Examines why advance fee fraud, or “419”, named after section 419 of the Criminal Code, is so prevalent in Nigeria, and how it centres around unemployed young people in cyber‐cafes, as well as more competent computer criminals. Explains how the scam works: typically a victim is chosen and contacted with the prospect of getting a slice of a huge sum of money in return for sending a ”processing fee”, which is of course appropriated by the fraudster. Describes the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud‐Related Offences Decree (which was made during the era of the military government), the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (Establishment) Act 2004, the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, and other laws. Discusses how adequate these laws are, and what additional measures can be taken. © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
