Before the internet took over they used the fax some but mostly snail mail. A friend and I called the guy in Nigeria to talk it over. It didn't take long for him to figure out that we were yanking his chain. Whereupon he showed us he was well versed in US profanity.

Lots of horror stories on the gullible that fall for this variation of the old "pigeon drop".

Lots of variables, their best outcome is to actually get you to come to Nigeria. Then it takes a fortune to get you out. If that isn't possible they go for the highest figure they can negotiate for "good faith", document expense etc.