A time to be skeptical (9/25/04)

What would the scam artists of the world do without e-mail and fax machines?

Every day, Americans are besieged with goofy get-rich-quick schemes electronically.

And while most folks have long ago learned to pitch that material in the trash can, the supply of gullible targets is apparently infinite.

A local banker reminded us of that fact just a few weeks ago.

It seems that the old Nigerian 419 scam has been resurrected in hopes of fleecing a whole new crop of victims.

The Nigerian scam, for those who haven’t yet received the fax or an e-mail, takes a variety of forms.

But one thing is consistent: An enormous amount of money is available, trapped in a bank account, and if you — dear, gullible friend — would be so kind as to advance some funds, the fortune will be released and you’ll get a large chunk of cash for your troubles.

Of course, none of that is true.

Instead, it’s a way of getting money from dupes in this country and getting ahold of important bank account information as well.

The consequences of a moment’s greed — which the scammers rely upon — could be a lifetime of financial grief.

We thought the Nigerian scam had disappeared years ago after it had been exposed in multiple news accounts. But apparently the scammers are counting on Americans to have poor memories. They’re at it again.

If it comes your way, pitch it, keeping in mind the old saying that if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. — J.R.

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