How To Avoid 419 Trap In Nigeria.

This is getting very rampant in Nigeria. I am writing on one of the ways at which these guys operate. One common way is that they use a private vehicle for commercial purpose, well at least to me, because I have entered their traps a few times. There are usually three people ( two men and a woman) in the private vehicle, the driver, the passenger at the front seat, then a third person at the back. 

You will not suspect them because they are three, until when you enter the vehicle. A discussion will start with the driver and one of the passengers about a bag in the boot that has so much money. They will try to lure you into the conversation and that’s the bait, from there they will ask you to follow them to share in the money and before you know it, you will be asked to bring money, material things, etc.

I remember my last experience with them. I was at a bus-stop, there was traffic everywhere, no public transport, there were so many people at the bus-stop and I needed to be in school that morning. I saw this private vehicle with three people (trick 1), they asked where I was heading (trick 2), I got in the vehicle. 

After 5minutes, the driver and the female passenger in front started arguing about the transport fare, and the size of her load. The lady now started the story of how she escaped from a place with a large sum of money in bags, and the bags were in the boot of the car.

The guy next to me started talking and said he will take his share of the money. He told me that I should say something, so I can take my share. I did not say anything and they were angry with me. After four bus-stops, I quickly told them that I was getting down and I did. I thank God for his protection.

They could have kidnapped, robbed, raped and/or killed me. Therefore, I learnt my lesson. This is my advice to people especially young ladies:

• Always inform someone responsible about your whereabouts
• Always use certified commercial vehicles in the garage and park.
• Avoid entering private vehicles with strangers
• Avoid entering private vehicles used for commercial purposes
• Avoid entering public transport with few passengers
• Avoid entering public transport with passengers that look or act strangely
• Try and enter public vehicles at the garage
• Avoid entering uncolored public transport
• Avoid speaking to strangers on the road

In general, be very careful when you are going out.  

Gracias.