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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: "crystalbill@acegroup.cc" <chtn112@eircom.net>
Reply-To: Barry Porter <mtsr01@googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:13:36 +0100 (IST)
Subject: For your immediate attention and total compliance.


For your immediate attention and total compliance.

You are receiving this message from the International Monetary Fund Debts Recovery & Settlement Committee.

Be informed that your contract/inheritance/winning delayed payment has been brought to our attention, therefore this Committee as set up by the IMF has been saddled with the responsibility of completing you lingering fund payment immediately.

You are advised to stop further dealings with other parties/offices and contact this office for further directives.

Finally, you are required to get back to us with the reconfirmation of your full direct & current contact including your telephone number, payment value and reason.

Thanks
Barry Porter
(IMF officer in charge)

Anti-fraud resources: