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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: "Richmond" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <pvt.privatematter@outlook.com>
Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2017 03:08:50 +0200
Subject: Message From: Richmond

Greetings to you.
 
I got your contact from your country commerce directory and I decided to contact you in regards to this offer so kindly get back to me if you are interested.
 
My name is Richmond Opoku, the son of Late Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, a prominent Ashanti King that ruled the richly gold reserve Ashanti Kingdom for 29 years.
 
My dad died and left me an inheritance of 200kg of locally refined gold bars of 23 carat plus and 96% purity. Its 17 years now since he died and I just turned 23years and have graduated from University so according to our tradition my inheritance is due for me.
 
I solicit if you will be able to purchase this gold bars or help me market it in your country. I really want to relocate and it has always been my dream to live in quiet and serene country, We will discuss further on how to get it across to you and terms and arrangements on your percentage of helping me out. Since I am not yet matured much in age, you will help me buy a house there as I relocate.
 
I am waiting for your kind reply through my email: pvt.privatematter@outlook.com
 
 
Regards,
 
Richmond Opoku
 

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