Police warn about internet scammers

Queensland Police are warning people to be wary of investment scams, after more than $7 million was netted by Nigerian scammers from Queenslanders.

According to a statement from the Queensland Police Service, an analysis was carried out of people who sent money to Nigeria over a two month period. "Detectives from the Fraud and Corporate Crime Group identified 25 people who fell victim to the promise of high returning investments and lost a lot of money as a result," the statement said.

Inspector Brian Hay said potential investors should be cautious of ventures which must proceed under a cloud of secrecy. "They should also avoid getting involved in an investment that requires the payment of fees to release money or to bribe local officials,” Hay said.

He said among the range of people conned by the internet scams were financial advisors, lawyers, professors and retirees.

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