Trend and Emerging Types of 419 Scams

TL;DR

This paper analyzes recent trends and emerging types of 419 scams, especially post-COVID-19, highlighting new scam themes and common email subjects to aid in detection and prevention.

Contribution

It identifies new scam categories like COVID-related and cryptocurrency scams and analyzes common email subjects used in 419 scams after the pandemic.

Findings

Trending scams include lucky winner and investment schemes.

Emerging scams involve COVID, cryptocurrency, and software development.

Common email subjects are 'Re', 'Greetings', and 'Attention'.

Abstract

Technological advancements have revolutionized various aspects of human life, facilitating communication, business operations, healthcare, education, and environmental monitoring. However, this increased reliance on technology has also led to a surge in cybercrime, including cyber scams. The "419 scam" or Nigerian scam has been a persistent problem for decades, encompassing frauds like advance fee scams, fake lotteries, and black money scams. Initially prevalent through postal mail and later via fax, the scam has now transitioned to email. This study aims to identify recent types of 419 scam emails, particularly after the covid 19 pandemic, and explore commonly used email subjects. Analysis of the sample 419 scam emails revealed trending scams like lucky winner, threat of exposure, business/partnership proposals, investment, cancer/long-term illness, fund, and compensation scams. Emerging scams included COVID-related, cryptocurrency, marketing contact, and software development scams. Irrespective of the scam type, scammers commonly employed email subjects such as 'Re', 'Good day', 'Greetings', 'Dear friend', 'Confirm', 'Attention', and 'Hello dear'. The severity of cybercrime, especially the 419 scams, cannot be overstated, as it erodes trust, causes financial losses, and hampers Nigeria's reputation and economic progress. Combatting cyber scams and enhancing cybersecurity measures are crucial to protect individuals and organizations from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.