The Nigerian relationship scammers are a big business, which is very lucrative, and is run just like a business. There is an office filled with people, who come to work to scam you out of your money. They operate with scripts, fake documents to use as "proof" and use each other to answer the phone or call you when need be.
They start off with some sob story about either being a widower, or their wife left them for another man. They usually say they have at least one child. They say all the right things, but you should be realistic and see that they are saying them ALL TOO SOON.
This is a business, they don't want to waste MONTHS getting a payout from you, the longest is usually 4-5 weeks and then they start asking for money. They claim to be businessmen traveling to Nigeria for work related issues, or simply say they work in Nigeria. (Some are getting smarter now and not even telling you it is Nigeria). They seem well educated, funny, caring, and pay you so much attention!
Once they profess their love and you return it, they know they have you hooked and the money scam falls into place. At this point they may either talk about needing money for plane tickets to come and see you (of course they will pay you back, they have the money, and often will offer proof that they do have it) and one of the many excuses is because they can't cash their check in Nigeria;the check is late; or it is coming any minute. Of course, when you go to the airport to pick them up, they never show, and while you are crying and upset, they either call and tell you they had missed the plane, there was a problem with their paperwork and weren't allowed to leave the country, or a sudden illness/accident occurred!
Now they need MORE money, and the scam continues until you stop paying. You would think after getting some money from you they would be on to the next, which is wrong. Their motto is "bleed them dry til they have nothing left". I cannot tell you how many people have become victims to this scam, and have been left with not just a broken heart, but in financial ruin as well.