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Help from Victim's Government:
While we recommend reporting these frauds to the appropriate government agency, monies lost to this scam are almost never recovered. The 419 Coalition provides details on reporting as well as listing several links directly to appropriate agencies. L.P.C., Ltd. highly recommends that government agencies and postal authorities in all countries investigate the probability of widespread use of counterfeit Nigerian stamps. Ceasing delivery of envelopes bearing replica stamps would result in a reduction in exposure as well as a reduction in gratis postal services.
Help from Nigerian World Trade Centre:
Mr. J.A. Adeleke, the Executive Director of the World Trade Centre of Nigeria (Western House, 8/10 Broad Street, Lagos, Nigeria) publishes a leaflet titled "Services for Foreign Persons," which contains tips for persons planning to deal with Nigerian partners. Mr. Adeleke's business offers, in conjunction with Corporate Compliance and Associates of Lagos, a company assessment service which may enable foreign businesses to avoid some problems. While L.P.C., Ltd. does not endorse this organization, persons who have seen sample assessments found them informative and Mr. Adeleke's tips make good sense. He advises that a credibility assessment be conducted and that the prospective Nigerian partner provide: (1) Copy of Certificate of Incorporation; (2) Full address--street address as well as P.O. Box; (3) All telecom contact numbers--fax, telex and telephone--as well as cable name; (4) Evidence, if possible, of membership in the a. World Trade Center of Nigeria, b. A local Chamber of Commerce, c. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, d. The Association of Nigerian Exporters; (5) A reference from their main bankers or the bank through whom they will transact business with you; (6) The name and full address--as well as P.O. Box--of the company lawyers and the company accountants/auditors; (7) The names and addresses of all the company directors. (In Nigeria there must be at least 2 company directors, which should be shown on the company letterhead. ) Mr. Adeleke goes on to recommend that once armed with this information, you may wish to have it cross checked by the World Trade Centre of Nigeria or by your country's diplomatic representative in Nigeria.
Tips--Five Rules from the 419 Coalition:
This coalition provides the following five rules for doing business with Nigeria: (1) Never pay anything up front for any reason; (2) Never extend credit for any reason; (3) Never do anything until their [Nigerians'] check clears; (4) Never expect any help from the Nigerian Government; (5) Never rely on your government to bail you out.
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