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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: "Western Union" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <wsty@live.com>
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2011 03:33:28 +0530
Subject: Dear Sir Madam

Dear Sir Madam

Here is a Notice From The Western Union Department Regarding Your Lottery Winnings of 2,5 Million Usd Your 1St Instalment Payment Of 8,000 Usd has been sent On Your Name Via Western Union Money Transfer Contact Sir Larry Woover For Your Payment

Best regards,

NAME:.DR LARRY WOOVER
PHONE:+447-02405-5051
PHONE:+447-02407-7324
PHONE:+447-02406-1363

Anti-fraud resources: