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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Patrick Kalu" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <atmservicebj@yahoo.fr>
Date: Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:59:21 -0800
Subject: Your ATM Card Number: 391030541882

Attn: Sir/Madam,
 
This is to officially inform you that (ATM Card Number: 391030541882) has been accredited in your favor.Your Personal Identification Number is 3333.
 
The ATM Card Value is $10.5 MILLION UNITED STATE DOLLARS. You are advice to contact Me with the following information so that I will commence for the shipment of your ATM CARD belonging to you.
 
Below are the Information you are to Furnish me with:
 
1. Your Full Name:
2. Address were you want them to send the ATM card:
3. House/cell phone Number:
4. Current Occupation:
5. Country:
6. Age:
7. Marital Status:
8. Attach copy of your identification:
 
Reply to; atmservicebj@yahoo.fr
 
Regards,
 
Mr. Patrick Kalu

Anti-fraud resources: