Nigerian scam

English

Etymology

The scam messages usually claim to originate from Nigeria, though this is often a spoof.

Noun

Nigerian scam (plural Nigerian scams)

1. (Internet) An attempt to defraud by sending out large numbers of emails, each stating that the recipient is entitled to receive a large amount of money, but will need to supply banking account details, or to send payment for fees, before the payment can be passed on.

   Even savvy Internet users have fallen victim to the ubiquitous Nigerian scam.

Synonyms

• 419 fraud
• 419 scam
• advance fee scam

Related terms

• Nigerian prince

Translations

attempt to defraud

• Finnish: nigerialaiskirje (fi)
• Polish: nigeryjski przekręt m, nigeryjski szwindel m

See also

• Yahoo boy