If you get another email from that Nigerian prince offering you a share of $50 million, you can be pretty sure now that it really IS a fake. Why? According to Interpol, the guy behind a global network of email scammers was arrested in Nigeria. And apparently, his name is “Mike.” So as long as Prince Mike is without a computer, he won’t be making any more incredible offers again anytime soon.
We laugh when we get an email like the ones from this Mike, not believing that anyone could fall for a (usually) poorly spelled, grammatically awkward email promising untold riches – which makes the scope of this scam all that more amazing. Reports put the worth of Prince Mike’s operation at $60 million – and it included as many as 40 other scammers spread throughout Nigeria (of course), Malaysia, South Africa, China, Europe and the United States.
While Prince Mike may have found new living quarters in a highly secure palace, complete with high walls, guards, and bars, it’s important to recognize that email fraud is still alive and well – and that it takes many forms other than those used by Prince Mike and his ilk. So, this Mike continues to advise vigilance in considering email offers from that Mike, or any other foreign princes anxious to share their bags of fantasy cash. If it seems too good to be true… well, you know.
