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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: "ofori robert" <robertofori1@livedoor.com>
Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2008 15:51:54 +0100
Subject: I DO EXPECT YOU RROMPT RESPONSE.


Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Mr. Robert Ofori (in Ghana) our client died Three years ago
leaving behind Capital amount (US$17.5M with interest) in our bank here
where I work, I am his account manager, till date nobody has come forward or
put application for the claim.

During the bank private search for the relative recently your name and email
contact was among the findings that matches the same surname as the deceases
name is (withheld for security reason) who died interstate with no Will or
next of kin.

To maintain the level of security required I have intentionally left out the
final details. I want you to come forward since I can provide you with the
details needed for you to claim the Funds so that I can be gratify by you,
in this way $8million you and $9.5million for me and my colleague that will
do all the crucial part in the bank to have the claim release to you
promptly. To affirm your willingness and cooperation please do so by
replying me on this Email; and my Private telephone number is
(00-233-246-968-772)

a. Your complete names
b. Your address
c. Private telephone number

I do expect you prompt response.

Thank you,
Mr. Robert Ofori

Anti-fraud resources: