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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: "Mr.Kojo Mensa" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <kojoadd_mensah001@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2013 19:47:13 -0000
Subject: GET BACK TO ME URGENTLY

Good Day My Dear.

I don't know if you received my first email that is why am writing again. Please I want to know if am talking with the right person, I am asking this because I have an information that will be of help to you, Once again My Name is Kojo Mensa, I work with Barclays Bank.

I do not know if I am talking to the right person, But I will like you to confirm if you are the owner of this email ID. Already I have your name and details in our file in the office, all I want is a confirmation from you that I am communicating with the right owner of this email.

I will furnish you with the information that I have for you, When I am convinced I am talking to the right person. I am taking this preventive measure because I do not want to talk to the wrong person because of the sensitivity of the information regarding the issue.

Looking forward to your response.

Kojo Mensa

Anti-fraud resources: