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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.

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

Fraud email example:

From: "Michael S. Atsu" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <michsatsu@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 20:29:00 -0500
Subject: MESSAGE FROM (Mr. Michael S. Atsu)

 
 
 
Hello My Dear
 
I am Mr. Michael S. Atsu, From Takoradi Ghana staff of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana,I have A business proposal of (US$9,450,000.00), for you from my Bank.
 
Finally if you are interested I shall provide you with more details. which I need your co-operation as my partner to transfer this Money to your bank account within Five (5) working days.
 
This transaction is legal without any problem and it is bank to bank transfer and 100% risk free. As soon as the Nine Million four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollar [$9,450.000.00]is transferred to your bank account, you shall
 
take 40%, while I take 60%. If you are interested to work with me reply my email so I can send you more details.
 
And I can provide any needed document during the transfer.
 
My Best Regards,
Mr. Michael S. Atsu.

Anti-fraud resources: