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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:

Fraud email example:

From: Richard Kwaku <drrichardkwakuecowasgh1@yahoo.com.ph>
Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2011 01:39:02 +0800 (SGT)
Subject: RE://CONFIRM YOUR EMAIL ID




 
Attn: Dear

Good day and how are you today?

Listen carefully for the information, As courtesy demands, I am Dr Richard Kwaku The Operations Manager In Ecowas head office Ghana There is an information I think might interest you.

First of all, I do not know if I am talking to the right person, but I will like you to confirm if you are the owner of this email ID. Already I have your name and details in our file in the office, but somehow I am not comfortable and too sure. So I just want to make sure am communicating with the real owner of this Email ID Whom we also have your other detail in our data.

If you can proof that you are the owner of this email ID, then I will furnish you with the information that I have for you.
So by your respond, if you can be able to Identify your name and address as we have it in Data here, I will proceed and let you know what news we have for you.

I am taking this preventive measure because I do not want to talk to the wrong person because of the sensitivity of the information regarding your out standing Payment.
Other details will be forwarded to you as soon as I am convinced I am communicating with the right person.

Special Thanks To You My Good Friend ,
Respectful
Thank You
Dr Richard Kwaku

Anti-fraud resources: