Is it safe to give my bank details to a Nigerian prospect?

[Michael Lee]

Hi Warriors,

I don't have any issue transacting with anyone from anywhere in the world, but we've all heard of Nigerian scams and stuffs.

Well, I have a prospect from Nigeria who can't pay me via Clickbank or Paypal, and he proposes to pay via wire transfer to my bank account. Is it safe to give him my bank details?

Thanks for the advice,
Michael

[Jay Truman]

i wouldnt do it, unless you had a spare bank account for wire transfers.

i worked with a company (in US) that did transactions with Nigeria and they always used the same account for the wire transfers and had it transferred to the main account within 24 hours.

[crissanteiro]

I wouldn't do it. It sounds like it could be a scam. I would ask for a cashiers check or something that guarantees your payment without you having to disclose any bank information. There are so many scams on the Internet.

[Michael Motley]

No. Too much scamming coming out of Nigeria. The only way i would even think about trusting the transfer is if there is a 2 week wait between payment and delivery

[misterwrecker]

Just have him send you a money order or western union.

[SandyDuPlessis]

No way! Don't go that route or you are likely to lose everything in your bank account.

Sandy

[Adeel_Chowdhry]

Accept Western Union instead!

[pbennett]

yeah, no way. They've scammed a lot.

[garyv]

It's only safe if he's the nephew of the late King zesabar, and will promise to pay you with interest when he receives his inheritance.

[Dal.K]

I agree with Western Union. I'd never risk it if I had doubts like you do.

[Mangozoom]

Get the word ON and rearrange the letters.

Internet scamming is a thriving Nigerian industry (sorry but its true). The expertise and inventiveness is staggering.

I recently had a great offer for a domain name I was selling that just turned out to be a scam. I was trying to buy a car on Autotrader in the UK ... again a scam.

My Nigerian friends laugh about it and tell me that they have whole internet cafe's full of guys trying a million and one angles.

John

[Ukspinner]

Jeeze Mate NOoooo Waaaay! Stick to the main methods & subject any offers to the contrary with the utmost caution. It's so easy to deal with Paypal & some of the other recognised partners that I would question why anyone has to use Western Union. Unless of course people have no bank account or are hiding something.
Then I would not want to be doing business with them anyway!

[garyv]

I think that there are whole sections of ip addresses that should be blocked away from the rest of the internet. It would cut down on scams and greatly increase the amount of legit sales and productivity. And that includes most of Russia and Nigeria.

[Rich Struck]

Yes, of course, giving a Nigerian your banking information is quite safe. Be sure to give them your password too, you know, so they can verify that the transaction was successful.

[Karen Connell]

Originally Posted by Rich Struck

Yes, of course, giving a Nigerian your banking information is quite safe. Be sure to give them your password too, you know, so they can verify that the transaction was successful.

Hi,

Love that one Rich...

Seriously though, don't do it!

I have received countless emails from 'abroad' telling me that I can help their sick daughter if I would agree to let them use my bank account to cash a cheque.

They would, of course, pay me 10% of the cheque value for being a saint!

The cheque would be to the value of around $4m from an inheritance.

Karen

[omosele daniel]

to tell you the fact do not send your account num, rather use other means of transfering and do't take it that there is no genuine transition that can be made with nigerias bcos there are genuine nigerias you are marketers online, it just that the fake are outnumbering the original.again verify if the prospect is genuine thks

[Adrian Cooper]

Originally Posted by Michael Lee

Hi Warriors,

I don't have any issue transacting with anyone from anywhere in the world, but we've all heard of Nigerian scams and stuffs.

Well, I have a prospect from Nigeria who can't pay me via Clickbank or Paypal, and he proposes to pay via wire transfer to my bank account. Is it safe to give him my bank details?

Thanks for the advice,
Michael

Too risky.

Suggest Western Union or MoneyGram.

If he has a bank account he can also send you a Bank Check or whatever.

[seriousmny]

No Freaking Way. Don't give anyone your bank information. He wants access to your cash. If you proceed, expect to be victimized. Nigeria scams are real and I believe you have an opportunity to side-step this one.

[rapidscc]

Originally Posted by Rich Struck

Yes, of course, giving a Nigerian your banking information is quite safe. Be sure to give them your password too, you know, so they can verify that the transaction was successful.

Whahehehe! Had a nice laugh with this one..

I second the motion..It's safe for you to give your banking information..But NOT for your money!

If all else fails and he seems to be legit, try western union..But not the bank information for Chris! sake..

oMar/RapidScc

[Fernando Veloso]

Hold on.

if I give my bank account number to any of you (so you can make a wire transfer) YOU can get into my account?

Huh?

[Amanda_Moon]

Never give your information to anyone! There are too many ways to send money now to have to give your information out.

There are a lot of scams coming out of that area and you are better safe than sorry.

[BrainDance]

the responses to this totally cracked me up, I need the laugh!

