419 scam: "Mr. Eric Stephen" <ericstph30@hotmail.com> Hello Dear !!

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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:

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- ",000,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
This email message is a next of kin scam.
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.
- ericsteph000@yahoo.com (Yahoo; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Eric Stephen" <ericstph30@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 2 Dec 2017 18:40:15 +0000
Subject: Hello Dear !!

Hello Dear

I write to seek your assistance, my name is Eric Stephen, an Orphan now, a citizen of South Sudan, seeking asylum in Ghana, because of civil war in my country, i am 22 years old, the only Son of late Mr. James Stephen, a South Sudan, politician, also the former Minister of Petroleum and Mining,in South Sudan, my proposal is to looking for a honest person who can assist me for investment.

My Father and Mother, was shot dead by the South Sudan, rebels, and he deposited the Sum of $27,000,000.00.USD. fixed deposit, with Alpha Bank UK, Ltd, for investment. if you can help me i will offer you 25% share of the total money for your help and while 75% will be for me, which you will help me invest,in your country, if your interested and honest to help me, reply me through this my private email: (ericsteph000@yahoo.com). for more details.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely Yours,
Eric Morgan Stephen

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam