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There
are 4 messages in this issue:
Message 1 - Programme Manager- Asia +b
Message 3 - Drug Demand Reduction Consultant - Muong Xen and Hanoi, Vietnam +
b
Message 4 - Current Career Opportunities at SOZA Part 2
Found at the
Bottom of this Issue:
Internet
Fleecing Scams Thrive In Nigeria
Posted by:
Baur, Tom tbaur@opportunity.org.uk
Opportunity International UK is part of
a global Christian network which shares a dynamic vision to transform those
living in poverty through microfinance.
As a member of our Programme Team you
will seek and manage grants from corporate and institutional donors and develop
strategic relationships with funding partners in the sector. You will have a
good working knowledge of corporate fundraising and a good understanding of
Asian development issues and microfinance.
Apply by CV and covering letter with
reference "AsiaPM", to Neil Cuthbert, Director, Opportunity
International -
For further information about this post
and our organisation, please visit our website at: www.opportunity.org.uk
Closing date for applications is 26
August 2002, interviews are expected to take place in week commencing
27 August. Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.
Opportunity International specialises in
providing microfinance services for the developing world. We tackle poverty by
creating jobs and stimulating small businesses and local economies, through the
provision of small loans, training and financial services. OI is a global
network of 31 organisations working to serve 2 million clients a year by 2010.
Please mention clearly in your job application letter that you
learned of this job opportunity through DEVJOBS, and mention the URL of its
website - www.devjobsmail.com. Thanks.
UNDCP: Alternative
Development Consultant - Muong Xen and
Posted by: Per Vogel vogel@un.org.vn
Organization: UNDCP
Project AD/VIE/01/F21
Place of Assignment: Muong Xen (Ky Son
District, Nghe An Province) and
Job Description:
The UNDCP funded project VIE/01/F21,
which is executed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development together
with UNDCP is working among former opium poppy cultivating communities in Ky
Son District, Nghe An Province to provide a development model to replace opium
poppy cultivation with sustainable alternative licit ways of generating income
among the villagers in the remote and poor mountainous communes of Ky Son.
In order to support the National
Executing Agency in its implementation of the project, technical assistance in
terms of short-term international consultancies are funded through the project
with an aim to strengthen either specific technical aspects of the project or
the capacity of those working with the project. The purpose of this consultancy
is to support project implementation and specifically capacity building by
providing direct technical assistance to the project staff in the
implementation process. The main duties and responsibilities of the consultant
will be to:
·
Advice Project Management Team on action-oriented project
management in all stages of implementation.
·
Provide practical advise on the management's coordination
with key stakeholders like District authorities, project Government Counterpart
staff as well as province authorities and local people.
·
Provide technical support and training in project management
to project manager. To 'coach' the project manager during the duration of the
consultancy.
·
Assist PMT to set up a practical mechanism and guidelines
on participatory planning & implementation as well as participatory
monitoring & evaluation of project activities..
·
Advice on teambuilding with practical exercises.
·
Assess project viability in terms of staffing as well as
relevance of components in project document.
QUALIFICATIONS:
ü The applicant
should be holding a University Degree in a field like agriculture, (agro-)
forestry, development economics or similar field.
ü The applicant
should have at least ten years of relevant working experience in the
development field, preferably with prior experience of work with UN related
projects.
ü Excellent
management skills and prior practical experience in managing implementation of
integrated rural development projects.
ü Strong
analytical skills and excellent writing skills.
ü Relevant working
experience in the Southeast Asian region is required. Prior working experience
in Vietnam is considered an advantage.
ü Prior experience
with participatory monitoring and evaluation, community development, off-farm
income generation, post-harvesting and rural marketing development is
considered advantageous when applying for this position.
ü Knowledge of
UNDCP Alternative Development concept also considered an advantage.
ü Fluency in both
written and spoken English is required and knowledge of Vietnamese is
considered an advantage
Starting Date:
23 September 2002 30 working
days (23 Sep-1 Nov 02)
Salary Range: Application should indicate consultant daily rates
Deadline: 30 August 2002
Submit applications to:
Per Vogel
Please mention clearly in your job application letter that you
learned of this job opportunity through DEVJOBS, and mention the URL of its
website - www.devjobsmail.com. Thanks.
