419ers busted, $2.1 billion in fraudulent checks

Authorities in several countries have cracked down on Nigerian e-mail scammers, resulting in the seizure of over $2.1 billion in fraudulent checks. The National Consumers League, in conjunction with the US Postal Inspection Service, announced yesterday that 77 arrests have been made in connection with the scams.

"The most important thing consumers need to know to protect themselves from fake check scams is that there is no legitimate reason why anyone would give you a check or money order and ask you to wire money anywhere in return," NCL VP Susan Grant said in a statement. "No matter the details of the scheme—whether they're trying to purchase something from you, asking for your help moving money around, or saying you've won a foreign lottery—it's a scam."