SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS™ Scam Basics: Scammer Grammar!
Originally Published January 2010 – Updated April 20, 2019
One of the easiest ways to spot scammers from Ghana, or Nigeria, etc. is their use of language.
[lwptoc]Introduction To Scammer Grammer
They have learned it is better to steal information from others – to steal profile text from real people. Or to use the chat session scripts they buy – but eventually, they may have to modify them or go off script.
But the messages are the dead give away. They are written in what we call “Ghanenglish!”
Here are the keys to spotting “Ghanenglish”:
-
Lower case i’s
-
No spaces after a comma or very inconsistent spacing
-
Odd capitalization of keywords they think make a difference – like bait to a fish
-
Odd phrases & bad grammar – nobody talks like this unless they are from West Africa:
- your searching criteria
- thanks for your time
- loving young lady
- God fearing lady
- nice to read from you
- average body type
- all of these much be
- describe my self as I would describe myself [maybe this was Austin Powers?]
- very charming woman
- I value the laws of ethics
- lighthearted lady
- all of these much be in a relationship to make it grows
- keep in a good shape
- Seeking for truelove
- I’m not thePhysical beauty for the Inner Beauty Count much as chemistry
- I am a lady that is in need of real and perfect love
- i want you to email me to my address and i will respond back to your mail there
- a years young female
- a woman with good personality
- i will like to be your friend for now if you don’t mind
- I am not a promiscuous woman
- am not here for play or game
- am not a fake person and am not a scam am not like that type of woman that lie and cheat on man
- important in life of every happy family
- I have no options than letting you Know
- my Private mail
- no scion-economic Barrier
- compassionate Woman
- hard working and God fearing woman
- Your profile sparkle my interest [must be from Donny Darko]
- have you been commited in a strong relationship before
- what you like
- Are You There Well
- I’m new to This web
- through my serious search
- hello,good morning,how was night
- ,am also in search for a serious relationship too
- I am new to this online dating
- Anyway i will like to know
- if we have a great chemistry
-
Improper Tenses:
- am divorce now
- i will like to know
- Hope to hearing from you soon
-
Odd use of singular and plural:
- watching movie
-
Wrong or lack of use of possessives:
-
a very good night rest
-
I’m looking for my heart desire
-
We think they do this because they believe that automated rules are looking for these RED FLAGS in profile text and messages. But more likely, they just speak such bad English, they really don’t know any better.
What is so disturbing is the utter contempt of the scammer. They all make the same mistakes, but they really don’t care, because some poor soul will always buy it!
SCAMMER-GRAMMAR
SCARS™ Team
A SCARS Division
Miami Florida U.S.A.
TAGS: West African Scammers, Ghana Scammers, Nigerian Scammers, Scammer Grammar, Scammer Speech, The Way They Write, Weird Phrases, Text Messages, Chat Messagesm Profile Text, Scripts,
END
MORE INFORMATION
– – –
Tell us about your experiences with Romance Scammers in our Scams Discussion Forum on Facebook »
– – –
FAQ: How Do You Properly Report Scammers?
It is essential that law enforcement knows about scams & scammers, even though there is nothing (in most cases) that they can do.
Always report scams involving money lost or where you received money to:
- Local Police – ask them to take an “informational” police report – say you need it for your insurance
- Your National Police or FBI (www.IC3.gov »)
- The SCARS|CDN™ Cybercriminal Data Network – Worldwide Reporting Network HERE » or on www.Anyscam.com »
This helps your government understand the problem, and allows law enforcement to add scammers on watch lists worldwide.
– – –
Visit our NEW Main SCARS Facebook page for much more information about scams and online crime: www.facebook.com/SCARS.News.And.Information »
To learn more about SCARS visit www.AgainstScams.org
Please be sure to report all scammers HERE » or on www.Anyscam.com »
Legal Notices:
All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2020 SCARS All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide. Third-party copyrights acknowledge.
SCARS, RSN, Romance Scams Now, SCARS|WORLDWIDE, SCARS|GLOBAL, SCARS, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams, SCARS|ANYSCAM, Project Anyscam, Anyscam, SCARS|GOFCH, GOFCH, SCARS|CHINA, SCARS|CDN, SCARS|UK, SCARS Cybercriminal Data Network, Cobalt Alert, Scam Victims Support Group, are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated.
Contact the law firm for the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated by email at legal@AgainstScams.org
-/ 30 /-
What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!
Article Rating
Table of Contents
POPULAR ARTICLES
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
ARTICLE META
RATE THIS ARTICLE?
LEAVE A COMMENT?
Thank you for your comment. You may receive an email to follow up. We never share your data with marketers.
Recent Comments
On Other Articles
on Financial Recovery – Avoid Money Triggers – Perspective on Money for Scam Victims – 2023 [UPDATED 2025]: “This article is excellent. This is something I needed to read. Thank you!” Jun 18, 16:26
on Scam Victim Apathy – Scams Are Somebody Else’s Problem: “This is a concept I hadn’t considered before. And the Tall Poppy Syndrome is something I’ve not heard of. I…” Jun 17, 13:17
on After The Scam – Victims Frequently Engage In Self-Defeating Behaviors: “Thank you for this article! I have always been my worst critic. Then it all just spirals down into self…” Jun 17, 10:48
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
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
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.
hello
I have emailed u before well I met someone else his name Tony Gordon on POF again the dating site im not realy sure if hes for real he lives in Manchester but from another country cant rem which country I have been talking to him for about 3 weeks now, he works for him self anyway he had to go to spain to do some job , I got a tex from him saying someone stole his wallet out of his back pocket at the airport in spain with his passport in it to all his bank details I thought hear we go again . Anyway a few days went by and he asked for my help could I send some money I didn’t bother asking how much I said call your daughter he said she was at uni and she will go to the bank anyway he didn’t hear from her so he said to me that he will kill himself he was ill with the food over in spain and stil asked for money can u please let me know if hes on the scammers list I cant find him
There are one billion fake identities online. No one has a complete list. You really do not need to find his name on a list, it is an obvious scam.
How about Cameroonians and Turkish recently uprising the romance scammers in Japan?
Their must be different from traditional Nigerians and other African nations which public language is the English.