Drug Demand Reduction Consultant - Muong Xen and Hanoi, Vietnam + b
Posted by: Per Vogel vogel@un.org.vn
Organization: UNDCP Vietnam
Project AD/VIE/01/F21
Place Assignment: Muong Xen (Ky Son District, Nghe An Province)
and Hanoi
Job Description:
The UNDCP funded project VIE/01/F21
which is executed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development together
with UNDCP is working among former opium poppy cultivating communities in Ky
Son District, Nghe An Province to find a way to replace opium poppy cultivation
with sustainable alternative licit ways of generating income among the villagers
in the remote and poor mountainous communes of Ky Son. In the current second
phase of the project, promotion of Drug Demand Reduction activities will take a
higher profile than earlier. A response strategy for the District needs to be
developed in order to effectively address the current situation and preventing
increase in numbers of new drug users, extent of drug use as well as harm to
the user as result of drug abuse. The consultant will assist the project to
plan for its Drug Demand reduction Activities by developing an intervention
strategy inconsultation with project staff and local authorities. In order to
do so the consultant will need to:
1.
Review project planning, as well as District plans, for
Demand Reduction activities in the District/Communes.
2.
Review and discuss findings of recent demand reduction
relevant studies in the District (Participatory Needs Assessment from May/June
02 and Rapid Situation Assessment from Sep 02) with project staff and concerned
district authorities to come up with a common understanding of what needs to be
done and the best approach to take.
3.
In continued consultation with project and district
authorities Develop a Drug Demand Reduction Action/Intervention Plan for the
district and the targetted communes/villages. The activities should be outlined
and estimated budgets would include project funds as well as counterpart funds
used for such activities (if relevant and feasible) with an aim to establish
activities that will continue also after the project will have departed.
4.
Along the lines under 3) above, activities planned should
take into consideration project budget and the possibility of linking
interventions with Government contributions in this field. Other measures to
safeguard sustainability, local ownership and implementation capacity once the
project is no longer active will also be important to consider.
5.
As a technical resource person in workshop make
presentations on:
-
the concept of Demand Reduction and its various components
with practical reference to the District.
-
similar experiences in other similar areas in Southeast
asia
-
explaining harm reduction carefully as not supporting drug
use but as a humane way of dealing and helping those drug addicts that for
whatever reason have not been able to 'kick the habit'.
6. Present action plan and strategy behind it at
the DR workshop mentioned above.
QUALIFICATIONS:
ü
University Degree
in a field of relevance like sociology, social work, health, anthropology etc.
ü
Proven extensive experiences working with Drug Demand Reduction
in Southeast Asia.
ü
Excellent writing skills and analytical capacity
ü
Prior work within ethnic minority communities in highland
areas considered an advantage.
ü
Fluency in both written and spoken English is required and
knowledge of Vietnamese, Lao, or Hmong (or Thai and Khomu) considered an
advantage.
Starting Date: 20 working days (14 Oct-8 Nov 02)
Salary Range: Consultant's daily rate should be mentioned in
application
Deadline: 6 September 2002
Submit applications to:
Per Vogel
Please mention clearly in your job application letter that you
learned of this job opportunity through DEVJOBS, and mention the URL of its
website - www.devjobsmail.com. Thanks.
Senior Scientist/Technical Writer
CCKA-001
ITD/SIG/HP/TPMC
Full-Time Permanent Position
Durham, NC
Position Description:
Technology Planning and Management Corporation
(TPMC) is seeking a senior scientist/technical writer for its Durham, NC office.
In this position, we are looking for an individual with the ability to
synthesize data and contribute to high-impact, multi-disciplinary reports that
summarize research data on the chemistry, environmental occurrence and fate,
human exposure, metabolism, toxicology and carcinogenesis of a broad spectrum
of compounds. The successful candidate will be responsible for writing clear
and concise sections of documents that evaluate a series of selected agents.
Education:
M.S., or Ph.D. degree in chemistry, biochemistry,
environmental health,
toxicology, or a related field.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
At least 2 years experience in research and
evaluation of scientific studies. Demonstrated writing experience in technical
reports and/or in relevant professional peer-reviewed publications is
essential. TPMC is looking for a team player with experience working in a
fast-paced
deadline oriented environment.
DF00-046
TPMC
Web Designer I/Intern
Charleston, SC
DF00-046
Description: The responsibilities of this position
include editing existing Web pages, adding content and creating new Web sites.
This position will support the NOAA Coastal Service Services Center's Coastal
Remote Sensing Program. This position is considered a one-year internship. Specific
duties include editing exiting Web pages, creating new Web sites, some minor
graphic design work may also be required.
Education: BS degree not required
Requirements: Requires the ability to mark up
documents in HTML without the use of an HTML editor and to incorporate
previously written CGI and/or Java code in Web pages. Experience with
Dreamweaver a plus.
