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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.Gregor Williams" <gregwill@mail.com>
Reply-To: garryblue_005@yahoo.com.hk
Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:40:32 +0100
Subject: CONTACT HIM TODAY!!!

Hello My Good Friend
Good day and how are you today? Hope all is well with you and your family?
I am using this opportunity to inform you that this multi-million-dollar
business has been concluded with the assistance of another partner from
India who financed the transaction to a logical conclusion.
Due to your effort sincerity courage and trustworthiness you showed
during the course of the transaction.
I have left a certified international bank cheque for you worth
of $1,200 000.00 Million Dollars cashable anywhere in the world.
Contact: Mr.Garry Blue
Cotonou Benin Republic.
His email address: garryblue_005@yahoo.com.hk
Therefore you should send him your full Name and telephone number/your
correct mailing address where you want him to send the cheque to you.
Thanks and God bless you and your family.
Mr.Gregor Williams

Anti-fraud resources: