the ideal image to foster:

Nigeria is to launch an inquiry into internet fraud and will examine the existing laws covering the problem.

The “419” swindle – named after the penal code that outlaws it – will be targeted in particular.

In the scam, people overseas are promised a share of non-existent riches in return for details of their bank account – which is then emptied.

“The government will step up measures against these criminal activities,” President Olusegun Obasanjo said.

….BBC world affairs correspondent Mark Doyle says the government is keen to stamp out the fraud as it is giving Nigeria a bad name.

The country’s anti-fraud squad has arrested more than 200 people, including a federal lawmaker, since May for alleged involvement in computer fraud.

The alleged perpetrators of the biggest ever 419 swindle, a $180m fraud that brought down a Brazilian bank, are among those facing prosecution.

….The committee, which is headed by President Obasanjo’s security adviser, has two months to submit a report. [BBC]

It is preogress that Nigeria no longer wants a “bad name.”