419 scam: Marcus Sarpong <marcussarpong1@yahoo.com> Dear Sir/Madam

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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:

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- "necessary legal documents" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "hundred thousand united states dollars" (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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: Marcus Sarpong <marcussarpong1@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2013 10:54:38 +0200
Subject: Dear Sir/Madam

Dear Sir/Madam

I take liberty anchored on strong desire to solicit for your assistance on
this mutual beneficial and risk free transaction. There is an urgent and
genuine need for the transfer of a substantial amount of money. The fund is
already tied down securely as receivables and will be transferred to your
individual/company account If you agree to partner with me in this business
deal.

I am Mr. Marcus Sarpong,I am the Chairman Ghana Government Contract Payment
& Compensation Committee. I have in my custody all necessary legal
documents and rights to process an unclaimed money valued US$6,100,000.(Six
Million, One Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) I have all secret
details to perfect the documentations for funds transfer in your names as
the owner/rightful beneficiary of the unclaimed money.

My proposition is to process the legal documents in your names and
purported present your good self to the paying bank as our Contractor and
rightful beneficiary of mentioned amount of money. I must use this
opportunity to implore you to exercise the utmost indulgence to keep this
matter extraordinarily confidential, while I await your prompt response
with the below details for us to proceed:

1, Full names.
2, Private phone and fax numbers
3, Current residential address
4, Occupation
5, Age

I look forward to your early reply. I will share 50/50 with you as soon as
we conclude this business deal successfully. Funds is with the Barclays
Bank Plc, they will make available this payment as soon as we process the
legal paper work.

Mr. Marcus Sarpong

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam