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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: "John Attipoe" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <j.attipoe76@indiatimes.com>
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:31:16 -0700
Subject: Food And Agriculture Ministry Ghana

Compliments of today.

Please do not misconceive this important mail for unsolicited email but a meaningful relationship.
I am Mr. John Attipoe, a Senior Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister for Food and Agriculture.

My superior the Minister for Food and Agriculture has some financial Investments which required your assistance in your country hence seeking your consent.

Note very importantly, for avoidance of doubt and Credibility of this transaction, you will be required for a face to face meeting.

Can the Honorable Minister repose this trust on you? Please reply rapidly for details.

Truly,

Mr.John Attipoe.
SSA.

Anti-fraud resources: