Is This Legit and legal???

[Mike B. 231]

By any chance did anyone see the thing on Dateline a while back where they did a pretty amazing investigation of Nigerian scammers? Since it's virtually impossible to get the scammers, they focused on the Americans who act as the "fence" by buying stolen goods and moving them into the legal Nigerian markets. Basically American Express gave Dateline a bunch of working credit card numbers for them to post on the internet, and then they set up a fake electronics company that accepted stolen credit cards. From there you get the shipping address in the US, and you can track down the fence.

Anyway, the to make a long story short, all of the fences were totally unaware of what they were doing and were certain that they were only legitimately buying goods for their girlfriends and fiancees. What happens is that Nigerian guys post pictures of beautiful women on the internet, and then convince these poor suckers in the US that these women are madly in love with them. From there it's a hop, skip, and a jump away from "hey could you ship some of these goods I bought online to my overseas store in Nigeria" and "Hey, could you forward me $1000 to get a visa so I could come marry you." The goods purchased with stolen credit cards just keep coming to their house, and they just keep sending money to their "fiancees," until they are totally bankrupt and looking at long prison sentences.

[bratikicks 0]

watta scam...........

easy money.....tsk tsk tsk.....

[milimelo 4,477]

By any chance did anyone see the thing on Dateline a while back where they did a pretty amazing investigation of Nigerian scammers? Since it's virtually impossible to get the scammers, they focused on the Americans who act as the "fence" by buying stolen goods and moving them into the legal Nigerian markets. Basically American Express gave Dateline a bunch of working credit card numbers for them to post on the internet, and then they set up a fake electronics company that accepted stolen credit cards. From there you get the shipping address in the US, and you can track down the fence.

Anyway, the to make a long story short, all of the fences were totally unaware of what they were doing and were certain that they were only legitimately buying goods for their girlfriends and fiancees. What happens is that Nigerian guys post pictures of beautiful women on the internet, and then convince these poor suckers in the US that these women are madly in love with them. From there it's a hop, skip, and a jump away from "hey could you ship some of these goods I bought online to my overseas store in Nigeria" and "Hey, could you forward me $1000 to get a visa so I could come marry you." The goods purchased with stolen credit cards just keep coming to their house, and they just keep sending money to their "fiancees," until they are totally bankrupt and looking at long prison sentences.

Haven't seen that one but saw the one on Dateline where they were using Americans to cash in fake checks and send the money over Western-Union - one of those "part-time job" scams where all they have to do is receive checks, deposit them in their own account, save 15% for themselves and send the rest over through WU without waiting for checks to clear (which they never would). Dateline even showed an American that was working on producing those checks and the lady thought she was doing a legitimate job - she would receive a list of people, addresses, bank accounts from where to issue the checks - not difficult to do at all apparently. From what she said, it sounded like she issued over a half a million dollars worth of checks. I think Dateline managed to save couple thousand $$$ and pay the US student money back that was wiped out of his account. They spoke to this "American" running the business but he had a thick African accent and made sure to threaten them if the money was not wired, the police would come and get them. I think more people should be watching Dateline and questioning the legitimacy of the easy jobs that promise quick money for no work really needed.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Ok, A friend of mine has been talking to a gal from Africa for about 3 weeks now. She has asked for money already and now they were talking about getting a visa for her to come here at some point. I have been advising him already to run from this gal, but until today that had not happened. Last night he was told by her to contact this travel agency as they could get her the required visa she needed to be with him. He had already advised her that all this needed to happen with the US Government (Immigration) being involved in the legal process. She said this could be handled by this travel agency. Please read what they sent him, and give your advice on this email he was sent. What do you all think of this? Is this even legal? Have any of you heard of anything like this before? Personally, I told him to RUN FAST! Thanks, Lyle

From: akwaaba_travelagency1@fastermail.com

To: xxxxxxxxxxx

Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 04:48:48 -0500

Subject: Informaton

Thank you for contacting the Akwaaba Travel Agency. l'm at your service, for your information i will like to know the type of visa that you will need my help with, also you will have to provide me with your contact informations, Full name, Address and a contact phone number that we can reach you on anytime when anymore information is needed from you. I will provide you with the required details, kindly get back to me with the visa type that you will want us to obtain for the person, with the type of visa you will want the person to travel with.

1, Working visa: for One year valid, this will take 14days to process after payment has been done. Cost= $530.00 USD including tax

2, Working visa: for One year six months valid, also takes 14days after payment has been done. Cost= $699.98 USD including tax

3, Working visa: for Two years valid, also takes 14 days after payment has been done. Cost= $789.89 USD including tax

4, Working visa: for Three years valid, also takes 14days after payment has been done. Cost= $860.22 USD including tax

5, Tourist visa: for Four months valid, this takes 7days after payment has been done. Cost= $390.00 USD including tax

6, Tourist visa: Six months valid, also takes 14days after payment has been done. Cost= $499.75 USD including tax

7, Tourist visa: for Eight months valid, also takes 7days after payment has been done. Cost= $596.80 USD including tax

The passport will cost $95.00

Please get back to me and let me know the type of visa that you want us to obtain for your friend, also i will need your full name,address and your contact phone number for the sponsorship. The company policies, we do not accept credit card either cheque.with the payment we do accept cash and money transfer via ( Money Gram or Western Union ).I hope this information will sue what you need and also will be waiting to hear from you soon and assist you.

Best regards,

Akwaaba Travel Agency

(The Manager)

Mr Ernest Osio

+233 2421-01874

If they ask for money.........RUN AWAY!

[Ban Hammer 13,335]

so this is the newest nigerian scam.

I got an e-mail from Mrs. Bernie Madoff the other day....

you too? i thought she was writing only me!

[Meriem_DZ 37]

There was a guy on yahoo answers that asked a question about his K-1 fiance from Nigeria. She had him send her money so she could take care of getting the visa so she could come to the USA to marry him and he sent her money to buy the ticket. Then he gets a phone call from someone that was suppose to be in the UK that told him that his fiance had been detained at the UK airport and he needed to wire money to get her released so she continue on her way to the USA.

Poor guy

Meriem

[What Happened? 4]

Ok, A friend of mine has been talking to a gal from Africa for about 3 weeks now. She has asked for money already and now they were talking about getting a visa for her to come here at some point. I have been advising him already to run from this gal, but until today that had not happened. Last night he was told by her to contact this travel agency as they could get her the required visa she needed to be with him. He had already advised her that all this needed to happen with the US Government (Immigration) being involved in the legal process. She said this could be handled by this travel agency. Please read what they sent him, and give your advice on this email he was sent. What do you all think of this? Is this even legal? Have any of you heard of anything like this before? Personally, I told him to RUN FAST! Thanks, Lyle

From: akwaaba_travelagency1@fastermail.com

To: xxxxxxxxxxx

Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 04:48:48 -0500

Subject: Informaton

Thank you for contacting the Akwaaba Travel Agency. l'm at your service, for your information i will like to know the type of visa that you will need my help with, also you will have to provide me with your contact informations, Full name, Address and a contact phone number that we can reach you on anytime when anymore information is needed from you. I will provide you with the required details, kindly get back to me with the visa type that you will want us to obtain for the person, with the type of visa you will want the person to travel with.

1, Working visa: for One year valid, this will take 14days to process after payment has been done. Cost= $530.00 USD including tax

2, Working visa: for One year six months valid, also takes 14days after payment has been done. Cost= $699.98 USD including tax

3, Working visa: for Two years valid, also takes 14 days after payment has been done. Cost= $789.89 USD including tax

4, Working visa: for Three years valid, also takes 14days after payment has been done. Cost= $860.22 USD including tax

5, Tourist visa: for Four months valid, this takes 7days after payment has been done. Cost= $390.00 USD including tax

6, Tourist visa: Six months valid, also takes 14days after payment has been done. Cost= $499.75 USD including tax

7, Tourist visa: for Eight months valid, also takes 7days after payment has been done. Cost= $596.80 USD including tax

The passport will cost $95.00

Please get back to me and let me know the type of visa that you want us to obtain for your friend, also i will need your full name,address and your contact phone number for the sponsorship. The company policies, we do not accept credit card either cheque.with the payment we do accept cash and money transfer via ( Money Gram or Western Union ).I hope this information will sue what you need and also will be waiting to hear from you soon and assist you.

Best regards,

Akwaaba Travel Agency

(The Manager)

Mr Ernest Osio

+233 2421-01874

AKWAABA!! WELCOME!! Ghanians are known worldwide for their friendliness but this one is going to be nice and help you to relieve the burden of carrying heavy pockets of cash.

I take it this young lady is Ghanaian or Nigerian living in Ghana.....

Listen, it is very difficult for anyone to get a travel visa to leave Ghana and visit the US. I know many Ghanians who have tried to get legitimate travel visas for business and some who have tried anyway they can get one. Even if the person has every possible significant tie to Ghana and the required funds in the bank and applies for a travel visa in a legal manner......95% or more of the time it is going to be denied. Also you have to actually have a job lined up before you can get a work visa...you have to be sponsored by a company and even then might not get it.

THIS IS A SCAM!!!

According to some in Ghana people are being prosecuted for things like this if caught. I'm sure Ghanians don't like their lovely country being tarnished by things like this. Their is a young person behind it....report it and her.

Poor spelling

Letter represents a business but the wording is clearly from an individual.....using words like I am at your service instead of we.......One man operation..........RUN!!!!!!

I hope he didn't give his name and address either....if so he should keep a close eye on his credit report for any funny business.........

I wish him the Best.....your a good friend in warning him....I hope he listens

[Betti 1]

Scam, tell your friend to run!

I wonder what she offered him in return that he falls for it though...it's really obvious and he must be blind to not see it!

[CA dreamer 3]

me too

[sj5 4]

My husband sent $1.00 to some scammers. He paid $12 service fees than the money he sent. I think, it's hilarious. I was to tears.

Edited May 13, 2009 by sj5

[Ephantus'nJenny 0]

This is a joke, right?

[SirJon 0]

I love the smell of 419ers in the morning!

The really sad thing is that there are many people sucked into believing all of this, and happily send of thousands to these unscrupulous rogues.

[Cherry&Ed 4]

The email sounds like it's from a scammer... I have received a lot before from scammers asking me some money.

[EZ3145 0]

Ok, A friend of mine has been talking to a gal from Africa for about 3 weeks now. She has asked for money already and now they were talking about getting a visa for her to come here at some point. I have been advising him already to run from this gal, but until today that had not happened. Last night he was told by her to contact this travel agency as they could get her the required visa she needed to be with him. He had already advised her that all this needed to happen with the US Government (Immigration) being involved in the legal process. She said this could be handled by this travel agency. Please read what they sent him, and give your advice on this email he was sent. What do you all think of this? Is this even legal? Have any of you heard of anything like this before? Personally, I told him to RUN FAST! Thanks, Lyle

From: akwaaba_travelagency1@fastermail.com

To: xxxxxxxxxxx

Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 04:48:48 -0500

Subject: Informaton

Thank you for contacting the Akwaaba Travel Agency. l'm at your service, for your information i will like to know the type of visa that you will need my help with, also you will have to provide me with your contact informations, Full name, Address and a contact phone number that we can reach you on anytime when anymore information is needed from you. I will provide you with the required details, kindly get back to me with the visa type that you will want us to obtain for the person, with the type of visa you will want the person to travel with.

1, Working visa: for One year valid, this will take 14days to process after payment has been done. Cost= $530.00 USD including tax

2, Working visa: for One year six months valid, also takes 14days after payment has been done. Cost= $699.98 USD including tax

3, Working visa: for Two years valid, also takes 14 days after payment has been done. Cost= $789.89 USD including tax

4, Working visa: for Three years valid, also takes 14days after payment has been done. Cost= $860.22 USD including tax

5, Tourist visa: for Four months valid, this takes 7days after payment has been done. Cost= $390.00 USD including tax

6, Tourist visa: Six months valid, also takes 14days after payment has been done. Cost= $499.75 USD including tax

7, Tourist visa: for Eight months valid, also takes 7days after payment has been done. Cost= $596.80 USD including tax

The passport will cost $95.00

Please get back to me and let me know the type of visa that you want us to obtain for your friend, also i will need your full name,address and your contact phone number for the sponsorship. The company policies, we do not accept credit card either cheque.with the payment we do accept cash and money transfer via ( Money Gram or Western Union ).I hope this information will sue what you need and also will be waiting to hear from you soon and assist you.

Best regards,

Akwaaba Travel Agency

(The Manager)

Mr Ernest Osio

+233 2421-01874

DON'T EVEN LOOK BACK. JUST RAN AWAY FROM THIS GIRL/MAN RIGHT NOW. TELL YOUR FRIEND HE COULD BE TALKING TO A MAN PRETENDING TO BE A GIRL? IT'S AN ORGANIZED BUSINESS IN AFRICA. TRAINED TO TALK LIKE WOMEN, AND IF YOU ASK FOR PICTURES, THEY'LL SEND YOU PICTURES OF SOME OTHER GIRL, NOT THEMSELVES. IF YOU ASK FOR VIDEOCHAT, THEY'LL FIND A GIRL TO PRETEND AND TALK TO YOU BUT SHE WON'T GET THE MONEY, THE MAN WILL. IT'S AN ORGANIZED CRIME.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??? RAN AWAY NOW!!! RAN I SAY!!!!

OK GOOD LUCK!

[seldommseene 0]

Ok, A friend of mine has been talking to a gal from Africa for about 3 weeks now. She has asked for money already and now they were talking about getting a visa for her to come here at some point. I have been advising him already to run from this gal, but until today that had not happened. Last night he was told by her to contact this travel agency as they could get her the required visa she needed to be with him. He had already advised her that all this needed to happen with the US Government (Immigration) being involved in the legal process. She said this could be handled by this travel agency. Please read what they sent him, and give your advice on this email he was sent. What do you all think of this? Is this even legal? Have any of you heard of anything like this before? Personally, I told him to RUN FAST! Thanks, Lyle

From: akwaaba_travelagency1@fastermail.com

To: xxxxxxxxxxx

Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 04:48:48 -0500

Subject: Informaton

Thank you for contacting the Akwaaba Travel Agency. l'm at your service, for your information i will like to know the type of visa that you will need my help with, also you will have to provide me with your contact informations, Full name, Address and a contact phone number that we can reach you on anytime when anymore information is needed from you. I will provide you with the required details, kindly get back to me with the visa type that you will want us to obtain for the person, with the type of visa you will want the person to travel with.

1, Working visa: for One year valid, this will take 14days to process after payment has been done. Cost= $530.00 USD including tax

2, Working visa: for One year six months valid, also takes 14days after payment has been done. Cost= $699.98 USD including tax

3, Working visa: for Two years valid, also takes 14 days after payment has been done. Cost= $789.89 USD including tax

4, Working visa: for Three years valid, also takes 14days after payment has been done. Cost= $860.22 USD including tax

5, Tourist visa: for Four months valid, this takes 7days after payment has been done. Cost= $390.00 USD including tax

6, Tourist visa: Six months valid, also takes 14days after payment has been done. Cost= $499.75 USD including tax

7, Tourist visa: for Eight months valid, also takes 7days after payment has been done. Cost= $596.80 USD including tax

The passport will cost $95.00

Please get back to me and let me know the type of visa that you want us to obtain for your friend, also i will need your full name,address and your contact phone number for the sponsorship. The company policies, we do not accept credit card either cheque.with the payment we do accept cash and money transfer via ( Money Gram or Western Union ).I hope this information will sue what you need and also will be waiting to hear from you soon and assist you.

Best regards,

Akwaaba Travel Agency

(The Manager)

Mr Ernest Osio

+233 2421-01874

This looks like one of those Nigerian scums were they get your information and get money from you. I would advice your friend to run as fast as he can in the other direction.