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Police Found $43 Million In A Nigerian Apartment And Everyone On The Internet Is Making The Same Joke

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Getty Images | Chung Sung-Jun

Sometimes I swear life plays jokes on us.

Take this recent news story for instance. Nigerian police uncovered more than $43 million in U.S. dollar notes from an apartment in Nigeria this month. They say “the funds are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.”

It’s not exactly clear where the money came from, or whether it came from a popular scam, but police believe it’s definitely sketchy.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Facebook

If you’ve been around the internet long enough, you’ve probably received an email from someone claiming to live in Nigeria. They’ll claim to be royalty (Nigerian prince, anyone?). a successful businessman or a government official whose money is temporarily tied up.

They promise to transfer tons of that money if you’ll pay the fees or taxes they need to get that money.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Facebook

Of course, these folks are trying to steal your money or your identity—or both. Even still, people fall for it.

“These messages are the butt of late night jokes, but people still respond to them,” says the Federal Trade Commission.

Which is why the entire internet collectively cracked up when news of the found cash broke.

One Twitter user wrote: “Dang! That Prince sent me an email to tell me that he had this money and needed my help. I thought it was a scam.”

https://twitter.com/robaw10/status/853396554685829120

Another woman wrote, “Maybe I should email that Nigerian prince back, after all.”

https://twitter.com/ohthatkristina/status/852712914435944448

Another guy tweeted: “So that Prince DID have money to send to me!”

Jokes aside, don’t fall for this type of scam in the future.

Here’s what the Federal Trade Commission suggests:

“These emails can really tug at your heartstrings and appeal to your sense of altruism. Successful scam artists know exactly how to get you to give up your money. If you get an email asking you to send money to help out a stranger, delete it. Someone is up to no good, and trying to manipulate your emotions.”

If you’ve already been scammed this way, the FTC suggests calling your local Secret Service field office.

About the Author

Sarah Kuta

Sarah Kuta is an award-winning writer and editor based in Colorado. She writes regularly about how to find deals, save money and find side gigs. Reach her at sarah@dontwasteyourmoney.com. More.

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