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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: "Michelle Vanessa" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <trusvanessa@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2010 09:11:54 -0700
Subject: Urgent Response Needed.

Dear friend,

I do foresee the surprise this letter will bring to you as it comes from a stranger, but be rest assured as it comes with best of intentions.
My Name is Ms. Michelle Vanessa,single,working with the Halifax Bank of Scotland - HBOS Women in Business team rebranded. (www.hboswomen.co.uk) my job entails dealing on behalf of clients with packaging and courier services in my department.I have a very urgent and confidential matter i will like to discuss with you,Please acknowledge this email as a mark of interest by responding, as I await your prompt reply. Alternative email address: trusvanessa@gmail.com

Best regards,

Ms. Michelle Vanessa.

Anti-fraud resources: