A Critical Look at Online Con Games and Internet Law in Africa
When we talk of online frauds and scams, Africa easily comes to mind. The place is literally brimming with
internet con artists and fraudsters of the worst kinds. This is may come off as a unfair generalization but it is undeniable that not much
can be done to stem the rising tide of these nefarious acts as far as Internet law in Africa is concerned.
There seem to be no let up in as far as frauds and scams being committed by these shady characters are
concerned. We are the veritable victims of these modern day cyber misfits who thrive on the miseries and
gullibility of others. We must not expect any change in the internet landscape in the near future as the internet
law in Africa is not relevant and strong enough to prosecute these con artists.
So, what can we do to defend ourselves against these relentless attacks of these online scammers? Vigilance and
awareness are our best weapons while we wait for the passing of the relevant internet law in Africa that will
finally put to an end to all these criminal acts online.
Here are some of the more common online scams today. Most of these are emanated in Africa although it has now
evolved into a universal con game.
SCAM #1 – 419 Scam
This is also referred to as Nigerian Money Offer. It is by far the most prevalent and popular scam. Victims are
deceived by the promise of huge cash rewards in return for their assistance in siphoning of large sums of money out
of their country. There are many variations to these scam but they basically follow the same ploy. People who have
shown interest in online con games and internet law in africa have aslo shown interest in Internet Recht. A clear
understanding of Internet Recht is
usefull.
SCAM #2 – Bony Crude
Unsuspecting and gullible individuals become victims of this online scam where they are made to part with their
money as upfront fee for a bogus oil offer from fake traders of Bonny Light oil. These fraudsters usually offer as
many as 1 million barrels of oil to unsuspecting individuals using genuine looking documents.
SCAM #3 – Phishing Email
The phishing email is the tool used by scammers to get sensitive
information from their victims. Scammers sent out emails advising the recipients of the deactivation of their
account. Readers are then advised to click the link of a scam website which in all indications appears
legitimate. They are then made to log in by using their password and their account name. In most cases, these
sites will also require you to furnish other sensitive information like your bank account and credit card
number.
SCAM #4 – Refusal to Pay Remaining Shipment
This is an old trick that had been spun into different versions by using the Internet. Victims are hopelessly
trapped when scammers gain the trust of the former by making immediate payment through online payment facilities.
These fraudsters make subsequent orders much larger than the previous one and would refuse payment by citing all
sorts of reasons or problems about the latest shipment. In some instances, these scammers just vanish from thin air
and it is only then that one would discover that he was scammed. For those people in
need of lawyers, visit Rechtsanwalt Hagen to find some of
the most qualified lawyers around.
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