419 scam: Philip Johnson <philipjon2014@gmail.com> PLEASE HELP

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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:

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "the consignment" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "consignment " (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "million dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "power of attorney" (with your bank details and a power of attorney form criminals sometimes empty bank accounts)
- "liberia" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: Philip Johnson <philipjon2014@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2017 11:54:10 +0100
Subject: PLEASE HELP

Hello.

It was my pleasure to write to you.

My name is philip Johnson I have my inheritance boxes in United Kingdom
which my late father, His Royal Highness King Musinga Johnson of Kreo
Community in Liberia deposited for safekeeping purpose due to the war
situation in my country over the years. The boxes contains $8.5 million
dollars and I like to invest my inheritance funds with you in your
country because is a very beautiful place and holds fantastic investment
opportunities for foreigners, so I intend entrust you with to invest a
total of US$8.5m specifically in your country in any lucrative business

Meanwhile, I am original from Liberia but reside here in Ghana as refugees.
I want to secure my future with these investments and you will be entitled
to a percentage of the investments which we will share 70/30, if you can
help and guide me. Also let me know if you have knowledge of any other
business that can give good profits within a reasonable short period of
time.

As regards to my mail and also to prove what am telling you and for us to
build trust, I crossed my heart and attached the vital documents which were
issued to our father the day the deposit was made, so that you can confirm
things for yourself, these are my copies of the documents, the deposit
certificate, deposit mandate, also Anti-Terrorist/Drug Certificate. I took
this bold step with great faith in God and believe that you will listen to
me and help me, so that I can join you in your country once you receive
these consignments and continue my education which is my number one
priority.

Please think about this and reply us as soon as possible for us to know
what to do immediately. It will only require you to get notarized legal
change of ownership and power of attorney which lawyer will secure in your
name as our family guardian and trustee to enable you receive the
consignment in your country in my behalf for onward investment.

Thanks for again and have a blessed day, while looking forward to hear from
you with copy of your international passport. My sincere regards to your
family.

Yours respectfully

Prince Philip Johnson

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam