As I’ve referred many times to my favourite 419 scam (even more so than the James Bond scenario I described a couple of posts ago), concerning the repatriation of the Nigerian astronaut stranded on a secret Soviet space station since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, I’m overjoyed to see that it’s still alive and kicking. As is the astronaut, apparently, though there are a few logical flaws in the story.
Can it really be cheaper to keep sending him supplies per Progress than to send a Soyuz to bring him home? And can I really trust the calculation of his back-pay of $15m US when the scammer hasn’t noticed that he’s apparently been there at least 22 years, not 14?
Still, I wouldn’t want to understate the zero-gravity of the situation. On the other hand, from what I’ve heard of the current state of Lagos, I suspect that a few days back there would probably have Air Force Major Abacha Tunde begging to be sent back to the peace and quiet of a secret space station. Perhaps they’ll let him bring it back with him.
Hat tip to Rob Slade for the pointer.
David Harley
ESET Senior Research Fellow
Check Chain Mail and Hoaxes 
Thank you! I got this scam a couple of years ago and mentioned it in my blog. I’ve got a lesson to teach at school soon about internet security and thought it would be a brilliant example, but I couldn’t find the thing again. The link is much appreciated. Copied, pasted and ready to bemuse my S3 pupils 🙂
By: Mosh on October 6, 2012
at 10:29 pm