Internet Cross Border Crime: A Growing Problem

ABSTRACT

The internet offers consumers and businesses a global marketplace. But unscrupulous individuals also recognize the potentials of cyberspace. The same scams and frauds that have been conducted by mail and phone can now be found on the World Wide Web and in email, and these cyber scams are growing. It is sometimes hard to tell the difference between reputable online sellers and criminals who use the internet to rob people. One of the most infamous scams is the “Nigerian letter.” Nigerian scam letters or 419s appear in email boxes all over the world. They offer opportunity, adventure, travel, and an abundance of wealth. If you receive an unsolicited email seeking your assistance, for which you will receive a large sum of money, do not believe it. This is almost certainly a version of the Nigerian or 419 scam. You can protect yourself by learning how to recognize the danger signs of such scams.

KEYWORDS:

• Advance fee fraud
• crime
• cross border internet fraud
• email scams
• nigeria
• 419 scam

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Erich B. Bergiel

Erich B. Bergiel (PhD, Mississippi State University) is Assistant Professor, Department of Management and Business Systems, Richards College of Business, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA 30118 (E-mail: [email protected]).

Phillip W. Balsmeier

Phillip W. Balsmeier (PhD, University of Arkansas) is Lecturer, Frost School of Business, Centenary College of Louisiana, 2911 Centenary Boulevard, Shreveport, LA 71104 (E-mail: [email protected]).