Be alert, if you are an e-trader.

"Nigerians" like to target big priced items, for example mobile phones, LCD screens, laptops, electronic/electrical items, jewellery, branded apparel and even expensive livestock like race horses!

In their desperateness, they offer to pay up to twice your asking price and request for express overnight shipping by FedEx or DHL. Naturally, they are ever so willing to pay for the shipping as they have an "account" with these reputable courier companies.

Oft times, these scammers will tell the seller that they want the item FAST (overnight shipping) as so-and-so's birthday, graduation, wedding and what-not is coming up soon.

And payment will be made via any of the online payment facilitators like Moneygram, Western Union or Paypal or they will even send you an International Money Order by airmail.

Well, well, well, if you agree to use Moneygram, Western Union, Paypal or the likes, you will very quickly receive payment notification seemingly from these above-mentioned online payment facilitators.

Take note that legitimate email from these companies will address you by your NAME registered with them, and will definitely NOT address you as "SELLER".

If you agree to accept International Money Order, yes, you will receive it via airmail, BUT sorry to say that, you will not be able to cash it, as it's a fake Money Order. It looks exactly like a genuine one, though, as they do make use of real printers to print such documents.

Anyway, always BE ALERT and do NOT be greedy.

Knowledge is POWER so read more on Nigerian Scam 419, which is readily available on the internet.

Happy Trading!