419 scam: "MRS.EMEKA" <mrs.emeka@sify.com> Dear Good Friend,

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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:

An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "western union" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "moneygram" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
MoneyGram money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. Along with Western Union it is a preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
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.
- mrs.emeka@sify.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "MRS.EMEKA" <mrs.emeka@sify.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 22:36:58 GMT
Subject: Dear Good Friend,

Dear Good Friend,

I am MRS.EMEKA ONYECHE. A widow woman from Burkina Faso. My husband was killed by unknown gun men on 20th April 2002. I am the only person training my children in school since my husband died but this year 2010, I don't have money to pay their school fee. Please, I need your financial assist. Help me with the sum of US$450 or any amount you can afford. If you can assist me, send the money by western union or moneygram in my name below:

Beneficiary: MRS. EMEKA ONYECHE
Receiving country: BURKINA FASO.
The city: OUAGADOUGOU.
ZIP: 226

After you have sent the money, please email me the western union details to this my email address mrs.emeka@sify.com
I pray to God that, as you assist me (A WIDOW), God Almighty will make a way for you to train your children too. God will bless your business and you will not lack money. You shall not die but live to see the glory of God in your life and family.

Yours Sister,
MRS.E.ONYECHE.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam