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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: "Secret Shoppers" <humanresources@secretshopperz.biz>
Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:52:50 -0000
Subject: Secret Shoppers

Dear Sir/Ma'am,

We are the Secret Shoppers. A member of the Mystery Shopping Company originally incorporated in the United States but with branches in all the major countries in the world. You may have seen our advert on SKY NEWS, BBC, ABC NEWS, NBC NEWS, and L.A.TIMES.

"We have a mystery shopping assignment in your area and we would like you to participate" Secret Shopper® is accepting applications for qualified individuals to become mystery shoppers. Its fun and rewarding, and you choose when and where you want to shop. You are never obligated to accept an assignment. There is no charge to become a shopper and you do not need previous experience. After you sign up, you will have access to training materials via e-mail, fax or postal mail.

Secret Shopper® is the premier mystery shopping company; serving clients across North America and Europe with over 500,000 shoppers available and ready to help businesses better serve their customers. Continual investment in the latest internet and communication technologies coupled with over 16 years of know-how means working with Secret Shopper® is a satisfying and rewarding experience. One amongst many others pay for Secret Shoppers to shop in their establishments and report their experiences. On top of being paid for shopping, you are also allowed to keep purchases for free. Secret Shopper® NEVER charges fees to the shopper. Training, tips for improvement, and shopping opportunities are provided free to registered shoppers. Mystery shoppers are either paid a pre-arranged fee for a particular shop, a reimbursement for a purchase or a combination of both.

We have an assignment available for you that will not disturb your present occupation. You are to shop secretly and invest just a token. This fee will be paid up front. During this shop you will visit the location and make several observations as regards the customer service. You will be required to interact with the shop clerk. You may conduct the shop alone or as a couple. You will be paid £150 or more per assignment. Depending on your availability, you can be offered up to 3 assignments in a month. Payments for your assignment will be pre-paid and will be sent to your bank account.

If this interests you, please provide your details including your full name, address and contact telephone number. One of our agents will then get in contact with you to give you details of your first assignment.

Thank you,

Eileen McCoy.
Secret Shoppers llc
Tel: 7178596322
Fax: 7178596323
Email: humanresources@secretshopperz.biz

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