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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: "MRS MARITHA BIOLA" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <refundsnigvictims@qatar.io>
Date: Mon, 10 May 2010 13:15:18 -0700
Subject: UPDATE ON YOUR PAYMENT


Attention: Benefactor;

I am Mrs Maritha biola, Chairperson Compensation and Image Laundering program Board.
Please contact the below addressed name for your Compensation ATM Package as soon as posible

Bank Name: Diamond Bank Plc
Agent Name: Mr. Steven Udoji
EMAIL: refundsnigvictims@qatar.io
Telephone Number: +234-8038155811

You are also demanded to send your personal information's to them for more verifications.
i.e.

YOU’RE NAME:
RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS:
MAILING ADDRESS:
YOU’RE PLACE OF ORIGIN:
YOU’RE AGE:
YOU’RE SEX:
YOU’RE OCCUPATION:
MARITAL STATUS:
PHONE NUMBER:

Best regards and congratulations.

Mrs Maritha biola

Anti-fraud resources: