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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
• "Is that email a scam?" - Check it online here!
  
• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
  (+225 +229 +234 +27 +31 +32 +34 +44 other)
• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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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.

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:
  • "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "your payment is being processed" (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)
  • "executive governor" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "DR PAUL ACQUAH" <elder@witmails.com>
Reply-To: drpaulacqual@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:02:12 +0000
Subject: FINAL CONTRACT/NEXT OF KIN PAYMENT VERIFICATION


>From The Desk Of:
Dr Paul Acquah.
Executive Governor
Bank of Ghana.

Attn: Sir/Madam


Following the protest from the International Community, The World Bank and IMF, the President, Republic of Ghana has directed us that all outstanding foreign debts should be released to the beneficiaries forthwith unconditionally.
>From the records of outstanding debts due for payment with the Government of Ghana, your name was discovered as next on the list of the outstanding who have not received their payments. We wish to inform you that your payment is being processed and will be released to you as soon as you respond to this letter.
Please re-confirm to me the following:
1) Your full name
2) Home address.
3) Phone and mobile number #.
4) Nearest airport to your city.
As soon as these informations are received, your payment will be made to you either by telegraphic transfer to your nominated account from Bank of Ghana or by cash delivery which will be delivered to your door step.
Your immediate response is highly needed.
Cordially yours,

Dr. Paul Acquah
Governor, BOG
Accra, Ghana.
Tel:+233-271907194.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam