Amazon Scams and the Nigeria Connection

I recently tried to sell some electronics on the Amazon.com network. I noticed that I began to receive scripted messages from individuals claiming they wanted to buy my items. They requested that I communicate with them through their private emails.

I reluctantly contacted one of them and after sending them details about my products; they agreed to pay me via Amazon. At first, I figured it was a clean sale, but I began to notice some anomalies in the emails I allegedly received from Amazon.

In one particular transaction, I was to receive approximately $700 USD. Nevertheless, I received an email from Amazon that the customer paid me the said amount( see copy of email below). However, when I checked my Amazon seller account, I noticed that there was no record of the transaction. This immediately raised red flags and of course; I did not ship the product. As a result, I decided to launch an investigation.

 

According to Amazon sellers, it appears that a majority of these types of scams come from the country of Nigeria. Whereas scammers use sophisticated, psycho-social tactics to dupe an unsuspecting public into losing billions of dollars. Please note that I am not against the people of Nigeria. However, I just want to point out one of the many scams that originate from this nation.

 

Here's a copy of one of the e-mails I've just received regarding the "purchase" of my listed iPhone 5:

Greetings from amazon.com

Dear Enlightn1,

We like to inform you that Sara Novo has made payment for your Apple iPhone 5 32GB (Black) - Unlocked [Wireless Phone Accessory].please go through the payment invoice.

Thanks for your order Sara Novo,

Purchasing Information:
PACKING SLIP: Amazon.com Marketplace Item:Apple iPhone 5 32GB (Black) - Unlocked [Wireless Phone Accessory] Listing: 1 ASIN: B0097CZF5C Quantity: 1 Order #:7001-315-513743968 Transaction #:85143176 Purchased on: 06.11.2013 Dispatched by: enlightn1@gmail.com Shipping estimate for these items: 2Days Expedited shipping
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Order Summary:
Shipping Details: svoa4@yahoo.com
Dispatch to: Ade Fopa Delivery address: 10 Custom Street, City : Lagos Island State : Lagos Country : Nigeria Zip Code : 2341 Buyer Name: Ms Sara Novo Buyer e-mail:svoa4@yahoo.com   Postage & Handling: $57.85 Total Amount: ($650.00) ---------- Less Amazon.com Marketplace Fees: ($8.99) Less VAT on Amazon.com Marketplace: ($1.99) Additional shipping credit: $4.99 Total Due Seller: $701.86 Payment Method The seller requests to be paid via Amazon. Thank you for the understanding. After receiving this confirmation that the payment was received. Within 2 business days, you are advised to send the tracking number for the product to the buyer. Purchase Protection and Refund Information: svoa4@yahoo.com Currently, this buyer has $3,220.74 deposited in amazon.com managed purchase protection account. Transactions with this amazon buyer are covered 100% in case of fraud and description errors. You have 3 days after you ship the item to receive your money in your account. Refund requests are processed within 3 days. For your safety, the buyer is unable to withdraw the money within this period of purchase till your account is credited. The buyer was informed about this transaction being started and is awaiting for the tracking # of his/her item. Important Notice: The following other payment methods are not covered for reimbursement by the Amazon.com A-to-Z Guarantee: Wire transfer, Money Orders, Check, Cash, or Credit Card transactions that occur outside Amazon.com. Only orders using Amazon Payments are supported. Please Note: This e-mail message was sent as a notification of payment concerning your business transaction with the above buyer. Please do not reply to this message, For more inquiry you can contact us via payment@amazon.com Thanks again for selling with us. Amazon.com Best regards Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/exec/ obidos/tg/browse/-/ 3149571 Our Privacy Notice, Conditions of Use & Sale (c) 2013 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved       References:

 

angelchen1111. ( 2009 ). Amazon scam from Nigeria. Retrieved from http://www.theusefulblog.com/post/amazon-scam-from-nigeria/

Blogspot. (2012). Phony Buyer Targets Amazon Marketplace. Retrieved from JHDrickerPhoto Blog: http://jhdricker.blogspot.com/2012/02/another-nigerian-scam-sellers-beware.html

Stephanie. (2012). Scammed. Retrieved from Blogspot: http://didntfallforit.blogspot.com/

Storm, S. (2013). A buyer on amazon scamming me? Retrieved from Yahoo Answers: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091209174949AA3HxBY

WordPress. (2008, 4 15). Don’t let your guard down, scams are still everywhere. Retrieved from inconsistency: http://inconsistency.wordpress.com/2008/04/15/dont-let-your-guard-down-scams-are-still-everywhere/