Media Release

Queensland Police continue the fight against fraud

Operation Echo Track commenced in February 2006 to continue to monitor fraudulent funds being transferred to Nigeria.

It has been identified by police that during the twelve month operation period, approximately $4,451,466.00 has been defrauded from Queenslanders by the Nigerians and their associates around the world, the recent average is just under $500,000.00 per month.

These individuals and syndicates have sent a total of approximately $17,835,307.00 to the fraudsters during their period of involvement and in no instances have these victims received any money in return.

These Queensland figures are estimated to be one fifth of the National loss.

According to Acting Superintendent Brian Hay, “The social impact of these scams has been devastating and many victims are at an age where they are unable to return to the workforce to earn money for their retirement.”

“Victims have attempted suicide, lost their wealth, lost friends, become estranged from their family, deceived partners, suffered divorce, committed criminal offences to obtain further funds to send to Nigeria, lost their dignity and suffered depression,” he said.

The operation is estimated to have saved approximately $3,333,071.00, although this figure is subject to individual variances such as a victim’s willingness to accept they have been defrauded

“One of the biggest issues we have faced is convincing people that they are a victim” said Acting Superintendent Hay.

The QPS has entered into partnership with Griffith University to develop a behavioural science communication methodology to more effectively convince victims that they have been victimised.

Police would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the following warnings:

·         Do not respond to uninitiated emails, faxes, communications

·         Do not enter into investments with people you have never met

·         Do not send cash money to people overseas that you do not know

For more information on Nigerian Scams, visit www.police.qld.gov.au/nigerianscams, here you will find warnings, background information and links to example contracts and documents issued to victims of Nigerian fraud.