Episode 1 - The History of 419: From Spanish Prisons to Modern Scams

Dive into the intriguing history and evolution of the infamous 419 scams, also known as the Nigerian prince scam or advance-fee fraud, in our debut episode. Explore its origins dating back to the 19th century Spanish Prisoner Scam, through the Nigerian context of the early to mid-20th century, to its modern manifestations facilitated by fax machines, emails, and social engineering tactics. Uncover the common variations of 419 scams, from the classic Nigerian Prince to lottery, inheritance, romance, overpayment, and investment scams. Join us as we dissect the mechanics, psychology, and cultural context surrounding these scams and offer expert insights, victim stories, legal perspectives, prevention tips, and a deeper understanding of their global impact.