What are some common wire transfer scams?

Common wire transfer schemes include the Nigerian letter scheme and refund scams. Recipients of phone calls or letters should never give out their bank account numbers or other identifying information to unknown parties.

The Nigerian letter scheme usually involves an email from a purported Nigerian government official who asks the recipient to send money for assistance with some type of government matter. That person is then promised both the return of his money and a financial reward for helping.

Refund scams involve a caller who claims to be with the Federal Trade Commission and promises the target a refund from the agency, but asks for the target's bank account information as part of the process.