fisherman

Actually, some are the scammers of Ebay - and use many other techniques to exploit.

What was once a Nigerian business became worldwide as they moved to South Africa, Europe, and other locations. Once the methodology and routing of payments is set up - the particular scam doesn't matter anymore, so Ebay or any other venue (and story) works. Like smugglers who do drugs, diamonds, then expand to human slaves.

Most people in the U.S. were hit in the 1990's, then the focus shifted to Hong Kong and Indonesia when their economies hit the skids. A hungry businessman who is scared to death makes a big target. Some 419 stories can seem believeable to people who know nothing about foreign transactions - and to those who know how difficult it is to do business in foreign countires where bribery is expected. Some estimates of 419 losses are $4 Billion per year, worldwide.

The Nigerians have resources at their disposal that most crooks don't have in banking and government. In fact, in Nigeria, to be a 419er is a respected profession. There is little other opportunity.

Dabbling in this quagmire and exposing your email address, telephone number, name, etc. is an easy road to identity theft. Or, a visit from someone... When it happens, telling the FBI and/or Secret Service that you opened the door will get no sympathy. In fact, the usual refrain is, "You got what you deserved."

Obviously, with every bank wire tranfer monitored, this could be stopped if anyone thought it was important.

Fisherman