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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: "ANDREW" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mr_andrew@london.com>
Date: Fri, 3 Sep 2010 20:54:55 +0530
Subject: CONTACT URGENTLY

Dear Friend,
I’m here by contacting you personally concerning the situation in our bank. In order to transfer the sum of one million five hundred thousand Britain pounds only {£1,500,000} I have the courage to look for a reliable and honest person who will be capable for this important business believing that you will never let me down either now or in future.
I am Mr. Andrew B. the Auditing Officer of Lloyd TSB bank London, on the Month of January 2009, Our Bank committee on Inheritance settlement approved and disbursed over £100,000,000 Pounds to foreign Heirs of Late depositor’s funds in our Bank all over United Kingdom.
This payment to beneficiaries was successful and payment done legitimately, But there is still a single remaining unclaimed worth of One Million five hundred thousand Pounds sterling outstanding in our bank. Which is my purpose of contacting you, do get back to me urgently for more details through below email address and phone number.
You can send me email via mr.andrewb@hotmail.co.uk
Best Regards,
Mr. Andrew B.
+44 701 423 6668

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