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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: Yaw Osafo-Maafo<Minister@alph158.prodigy.net>
Reply-To: barristerlukemensahchamber@gmail.com
Date: 23 Feb 2017 05:15:53 -0800
Subject: URGENT

My Dear:Friend,
 
How is your family? Hope all of you are fine, I wish to accost you with a request that would be of immense benefit  to both of us. After careful consideration with my
wife and children, we resolved to contact you for your most needed assistance in this manner. I duly apologize for infringing on your privacy, if this contact is not
acceptable to you, as I make this proposal to you.
 
Yaw Osafo-Maafo is my name and former Ghanaian minister of finance. Although I was sacked by President John Kufuor on 28 April 2006 for the fact I signed $29 million
book publication contract with Macmillan Education without reference to the Public Procurement Board and without Parliamentary approval. I have taken pains to find
your contact through personal endeavours.I decided to contact you after due thought in respect of a transfer of a huge sum of money,
 
You can read more on this web page http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=103713
Right now, I was being probed because of it. As matter of fact, $9.5 million
part of the money was lodged into  security company in Security Company, were the funds is been deposited. the money will be  release to you for as I will use my 50%
for futher investment through your advised while the remaining 40% will be yours and 10% for any expenses incured.like you to give this a highly confidential approach.
Any question you wish to ask concerning this deal, do not delay to ask any question via this email address as follows:   barristerlukemensahchamber@gmail.com
 
Presently, I do  need your telephone mobile number , Full Name and Address for proper documentations  for safety. The moment I hear from you, my lawyer will contact
you,for subsequent Proceedings to remitt the money.
PLEASE CONFIDENTIAL
I wait your response.
My regards,
Minister,Yaw Osafo-Maafo.

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