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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: "Dr.D.Rot" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <darrotv@datafull.com>
Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2012 17:49:50 +0200
Subject: Manager/CEO

Manager/CEO
How are you and your family? I hope this letter finds you good.
I am aware that this is an unconventional way of relaying such an important message to you, But I did try without success to locate both your contact address or phone/fax number and as such, I resorted in contacting you via email.
To proceed, I have decided to establish and come to operate a very viable business as a means of investment in your country. But I do not know how this is done in your home town, this is where I need you help in this regards.
My preference is any good profit yielding business and I will surely appreciate any viable ideas you could come up with, though I will also want you to help me search for properties like homes and lands for sale as I am proposing to invest in your country the sum of Twenty Million United States Dollars ($20,000,000.00 USD)for this operation. However I do not know if you can be of help to me ?
My need for this business proposition and to acquire these properties is very urgent as I am planning to reallocate out of this country with my family down to your country through your moral support.
As we progress,your assistance will be highly need in finding a good residential home for me and my family.
Please I expect your good and prompt reply so that we can proceed swiftly and see to the possibilities of meeting ourselves to workout the modalities.
For Further information/better clarification,contact me on my personal
email address (darrotv@datafull.com) and I will need your phone number for
easier communication.
I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance.
Best Regards,
Dr.D.Rot

Anti-fraud resources: