419 scam: "Koffi James" <jameskoffi@airsoftmail.com> Koffi James

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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- mrsmary.abasi@sify.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Koffi James" <jameskoffi@airsoftmail.com>
Reply-To: mrsmary.abasi@sify.com
Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:49:35 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: Koffi James

My dear For your information,

Compliments of the day and God's blessings. I am glad to inform you that I
have successfully completed the transaction. The money has been
transferred to Switzerland. I succeeded through the assistance of my new
business partner from the United States of America. Currently I am in
India with him for a business trip.

However, I did not forget your past efforts in helping me then though you
weren't able to complete the project with me but honestly, I still
appreciate your past efforts. In appreciation towards your assistance, we
jointly mapped out the sum of $250.000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand
United States Dollars) and wrote in your favour a certified bank
cheque,payable to your account only which was left with my secretary and
you are expected to contact her immediately and negotiate with her the
best way to send it to you.Contact my secretary immediately you receive
this mail at her contact information below and negotiate with her the best
and safest way you want her to send the bank draft to you.

Name: Mrs. Mary Abasi
Email Address: mrsmary.abasi@sify.com

Once again, thank you very much and remain blessed with your family.Let me
know as soon as you receive your bank draft.
Best Regards,
Koffi James
Compensation for your past efforts

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam