Nigerian scams and alcoholism
What do Nigerian scams have to do with alcoholism?
Most con artists, including Charles Ponzi, are or have been alcohol or other-drug addicts. The Nigerian scam, a variation of the up-front fee con originating in the Sir Francis Drake scam perfected by the alcoholic Oscar Hartzell, is no exception. Just as alcohol permeates the offices of penny-stock boiler-rooms, I’d bet my reputation that it does so at the offices of Nigerian con-artists.
Those unfortunate enough to meet such a con artist usually note an inflated sense of self and charm. These are both consistent with alcoholism, which causes egomania, which results in a need to wield power over others. One way by which to exert power is charm. A classic example of such charm portrayed on the big screen is Al Pacino’s Lt. Col. Frank Slade in “Scent of a Woman.” Slade was a full-blown alcoholic.
Con artists are nothing if not charming. And they are usually alcoholics. I’ve written four books focused on showing how to detect alcoholism before becoming financially, professionally or romantically entangled, including “Drunks, Drugs and Debits: How to Recognize Addicts and Avoid Financial Abuse.”