Nigerian prince scam
Foreign wealth hoax
A Nigerian prince scam is a type of advance-fee fraud in which someone claiming to be foreign royalty or a wealthy official requests help moving money out of their country, promising a share of the fortune in return.
Victims are asked to pay various fees upfront—for taxes, bribes, or legal costs—but the promised millions never arrive.
The name comes from early versions featuring Nigerian princes, though the scam predates email and takes many forms: I almost fell for a Nigerian prince scam when I was new to the internet.
- advance feePrepaid cost for services
- scamDishonest money-making scheme
- hustleEnergetic, aggressive action
- victimOne harmed by another
- financial lossNegative monetary outcome
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