SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
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Nigerian / Ghana / Central Africa / Western Africa Emergency Scam
One of the most popular scams in online dating is the Nigerian / Ghana / Central Africa Emergency Scam.
Ghanaians, Nigerians, and other Central or Western Africans are notorious for their shameless scammers and most sane people probably wouldn’t pursue a relationship with someone from one of these countries. Though while we ridicule these scammers constantly, people want to believe and are lambs for the slaughter. The scammers know this all to well too, and therefore often pretend to be from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, or Europe or some other Western country.
Armed with their fake identity and stolen photos, the scammer proceeds to get their hooks into you. They often communicate with you for weeks and months so you think you are getting to know them better while it is actually all part of their fraudster plan.
The standard Emergency Scam story then starts to unfold as your online date suddenly has some sort of emergency in Nigeria or Ghana, though Filipinos do this too! The stories may range from your person having an accident while in Nigeria for work to a helpless woman being stranded in Ghana; from asking for charity donations for Africa to a family member having a brain hemorrhage while in Africa. At the end of the day they all have the same basic plot – there is an emergency and won’t you please send them some money to someplace, Africa, Philippines, etc. Of course, once you do send the money that is the last you will hear of them and your money. But not always!
These scams can also escalate, to asking for more and more money. When the first emergency is over, maybe the exchange rate left them short. Or they didn’t plan on something. So ever if you pay once – which you should never do – they will come back if they feel they can.
TIP: Never Ever Send Money To Africa – it is a scam. Cute white girls do not go to Ghana. Handsome white guys either!
To Understand All Scams, Read This:
The SCARS Institute Relationship Scams Formula Checklist
This is the Formula that all Relationship Scams Follow
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- Cynthia Frank on The SCARS Institute Relationship Scams Formula Checklist – 2026: “As I read this I could see myself in every step with my scam. I gained a lot more knowledge…” Aug 28, 19:51
- on The Persistence of Danielle Delaunay as a Fake Identity – 2026: “Unfortunately, you are being scammed. She is using a fake name regardless. At this point, your best option is to…” Aug 26, 20:16
- on The Persistence of Danielle Delaunay as a Fake Identity – 2026: “Dear Sirs, I have met this woman with the name Abigail Boateng in Ghana. I have an intensive mail contact…” Aug 26, 12:28
- on Trauma-Induced Fear May Cause Paranoia: “Very interesting article. I’m wondering if someone would likely recognize that they’re becoming increasingly paranoid, or hypervigilant, or does it…” Aug 24, 12:07
- on Spotting AI Scams – Using AI to Catch Artificial Intelligence Scams – 2026: “Wow, very useful and thorough advice! I don’t plan on talking to any strangers online ever again, at least not…” Aug 22, 22:11
- on The Persistence of Danielle Delaunay as a Fake Identity – 2026: “Knowing they are criminals, why would you want to talk to them? Avoid all strangers online.” Aug 19, 12:54
- on The Persistence of Danielle Delaunay as a Fake Identity – 2026: “THERE ARE THREE DANIELLE DELAUNAYS ON FACEBOOK RIGHT NOW USEING HER NAME AND PHOTOS. I’M BEING TOLD THEY ARE ALL…” Aug 19, 11:15
- on Natalie Sparks: Have You Seen Her? Another Stolen Face / Stolen Identity: “John, we are sorry, but you are still being scammed.” Aug 19, 09:52
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- on SCARS™ Scam News Now: Six Ghanaian Scammers Arrested in the U.K. For Online Fraud: “Ann, recognizing that it was a scam is the first step in healing. We can help in your after-scam healing…” Aug 19, 09:47
ARTICLE META
Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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