Causes of Advance Fee Fraud (419) and Embezzlement – JSS 1 Lesson Note

Security Education JSS 1 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 3

Topic: Causes of Advance Fee Fraud (419) and Embezzlement


Lesson Details

  • Subject: Security Education
  • Class: JSS 1
  • Term: Second Term
  • Week: 3
  • Age: 10–12 years
  • Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Define advance fee fraud (419) and embezzlement.
  2. Identify the causes of advance fee fraud and embezzlement.
  3. Explain the effects of these crimes on individuals and society.
  4. Discuss ways to prevent advance fee fraud and embezzlement.

Keywords

  • Fraud
  • 419
  • Scam
  • Embezzlement
  • Corruption

Set Induction

The teacher asks students:

  • Have you ever heard of people being scammed online or in person?
  • What do you think makes people cheat or steal money from others?
  • How do these crimes affect society?

These questions will prepare students for the lesson.


Entry Behaviour

Students may have heard about scams or cases of stolen government funds in the news.


Learning Resources and Materials

  • Newspaper articles on fraud cases.
  • Videos or posters on financial crimes.
  • Case studies of real fraud incidents.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have learned about honesty and integrity in previous lessons.


Embedded Core Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving
  • Communication Skills

Lesson Content

Definition of Advance Fee Fraud (419) and Embezzlement

  1. Advance Fee Fraud (419) is a type of fraud where a scammer tricks a victim into paying a fee upfront for a service, prize, or money that does not exist.
  2. Embezzlement is the act of stealing money or property that has been entrusted to someone, usually in a workplace or government setting.

Causes of Advance Fee Fraud (419)

  1. Greed and dishonesty – Fraudsters want quick money without working.
  2. Unemployment and poverty – Some people turn to fraud due to financial struggles.
  3. Weak law enforcement – Poor punishment for criminals encourages fraud.
  4. Ignorance and lack of awareness – Victims fall for scams due to lack of knowledge.
  5. Desperation for wealth – Some people are easily deceived by “get rich quick” schemes.
  6. Poor moral upbringing – Some people are raised without strong values.
  7. Peer influence – Friends can introduce others to fraudulent activities.
  8. Use of fake identities – Fraudsters use the internet to hide their real identity.
  9. Corrupt society – When corruption is common, more people engage in fraud.
  10. Lack of strict cyber laws – Online scammers thrive due to weak regulations.

Causes of Embezzlement

  1. Lack of accountability – Some organizations do not track funds properly.
  2. Greed for wealth – Some people steal because they want a luxurious lifestyle.
  3. Corruption in government and workplaces – Dishonest leaders encourage embezzlement.
  4. Poor supervision – When no one checks financial records, money can be stolen.
  5. Weak laws and punishment – If thieves are not punished, others will do the same.
  6. Pressure from family or society – Some steal to meet high expectations.
  7. Addiction to gambling or luxury items – Some people steal to fund their habits.
  8. Opportunity to steal without detection – When security is weak, money is easily stolen.
  9. Desire for power and status – Some people steal to maintain an expensive lifestyle.
  10. Bribery and nepotism – Some people get away with embezzlement by bribing officials.

Effects of Advance Fee Fraud (419) and Embezzlement

  1. Loss of money – Victims lose their savings to fraudsters.
  2. Damage to Nigeria’s reputation – 419 scams give the country a bad image.
  3. Increased poverty – Stolen money reduces resources for development.
  4. Lack of trust in businesses – People fear being scammed.
  5. Loss of jobs – Companies affected by fraud may shut down.
  6. Jail terms for criminals – Those caught face imprisonment.
  7. Breakdown of government services – Embezzled funds affect education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
  8. Psychological trauma for victims – Fraud victims suffer emotional stress.
  9. Encouragement of more crimes – When criminals go unpunished, others join.
  10. Economic instability – Corruption weakens national development.

Ways to Prevent Advance Fee Fraud and Embezzlement

  1. Educating people on how scams work.
  2. Strengthening laws and ensuring strict punishment for criminals.
  3. Promoting honesty and integrity in society.
  4. Encouraging accountability in workplaces and government.
  5. Reporting fraud cases to the police and financial institutions.
  6. Avoiding “get rich quick” schemes.
  7. Using secure banking and online payment systems.
  8. Promoting transparency in government finances.
  9. Encouraging businesses to have strong financial controls.
  10. Supporting job creation to reduce unemployment.

Evaluation

Choose the correct option:

  1. What is advance fee fraud (419)?
    a) A form of violent crime
    b) Tricking someone into paying money for a fake promise
    c) A government scheme
    d) A form of investment

  2. One cause of embezzlement is ____.
    a) Accountability
    b) Weak supervision
    c) Hard work
    d) Honesty

  3. Advance fee fraud affects society by ____.
    a) Building trust
    b) Reducing poverty
    c) Damaging the country’s reputation
    d) Creating jobs

  4. One way to prevent fraud is ____.
    a) Ignoring crime
    b) Educating people about scams
    c) Encouraging corruption
    d) Supporting fraudsters

  5. Weak law enforcement can ____.
    a) Reduce fraud
    b) Increase fraud
    c) Improve justice
    d) Build trust

  6. People may engage in 419 due to ____.
    a) Greed and dishonesty
    b) Integrity
    c) Lawful behavior
    d) Education

  7. A major cause of embezzlement is ____.
    a) Proper financial management
    b) Poor supervision
    c) Transparency
    d) Charity work

  8. One effect of fraud on individuals is ____.
    a) Loss of money
    b) Increased security
    c) Economic growth
    d) Happiness

  9. Corruption in government can lead to ____.
    a) Better services
    b) Embezzlement
    c) Development
    d) Honesty

  10. Reporting fraud to authorities can help in ____.
    a) Preventing crime
    b) Encouraging fraud
    c) Supporting criminals
    d) Making people rich


Class Activity Discussion

  1. What is advance fee fraud?
  2. How does 419 fraud affect Nigeria’s reputation?
  3. Why do people commit embezzlement?
  4. What happens to companies when they experience fraud?
  5. How can people protect themselves from scammers?
  6. Why do some fraudsters get away with their crimes?
  7. What should a victim of fraud do?
  8. How does corruption affect government services?
  9. What is one way to reduce fraud in society?
  10. Can fraud be completely stopped?

Conclusion

The teacher marks students’ work and gives feedback.


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