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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:

Fraud email example:

From: Williams Mensah <mensahwilliamss79@yahoo.com.hk>
Reply-To: chief_christopher00@yahoo.co.jp
Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:12:01 +0800 (HKT)
Subject: REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP OF GREAT PROFITS


From The Desk Of :Mr. Mensah Williams
Audits & Accounts Dept
Ghana Commerical Bank
Kumasi Branch,Republic Of Ghana.
Mobil Number: +233-54-183-6165
Hello: Sir/Madam,
       
My name is Mr.Mensah Williams,I am the regional manager,of Ghana Commercial Bank of Ghana Kumasi branch in the western region of Ghana,I got your information when i was searching for an oversea partner among other names.I write you this proposal in good faith; I am 47 years old married with three lovely kids.I am a devoted Christian and a man of peace.
I have packaged a financial transaction that will benefit you and I,as the regional manager of the Ghana Commerical Bank it is my duty to send in a financial report to my head office in the capital city Accra at the end of each business year in the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) On the course of the last year 2009 business report,I discovered that my branch in which I am the manager made seven million five hundred united state dollars (7.500m)usd which my head office are not aware of and will never be aware of.
The above sum belongs to our deceased customer late Mr.Hamilton,From America who used to work as an Oil Merchant/Contractor with the Jubilee oil refinery,Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (G.N.P.C)here in Accra-Republic of Ghana,were involved while on leave along with his entire family during the "HAITI EARTHQUAKE"in South America,All occupants of the(Haiti Earthquake)unfortunately lost their lives and since then the fund has been in what we call escrow call account with no beneficiary.
After my further investigation,I discovered that original depositor died with his next of kin and according to the laws and constitution guiding this banking institution stated that after the expiration of (7) seven years,if no body or person comes for the claim as the next of kin, the fund will be channel into national treasury as unclaimed fund. Because of the static of this transaction I want you to stand as the next of kin so that our bank will accord you the recognition and have the fund transfer to your account.
         
The total sum will be shared as follows: 60% for me, 40% for you and expenses incidental occur during the transfer will be incur by both of us. The transfer is risk free on both sides hence you are going to follow my instruction till the fund transfer to your account.
More details information with the text of application form will be forwarded to you to breakdown explaining Comprehensively what Require of you.
      
             ATTENTION PLEASE FILE IT AND SEND IT BACK TO ME OK
        (1) Your Full Name............................
        (2) Your Sex.................................
        (3) Your Age.................................
        (4) Your Country..............................
        (5) Passport / driving license.......
        (6) Marital Status......................
        (7) Your Occupation..........................
        (8) Your Personal Mobile Number....................
        (9) Your Personal Fax Number......................
Thanks
Mr.Mensah Williams.
Ghana Commercial  Bank
(Regional Branch Manager)
 
 



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