Nigerian scammers often use several sophisticated methods to receive payments while
making it difficult for authorities or victims to track the transactions. Here’s how they do it:
1. Money Mules
Scammers recruit people (knowingly or unknowingly) to act as intermediaries, transferring
money through their accounts. These “money mules” receive payments and then forward the
funds to the scammer, often keeping a small percentage as a commission. This creates a layer
of separation between the scammer and the victim, making tracking more challenging.
2. International Payment Services
They often use international payment platforms like:
• Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are popular because they offer
anonymity and are difficult to trace.
• Digital wallets: Services like PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp, where users may use fake or
stolen identities to set up accounts.
• Remittance services: Platforms like Western Union or MoneyGram, which often have
limited identity verification, are frequently used.
3. Stolen or Fake Bank Accounts
Scammers may:
• Open bank accounts using fake documents and identities.
• Hack into legitimate accounts to reroute funds.
• Use stolen banking credentials to withdraw money quickly before detection.
4. Shell Companies and Fake Businesses
They set up fake companies with registered bank accounts. These accounts appear legitimate,
and payments are sent as if for a service or product. Once funds are received, they are quickly
withdrawn or transferred elsewhere.
5. Online Marketplaces and Gift Cards
• Scammers may request payment through gift cards (e.g., Amazon, iTunes, Google Play),
which are nearly impossible to recover once redeemed.
• They sometimes use online marketplaces or e-commerce platforms to create fake listings,
taking payments through those channels.
6. Money Laundering Networks
Organized crime networks often launder money through layers of transfers, converting funds
into less traceable forms, such as cryptocurrencies, or funneling them into countries with lax
financial regulations.
7. Foreign Bank Accounts
Scammers use bank accounts in countries with strict privacy laws (like offshore tax havens)
where law enforcement has limited reach or where cooperation between financial institutions
is slow and difficult.
Can These Be Tracked?
1. Tracing payments is possible through international banking systems, but it requires
cooperation between banks, financial regulators, and law enforcement across countries.
2. Cryptocurrencies can sometimes be tracked to wallets, but identifying the person behind
the wallet is harder.
3. Advanced digital forensics and anti-money laundering (AML) tools are being developed to
counter these methods, but scammers evolve quickly.
The combination of these techniques makes it very challenging to track payments to
scammers, especially when they work in organized groups.
The U.S. Department of State advises reconsidering travel to the DRC due to crime and civil
unrest. Specific regions, including North Kivu and Ituri provinces, are designated as “Do Not
Travel” areas due to armed conflict and kidnapping risks.
Republic of the Congo:
The security situation is comparatively more stable. The U.S. Department of State
recommends exercising increased caution due to crime. Violent crime, such as armed robbery
and assault, remains a concern throughout the country.
Recommendations:
• Stay Informed: Regularly consult official travel advisories from your government and
international organizations.
• Assess Necessity: Carefully evaluate the necessity of travel, especially to high-risk areas.
• Precautions: If travel is essential, take appropriate security measures and remain vigilant at
all times.
Given the dynamic nature of the situation, it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest
information before making travel decisions.
