The Special Operations Department, 221b Baker Street, London NW1 4BD

You have probably received emails with the words 'URGENT' and 'CONFIDENTIAL' in the subject field. The sender claims to be a bank manager, businessman, prince, doctor or other ficticious occupation. According to the e-mail, they have access to millions of dollars in 'trunk boxes', usually kept in a 'security company'. However, your assistance is needed to move the money abroad, where you will receive a percentage of the total in a 'risk-free' transaction.

In order to release the money, however, legal fees, 'demurrage' (money charged by the 'security company' for holding the (imaginary) money, or 'consignment') or bank deposit fees are charged. These fees, of course, are paid by the person targeted by the criminals (usually by Western Union). It is then that the fraudsters take their leave or sensing more profit, try to squeeze more money out of their target. 

Here is where the scam becomes more complex and dangerous. Please see the links section for more details.   

This illegal industry, perpetuated mainly from West Africa (especially Nigeria and the Ivory Coast), has 'earned' these ruffians many millions of pounds over the years, usually from people without the intelligence (but certainly with the greed) to see this pernicious practise for what it is: Advance Fee Fraud, or to use the vernacular, 419 fraud, named after the relevant section in the Nigerian Penal Code which outlaws the practise.

The Special Operations Department - part of the Foreign Office - exists to combat the pernicious activities of criminals perpetuating this activity. Its Special Agents - deep undercover - take on the fraudsters by engaging them in dialogue, mainly by email, ensuring that these people get exactly what they deserve; their time wasted, their money spent (on Internet café time) and their hopes dashed. We then expose them on the very best and widely read anti-419 fraud website in the world, www.scamorama.com. 

However, it is not the greedy and stupid whom we are sworn by Her Majesty to protect, rather the innocent who enter into these ficticious transactions to earn money for decent reasons. It is, after all, not a crime to be financially ruined. Please do remember the ruffians behind the crime will 'scam' anyone; their fellow Africans, for example (whilst railing against countries like our dear old UK, citing colonialist 'crimes'), or charitable institutions.

Please note, however, that The Special Operations Department does not, has not and never will discriminate against anyone for their race, religion, skin colour, and so forth. That is irrelevant. It just so happens that 419 Fraud originated and is perpetrated from, certain parts of Africa.

Do take some time to explore our site, and if you are interested in joining the fight against these evil criminals, please contact me on my private and confidential e-mail address: agathabristol@yahoo.co.uk

Yours ever,

Lady Agatha Bristol, CBE - Head of Special Operations, Foreign Office, London