Nigeria joins anti-spam union

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has teamed with Nigerian officials to warn internet users of fraudulent junk email, known as Nigerian 419 scams, that attempt to con recipients into handing over cash.

Although the scams have been a problem for a number of years, the partnership has just issued a statement today saying people should be wary of emails that "ask for help in moving large sums of money in exchange for a share of the spoils".

Christine Wade, director of Consumer Regulation Enforcement for the OFT, said in a statement: "If you are targeted, recognise the 419 for what it is - an attempt to defraud you. Do not reply and do not give your personal details out. You are not about to become rich. These scams bear the hallmarks of professional criminals - use your common sense and don't become their next victim."

The scams were named '419ers' after the relevant section of the Nigerian Criminal Code. Many, but not all, originate from Nigeria and West Africa.

Last month, Microsoft announced a partnership with the Nigerian government to help track down and prosecute criminals involved in the scams and other internet-based fraud originating there.

A statement from Nuhu Ribadu, the executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria, said: "419 and other Nigerian variants of cyber crime, have done unquantifiable damage to Nigeria's image and credibility. The government has resolved to deal a fatal blow to the cyber crime networks operating from Nigeria and the West African sub region."

The EFCC said it will be monitoring cyber cafes and taking on a "significant" number of cases against fraudsters based in Nigeria.

Nigeria has agreed to work with the other 26 member countries involved in anti-spam group the London Action Plan.