Car hire in Togo - Business Fraud

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Business Fraud

BUSINESS FRAUD: Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including Americans. While such fraud schemes in the past have been largely associated with Nigeria, they are now prevalent throughout West Africa, including Togo. The scams pose a danger of both financial loss and physical harm. Recently, an increasing number of American citizens have been the targets of such scams.

Typically, these scam operations begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by e-mail) from an unknown individual who describes a situation that promises quick financial gain, often by assisting in the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of the country. A series of "advance fees" must then be paid in order to conclude the transaction: for example, fees to open a bank account, or to pay certain taxes. In fact, the final payoff does not exist; the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the "advance fees." A common variation is a request for an American to pretend to be the next-of-kin to a recently deceased Togolese who left a fortune unclaimed in a Togolese bank. This variation generally includes requests for lawyers' fees and money to pay taxes to withdraw the money. Another common variation of this scheme involves individuals claiming to be refugees or other victims of various western African conflicts (notably Sierra Leone) who contact U.S. citizens to request their help in transferring large sums of money out of Togo. Another typical ploy has persons claiming to be related to present or former political leaders who need assistance to transfer large sums of cash. Other variations include what appears to be a legitimate business deal requiring advance payments on contracts.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim of advance-fee fraud is common sense - if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Any unsolicited business proposal originating from Togo should be carefully inspected before any funds are committed, any goods or services are provided, or any travel is undertaken. Please check the Embassy web site at http://lome.usembassy.gov for the most current information on fraud in Togo. For additional information, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "Advance Fee Business Scams," available at the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.