DF00-047
TPMC
REMOTE SENSING SPECIALIST
Job #: DF00-047
Location: Charleston, SC
Description:
This position is in support of the Coastal Remote
Sensing (CRS) Program and the successful candidate will be part of a team
producing land cover and change data products, exploring the applied uses of
new technologies, and develop applications to assists coastal resource managers
in addressing environmental issues. The Image Analyst will provide a wide range
of remote sensing and GIS support. Key duties and responsibilities include but
not are limited to the following: · Image processing and analysis of satellite-derived
land cover and change data products· Participation in project teams
Participation in accuracy assessments of data products· Facilitate the use of
remote sensing data and information for coastal resource management· Summarize
project data and results in maps, graphs, tables, and narrative formats ·
Create demonstration datasets, maps and materials. In addition to the core
responsibilities outlined above, the position
will support other functions and special projects that delegated from
the Technical Program Manager.
Education: MS/MA in geography, GIS, remote sensing,
computer science,
biology, forestry, wetland ecology, or related
field; or BS/BA plus 4
years of related work experience
REMOTE SENSING/GIS PROJECT MANAGER
Job #: DF00-048
Location: Charleston, SC
Description:
This position will support the NOAA Coastal Services
Center's Coastal Remote Sensing (CRS) Program in the production of C-CAP land
cover data, as well, as assist in outsourcing the production of LiDAR and other
remote sensing data sources. This is a leadership position that will provide
project and team management for a variety of CRS activities. Duties include
leading the Center's land use / land cover activities which includes managing the Center's Coastal
Change Analysis Program (C-CAP), a national remote sensing effort to classify
land cover and land cover change along the coastal US and to provide
coordination, communication, and collaboration to the Center's efforts and to
the Center's constituents. This position is in support of the Center's Coastal
Remote Sensing (CRS) Program to provide state and local coastal resource
managers and decision-makers with recent, comprehensive, applicable, and useful
coastal land cover and change information to help facilitate effective use and
management of coastal resources. The successful candidate will lead a team
producing land cover and change data products, exploring the applied uses of
new technologies, and develop applications to assists coastal resource managers
in addressing environmental issues. In
addition to the core responsibilities outlined above, the position will support other functions and special
projects that delegated from the Technical Program Manager.
Education: Masters degree required in geography,
GIS, remote sensing, computer science, biology, forestry, wetland ecology, or
related field
Requirements: 5 years of related experience,
management experience in a Remote Sensing environment. Familiarity with FGDC
standards Familiarity with remote sensing principles and experience integrating
digital imagery into a GIS. Familiarity
with Visual Basic, MapObjects, Avenue, ArcIMS, C++, RDBMS, or HTML. Strong oral
and written skills, communicate regularly with project staff, handle multiple
tasks.
GIS ANALYST
Job #: DF00-050
Charleston, SC
DESCRIPTION:
GIS Analyst to support our contract with the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center
(Center) in historic Charleston, SC. The successful candidate will be part of a
team responsible for producing spatial data and GIS applications designed to
help state and local governments visualize and manage environmental resources,
with special emphasis on coastal and marine hazards. The Coastal Services
Center is an information and technology resource working to meet the needs of the coastal
management community. For more information on the
EDUCATION: BS/BA in geography, GIS, computer
science, marine science or related field.
REQUIREMENTS: Minimum of 1 year of experience
developing GIS applications with ESRI products. Familiarity with coastal zone
and coastal hazards issues a plus. Key duties and responsibilities include but
not are limited to the following...we are seeking experience in the following:
* Quality assurance and metadata
* GIS data production
* Map production
* Participation in project teams
*Limited HTML and Web designIn addition to the core responsibilities
outlined above, the position will support other functions and special projects
that delegated from the Technical Program Manager.
Mid/Senior Web Developer
Annandale, VA
PBBF0-011
Position Description:
Highly energetic, organized, intuitive and
analytical Web Developer Consultants are required for a dynamic group
designing, building, and maintaining financial applications for mostly federal
clients. Successful candidates will need to be able to perform a range of
duties including but not limited to Web Development (Primarily in ASP, however
experience in VB, Cold Fusion and javascript also welcome), database
administration, systems consulting, server configuration, software training,
technical writing, and automation analysis. Primary responsibility will be web
application development in ASP. Candidates will be required to learn,
understand and use Government functional processes. Some local and domestic
travel may be required.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities:
2+ years successful experience in the development
and deployment of dynamic web systems with Active Server Pages (ASP) and strong
knowledge of web technologies, and database development. Strong SQL Server or
Oracle required as is a knowledge of database principles and their interaction
with webpages. Developer will work on all stages of the software development
life cycle. Excellent verbal and written communication skills required, as may
be interfacing directly with clients. Experience with or knowledge of
Government Financial Processes is HIGHLY Desired. Proficiency with SQL
required. Education: A degree in Computer Science or related discipline is
highly desired, however those with
relevant development experience will be considered.
MCD-FSG
MANAGER OF AUDIT
JOB #: BBB0-008
LOCATION: Falls Church & DC area
DUTIES: Duties will include project management and
supervising audit engagement teams for a variety of government clients. Also,
writing will be required for audit reports and proposals Significant
interaction with client management.. Will be managing a group of about 3-7
people
EDUCATION: Bachelors Degree in Accounting
REQUIREMENTS: We require 5 - 7 years experience with
Federal government financial statement audits. CPA is required. Familiar with
OMB requirements for the Federal Government. Knowledge of standards issued by
FASAB (Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board). Experience with Yellow
book standards. About 20-40% travel involved.
Sr. Trainer/ Analyst
Job # QBBD0-031
Location: VA/DC/MD
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
Assists the client in the planning and coordination
of all site training requirements for our DOD client. Acts as training lead for
the client at all on-site and off-site training sessions. Assists client with
training curriculum development and maintenance. Performs duties as platform
instructor for training on government travel policies and procedures and help
desk operations. Assists client in coordinating training seminars and
conferences. Serves as member of integrated fielding teams. Assists client with
coordination of site fielding requirements. Assists sites in the setup of our
clients' organizations, routing lists, and associated permission level
assignment to individual travelers.
Education:
Batchelor’s degree and 8+ years of experience are
required.
Duties:
Must have excellent oral and written communication
skills. Must be proficient in basic Microsoft programs (Word, PowerPoint,
Access, Excel). Requires detailed knowledge of DoD structure and trainining
practices, and we strongly prefer automated travel software skills. Extensive
travel will be required.
* Applicants selected will be subject to a
government security
investigation and must meet eligibility requirements
for access to
classified information.
MID LEVEL ANALYST/ TRAINER
JOB# QBBD0-032
Location: Crystal City, VA
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: Must have
excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be proficient in basic
Microsoft programs (Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel). Requires detailed
knowledge of DoD structure, trainining practices, and we prefer knowledge of
automated travel software. Applicants selected will be subject to a government
security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to
classified information. Extensive travel will be required.
EDUCATION: 3+ years experience and a Bachelor’s
degree is required.
DUTIES: Assists the client in the planning and
coordination of all site training requirments for our automated DoD client.
Acts as training lead for the client at all on-site and off-site training
sessions. Assists client with training curriculum development and maintenance.
Performs duties as platform instructor for training on government travel
policies and procedures and help desk operations. Assists client in
coordinating training seminars and conferences. Serves as member of integrated
fielding teams. Assists client with cooridination of site fielding requirments.
Assists sites in the setup of our client's organizations, routing lists, and
associated permission level assignment to individual travelers.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TEAM LEADER
Job #: QBBD0-038
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
DESCRIPTION:
Manages the resource management functions in support
of a Government agency. Performs, directs, and coordinates activities of
personnel responsible for formulation, monitoring and presentation of
Government agency budgets for controlling funds to implement program
objectives. Directs compilation of data based on statistical studies and
analysis of past and current years to prepare budgets and to justify funds
requested. Correlates appropriations for specific programs with appropriations
for divisional programs and includes items for emergency funds. Reviews operating
budgets periodically to analyze trends affecting budget needs. Reconciles
chargeback/service pool data with financial systems.
EDUCATION: BS/BA degree preferred.
REQUIREMENTS:
7+ years experience in performing budgeting and
financial management functions for Government programs or twelve (12) years
equivalent experience in Government financial systems management and support
services in lieu of degree. Ability to motivate workforce to achieve and exceed
performance-based metrics. Extensive experience in developing Task Order
proposals and negotiating with the Government to execute Task Orders. Working
knowledge of NASA or Navy budgeting processes and/or methodology is highly
desirable. Experience with full cost accounting and integrated financial management
systems is a plus. MUST be a problem solver. Excellent oral and written
communication skills.
Sr. Financial analyst
Job# qbbf0-012
Pentagon, Arlington, VA
POSITION DESCRIPTION: Provides on-site support to
military staff operating agency in areas
of program, budget, and accounting. Provides expert advice, assistance an
coordination. Prepares staff papers, issue papers, exhibits, reports and
justifications for PPBES (planning, programming, budgeting execution system).
Conducts analysis supported by briefings or documented reports.
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree required.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: Experienced in DoD
and Army accounting, budgeting and costing at the ARSTAF or MACOM level. Must
have 7+ years demonstrated experience in Army PPBES. Direct knowledge of POM
and budget preparation processes. Applicant must have excellent oral and
written communications skills. Applicant must have the ability to review,
resolve and document program and budget issues, must be conversant with Army
Departmental staffing process. Experience with PROBE, STANFINS, PBAS, and Army
installation management preferred but not required. Applicants selected will be
subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility
requirements for access to
classified information
Manager- International Transformation (3 openings)
Annandale, VA/Wash DC area/international locations
Job #: QBC00-069
Description:
Assemble and manage a team of international
consultants and professional advisors (subcontractors) performing
national-level infrastructure assessment and privatization activities for our
Management Consulting Division.
Education: Masters degree required.
Requirements:
Seeking about 10-15 years "Big Five" manager
experience preferred performing international consulting work with a stress on
Government reform/privatization/strategic assessments. Self-starter with
experience establishing international project offices; One of the three
positions requires full bilingual (Spanish and English) language and business
expertise; a substitute for Big Five experience is manager level oversight with
an international financial institution or donor agency (World Bank, USAID,
EBRD) Requires proven ability to structure technical proposals and
cost&pricing; negotiation; team development and leadership. Must understand
and demonstrate experience with the project management operations of the World
Bank and other international donor agencies. Experience in commercialization,
mergers and acquisitions is also necessary.
Mandatory experience and requirements:
1. International privatization and outsourcing;
2. International project team and business unit
management;
3. One of the three positions requires fluency in
Spanish;
4. Government and commercial consulting experience
in change management,
business process reengineering, M&A, activity
based costing, strategic
planning;
5. Ability to work at remote locations overseas at
short notice for an
extended period of time (6 months or more).
Senior Software Consultant
Job #:QBD00-005
Location: Annandale, VA
We are seeking a Software Consultant with a strong
background in CMM or CMMI systems design and implementation. Candidates should
have strong knowledge of systems engineering and Business Process
Re-engineering. A BS degree is required in a related field, as well as a
minimum of 10 years of related experience. Prior formal SEI training program is
preferred. Also, knowledge of ISO standards is a plus. This motivated individual
will be responsible for growing the Consulting practice for the CMM/CMMI
program within the private and public sector. About 10% to 40% travel will be
required as needed (DC metro area and nationwide).
Project Manager
Job #: QBD00-007
Annandale, VA
Job Description:
Project Manager for the development and
implementation of enterprise-wide project management best practices for IT
projects. The project will Identify and establish repeatable project management
processes, tools and techniques; institute an enterprise-wide project
management structure that promotes the evolution of best practices; develop and
populate a enterprise-wide web based process asset library; provide training
for project managers and supervisors.
Education: BS/BA degree required.
Requirements:
About 10 years experience managing IT projects.
Experience in assisting organizations achieve Level 2 and above of the SEI's
Capability Maturity Model for Software/CMMI. Skills in System/Software
Development Life Cycle and IV&V. Experience with, understanding of
fundamentals of IT management and capital planning within project management
process,experience with ISO and PMI standard practices a plus.
Automation Specialist Voice/Data
Job #: QBE00-041
Location: Washinton, DC
Description:
This is a junior level position requiring at least 1
year experience in the installation and
maintenance of fiber optic and copper telecommunication systems.
Must be able to install and terminate copper and
fiber optic cabling. Ability to resolve
difficult and complex voice and data circuit problems. Knowledge of
installation and removal of cross-connects.
Ability to work overtime on short notice. Participation on rotational
on-call duty required.
QBE00-042
Senior Automation Specialist Voice/Data
Job #: QBE00-042
Location: Washington, DC
Description:
We are seeking at least 7 years experience in the
development, installation, and
maintenance of fiber optic and copper telecommunication systems. Must have at
least 2 years experience in supervising junior voice and data specialists. Must
be able to design and document cable plans Must be able to schedule and direct
cabling work as well as conduct
briefings, meetings and reviews for senior staff members and government
officials
Must be able to install and terminate copper and
fiber optic cabling. Ability to resolve difficult and complex voice and data
circuit problems. Knowledge of installation and removal of cross-connects.
Ability to work overtime on short notice. Participation on rotational on-call duty
may be required.
TPMC
Environmental Technician II (Fisheries)
Job # QDF00-028
Gloucester, MA
DESCRIPTION:
We are seeking a unique individual with a background
in Marine Science, Marine Policy or related for one of our Fisheries contracts.
EDUCATION: BS in Marine Science or a Life Science
degree.
REQUIREMENTS:
We are seeking 0 to 4 years of experience. Recent
College Graduates are encouraged to apply. Ability to manipulate, analyze, and understand
complex fisheries datasets and data collection programs. Must be personable and
able to interact with commercial fishermen and other agency constituents on
fisheries information programs. Experience with computers and SQL compliant
databases is a plus. Will provide program support under direct supervision of
TPMC Project Manager and Federal COTR.
GIS ANALYST
Job #: QDF00-045
Charleston, SC
DESCRIPTION:
GIS Analyst to support our contract with the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center
(Center) in historic Charleston, SC. The successful candidate will be part of a
team responsible for producing spatial data and GIS applications designed to
help state and local governments visualize and manage environmental resources,
with special emphasis on coastal and marine hazards. The Coastal Services Center is an information
and technology resource working to meet the needs of the coastal management
community. For more information on the
EDUCATION: BS/BA in geography, GIS, computer science, marine science or related field.
REQUIREMENTS: Minimum of 1 year of experience
developing GIS applications with ESRI products. Familiarity with coastal zone
and coastal hazards issues a plus. Key duties and responsibilities include but
not are limited to the following...we are seeking experience in the following:
* Quality assurance and metadata
* GIS data production
* Map production
* Participation in project teams
*Limited HTML and Web designIn addition to the core
responsibilities outlined above, the position will support other functions and
special projects that delegated from the Technical Program Manager.
Please mention clearly in your job application letter that you
learned of this job opportunity through DEVJOBS, and mention the URL of its
website - www.devjobsmail.com. Thanks.
Featured
Article:
Internet
Fleecing Scams Thrive In
A Nigerian Web scam involves
sending e-mails with promises of millions of
dollars in inheritance --
but first, cash must be sent upfront.
From Jeff Koinange
CNN Lagos Bureau
LAGOS, Nigeria (CNN) -- It
begins innocently enough. A letter or an e-mail comes addressed to you from a
Nigerian claiming to be the son of a former military head of state, and heir to
millions of dollars stashed in secret accounts across the world.
They say you're one of the
lucky few selected to receive a certain percentage of it. But there's a catch.
Shahla Ghasemi and her
husband, a doctor, lost nearly $400,000 after they were contacted by a man
posing as a Nigerian government contractor. What made her believe the initial
information was that the man knew exactly who the Ghasemis were.
"Someone in Nigeria
left the money for your husband in his will. I said if someone doesn't know us,
how can he leave the money for us?" she said.
But after a few more
questions, Ghasemi was convinced the letter was legitimate. Their share of the
money was $27 million dollars, and all they had to do was send a lawyer's fee
of $7,500.
The Ghasemis complied. But
there were further requests for more money, and close to half a million dollars
in transactions later, the Ghasemis were broke.
In letters, phone calls and
especially e-mails, con artists pose as sons of former military dictators
laying claims to millions of dollars in offshore accounts. Others still say
they're chiefs of villages with exclusive access to oil and diamond
concessions.
In Nigeria, it's referred to as 419 -- a colloquialism for advance-fee fraud. And just last month alone there were more than 50 arrests in Nigeria.
Internet cafes in Lagos'
busy commercial district make it easy for scammers to reach would-be victims
with the simple click of a mouse.
The Nigerian police are even
setting up a Web site where victims can report these scams, and posters in the city
offer rewards for information leading to the arrest of Web scammers and
fraudsters.
With the help of Interpol
and the U.S. Secret Service, police these days are locating and shutting down
local Internet sites used by scammers.
They're also pushing for legislation that will lead to the deregistering
of banks that accept large cash transfers from dubious sources.
"We are victims of
financial terrorism. Other people have to make sure they throw letters from
Nigeria into the garbage," Ghasemi said.
Police admit that their
fight against 419ers is an uphill battle. The best advice they can offer is
that when in doubt, apply the basic rule of thumb: If it sounds too good to be
true, then it probably is.
This website gets 210,000 page views a month. Certainly, one of the specific community websites in the Internet with the highest visitor record. This is one of the most favorite websites visited by development professionals.
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