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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: "Legal Rep Emeka" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <legalrepeme@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Wed, 7 Dec 2011 06:46:50 +0300
Subject: Change of ownership deal

I wish to seek for your partnership in standing in as the claimant of funds owned by my client Chief James O. Ibori (former Governor of the oil richest State in Nigeria) who is currently facing financial charges in UK (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13102655). I am seeking your help to stand-in as the owner of the fund while I make arrangement for the funds to be delivered to your country. You will receive, invest and assume chairmanship of the company until my client is released.

You should observe utmost confidentiality and be rest assured that your interest will be protected on this project. If you are interested in my proposal, do send these information needed to proceed. Full Names, contact address, Tel. number. Upon your reply, I shall give you further detail.

Regards,
Mr. Emeka Arinze

Anti-fraud resources: