You open your email client and at the top of your inbox is a request from a Nigerian prince who needs your help.
The prince has a large amount of money – say $40 million – earned from an oil contract with the USA which he needs access to, but cannot deposit into his own bank account.
The victim is asked if they can open a bank account in Nigeria into which the money can be transferred. A cut is promised to the victim if they are willing to help.
The prince then tells the victim his representatives will send the contact details of the bank.
False details are given to the victim, who unknowingly sends their personal details and an “account opening fee” to the fraudster.