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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: "ATM PAYMENT CENTRE" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <atmpaycentre@rediffmail.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:21:09 -0800
Subject: FUND RELEASE PAYMENT.21/12/2011

 
World Bank Auditors
West Africa Regional Office
4Floor Degakon Close Akpakpa Cotonou
Republic Du Benin. +229-984-301-13
 
ATTN:
It was resolved & agreed upon by the Board members & Directors that ur fund of $4.5 million us dollar will be release to u on a special method payment via ATM SWIFT CARD, U are advise to contact this office with the information's below to claim your fund.
 
FULL NAME...................
MAILING ADDRESS..................
DIRECT / CELL PHONE NUMBER........................
YOUR COUNTRY..............................................
 
CONTACT NAME: DR:Fred Willaims
CONTACT EMAIL: atmpaymentcentre_01@rediffmail.com
 
Best Regards,
Mr.Chris Brim.
 
 

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