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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: "Barrister Peter J. Williams." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrjohnsonwilliams11@googlemail.com>
Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:06:25 +0100
Subject: ARE YOU AWARE OF THIS NEW DEVELOPMENT???

UNITED NATIONS CONSIGNMENT
RECOVERING COMMITTEE
ATTN CONTRACT BENEFICIARY
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY OF YOUR
CONSIGNMENT GHRCBN/NNPC/FGN/MIN/012.
 
 
 
Attention
 
It is my duty to pass this information to you through this medium believing that you will take your time to properly study the facts contained in the message. As a matter of fact, i want to let you know that i am Barrister Peter Williams who was assigned by United Nations Consignment Recovery Committee here in Nigeria to inform you about the recovery consignment with full details of your consignment which the united nations diplomatic agent is ready to deliver to your doorstep without any hitch. I am hereby bringing to your immediate notice and urgent attention that United Nations in collaboration with Delivery department and the African Union have finally approved the release of your consignment.
 
A woman by name Mrs.Janet Woody & some Men including a foreigner came  to united nations consignment recovery office with an application letter stating that you are dead and that you have instructed her to be the beneficiary also that you told her to act as your Next of Kin to receive your consignment in her address. United Nations wanted to know if this is true that is why they asked me to confirm from you.If you at any time gave this woman & Co the power of attorney to represent you also if you are aware the delivery of your consignment/fund of $15.5M will be delivered to the below Address:
 
1155 Duke Street,
Alexandria, Virginia
(VA),
25312,US
 
If no,please re-confirm your Name,Address, Cell Number to enable united nations proceed for the delivery of your consignment to your doorstep without any more delay. If you are not aware of the above information, do immediately re-confirm your correct address details so that the consignment/funds can be delivered to your provided address with no further delay.I wish to hear from you immediately to enable me direct you to your accredited diplomat who is coming to your doorstep for the delivery of your consignment to you without any hitch.
 
Awaits your immdetiate prompt response.
 
Regards
Barrister Peter J. Williams.

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