[Scott Ames]

Originally Posted by Fernando Veloso

Hold on.

if I give my bank account number to any of you (so you can make a wire transfer) YOU can get into my account?

Huh?

I wondered too, so I did some research.

1. They could print checks that look like yours and use them for small purchases
2. They could electronically extract money out of the account by forging your permission
3. They could pretend to be you if they get enough detail and have full access to your account.

The second one is not easy because bank usually check pretty carefully now.

The third one is not easy either, but with a bit of social engineering, guessing, etc. they may be able to pose as you, extract money, lock you out of your own account.

[tj]

Originally Posted by Fernando Veloso

Hold on.

if I give my bank account number to any of you (so you can make a wire transfer) YOU can get into my account?

Huh?

Short 'n sweet - yes.

Timo

[Troy_Phillips]

I don't know how your bank works but I can give a routing number for wire transfers and still not give out any sensitive information .

[Fernando Veloso]

Scott,

Now i understand to where all my money is gone

j/k, but thanks for feedback, always learning new stuff here! It's better than high school!

[TheMole]

Ever thought of the possibility that this is a law abiding citizen who wants nothing more than to just buy a product but cannot use the payment structures offered by the seller because of the poor track record in his country?

There is a good possibility that he just wants to get the money to you and know of no other method than that which he has proposed. Give him an alternative (safer) method and you might be surprised. You might just end up with a happy customer.

[Michael Nguyen]

Originally Posted by TheMole

Ever thought of the possibility that this is a law abiding citizen who wants nothing more than to just buy a product but cannot use the payment structures offered by the seller because of the poor track record in his country?

There is a good possibility that he just wants to get the money to you and know of no other method than that which he has proposed. Give him an alternative (safer) method and you might be surprised. You might just end up with a happy customer.

Which is why western union is the way to go, protection for both parties

[Shane Lowry]

Wow, I clicked on this thinking it was a thread on the email scams.

Not quite.

I would also chime in on one of the safer methods, such as Western Union, Bank Check etc.

Kind Regards,
Shane

[SaSeoPete]

I wouldn't give my bank details to anyone, no matter where they come from.

Who cares if they are from Nigeria, there are lots of great warriors from Africas most populous country.

[John_Paduchak]

I personally would only use some safe method such as western union. I received a fake bank check from a Nigerian and sent it directly to the postmaster general. These guys are ruthless and fake money orders, wire transfers and bank checks all day long. If it sounds like a scam, looks like a scam and it's from Nigeria you can pretty well be sure that it is one.

[Steven Fullman]

I know plenty of Nigerian folk. 'S what happens when you live in an ethnically diverse city such as London.

And I feel ashamed that so many so-called intelligent people here are tarring an entire nation with the 'scam' brush. That kind of blinkered vision leads to ... well, we're seeing what it leads to.

No. Don't give your bank a/c details to a Nigerian. Don't give them to ANYONE.

Jeez. So much for c21.

Steve

[Kim Standerline]

Good for you Steve, a very good friend of mine is Nigerian (he's a a doctor) and he gets really pissed off about this kind of thing.

Guys there are plenty of fraudsters in the US and UK as well unfortunately, it's not just limited to Nigeria.

Having said that, I'd agree it's silly to give your banking details out to anyone when something as simple as Western Union can be used

Kim

Originally Posted by Steven Fullman

I know plenty of Nigerian folk. 'S what happens when you live in an ethnically diverse city such as London.

And I feel ashamed that so many so-called intelligent people here are tarring an entire nation with the 'scam' brush. That kind of blinkered vision leads to ... well, we're seeing what it leads to.

No. Don't give your bank a/c details to a Nigerian. Don't give them to ANYONE.

Jeez. So much for c21.

Steve

[Jeff Henshaw]

I think that there are whole sections of ip addresses that should be blocked away from the rest of the internet. It would cut down on scams and greatly increase the amount of legit sales and productivity. And that includes most of Russia and Nigeria.

I strongly disagree.

What makes you qualified to decide who or what should or should not be banned from the Internet?

Some countries get a bad reputation because of sensational press reporting about certain incidents. As usual the media blow things out of all proportion as that is what earns them money. Probably millions of dollars more than any scammer makes.

If Warriors want to post views about who should and should not be restricted to free Internet access, then they should back up their statement(s) with hard facts and empirical evidence.

In my view, prejudice, personal bias and ignorance does not help the human race move forward towards becoming a true global community with benefits for all.

Just my thoughts,
Jeff.

[ArticleFreak]

Open a new account only for wire transfers. Do not give him the details of your main account(s) - it probably is a scam so be careful!

[BurgerBoy]

Originally Posted by Rich Struck

Yes, of course, giving a Nigerian your banking information is quite safe. Be sure to give them your password too, you know, so they can verify that the transaction was successful.

You also need to give him all of your credit card numbers and the numbers of all of your friends too.

If you give them any of your personal information you're an idiot.

[Jeremy Kelsall]

Jeff,

Not trying to pick a side here, but to understand why so many feel the way they do....Open your email inbox, Try to rent a house on Craigslist, Inquire about buying a car on craigslist, etc... You'll get the same line again and again "Send your money to Nigeria" - No thanks.

[SusanUSA]

I have worked and traveled in Africa multilple times. I have an African son. I have many close African friends who live in the US and in Africa. I am going back there in September for a work project. I love Africa!

But the short answer to your question is NO! Have him send the funds via wire to a third party service like Western Union. You can pick the funds up there and not jeopardize your privacy.

[garyv]

Originally Posted by Jeff Henshaw

I strongly disagree.

What makes you qualified to decide who or what should or should not be banned from the Internet?

I never said I was qualified to decide - hence the words "I think" at the beginning of my statement.

And when I say "I think" I'm basing this on my personal experience, of selling online for over a decade. An experience where I've sold millions of dollars worth of product to nearly every nation w/ an internet connection.

During that time I've never, and I repeat never sold any products to anyone in Nigeria, or Russia. And not because I haven't tried, but because they just don't do much buying there.

However, I have had my websites hacked several times by Russians, and I've probably received over 100k Nigerian scam emails. So in my opinion, yes that portion of the population should be shut away from the internet. Maybe then the "good" people in those populations would take more seriously the bad element in their midst, and take better and more appropriate action toward shutting them down.

That doesn't make me a racist - Because I don't care what races live there. It just makes common business sense to me. I've known many businesses that block those ips already.

[iw]

Obviously, No is the answer! I've seen in the news. There was this lady in Taiwan, was cheated almost to a million twd. He said to her that he's from the royal family and how much monies and businesses that he owns all over the world. The women was conned into buying properties for him in other countries.

Another case that I came across is a friend that met someone (Nig....n) from the facebook. This guy said to her that he needs to open a bank account by using cash (which he didn't have but he has foreign cheque) and asked my friend if she would help to cash for him first and he will send the cheque to my friend.... Luckily she didn't fall for that.

By the way, are there any Nig warriors here?

[Joel Gray]

LOL I do not think so!!!!

[Floyd Fisher]

Originally Posted by Michael Lee

Hi Warriors,

I don't have any issue transacting with anyone from anywhere in the world, but we've all heard of Nigerian scams and stuffs.

Well, I have a prospect from Nigeria who can't pay me via Clickbank or Paypal, and he proposes to pay via wire transfer to my bank account. Is it safe to give him my bank details?

Thanks for the advice,
Michael

Not no, but **** no!

Take $10 off the price, and tell him moneygram or western union only.

If he's legit, he will jump at it.

[Floyd Fisher]

Originally Posted by omosele daniel

to tell you the fact do not send your account num, rather use other means of transfering and do't take it that there is no genuine transition that can be made with nigerias bcos there are genuine nigerias you are marketers online, it just that the fake are outnumbering the original.again verify if the prospect is genuine thks

Friend, this isn't about Nigeria.

You never give that out to anyone period. Not even Paul Meyers, and I like him a lot.

[Tron2k]

sorry I have a policy for No Nigerian sales final!,just to much crap to deal with!
Also paypal only!

[TheDebtEliminator]

It might be OK

But - If you are interested in funding someone's personal projects thaen send youir banking info.

It is not safe to send anyone this information

Try using PayPal they might advise you

[Jeremy Morgan]

If they did actually pay you for something,you can guarantee that money came from a 44 year old Schoolteacher from Ohio who cashed out her retirement.

[Topher Walker]

Originally Posted by Steven Fullman

I know plenty of Nigerian folk. 'S what happens when you live in an ethnically diverse city such as London.

And I feel ashamed that so many so-called intelligent people here are tarring an entire nation with the 'scam' brush. That kind of blinkered vision leads to ... well, we're seeing what it leads to.

No. Don't give your bank a/c details to a Nigerian. Don't give them to ANYONE.

Jeez. So much for c21.

Steve

Yeah, but the charity I do a lot of stuff for has a Nigerian accountant (who has just got British citizenship). She says that the hoops she has to jump through to eg get a new company credit card etc is more than anyone else but that "it's our own fault". She reckons that if her people/nation got their act together and cracked down rather than turning a blind eye and laughing that people the know try and scam then they wouldn't have such a bad reputation.

Is it fair on the honest Nigerians? No, but then again I'd rather not have customers from Nigeria than run the much higher risk of getting scammed when dealing with that demographic

[competitive]

I was scammed by a Nigerian for $100,000 this was 10 years ago and it hurt! So you can guess my views on the subject. For Nigerians it is in there nature to scam or cheat or take bribes and this has been for many years. However recently there was a television program in Nigeria where they are trying to clean up this image and business' are now performing without bribes.

[shoaibonline]

yeah, no way dear
accept western union instead!

[Tiratore]

If he has a credit card try 2CO. com. There are really dozens of other merchant accounts out there to check out...but if there aren't any that service Nigeria I would go with a western union deal.

I have clients in the Congo and 2CO works there.