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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 SCOTT R. WOTHERSPOON" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <barristerscottwotherspoon@zambia.co.zm>
Date: Sat, 8 Dec 2012 15:46:38 -0800
Subject: FUNDS/ ESTATE INHERITANCE

BARRISTER SCOTT ROBERT WOTHERSPOON
BLACKSTONE CHAMBERS
BLACKSTONE HOUSE
TEMPLE, LONDON
 
Hello,
Can you be trusted? If yes, let’s make a confidential “deal” together. I have $15 Million dollars open to be moved into
 
your able hand in your country. Only if you can assure me that you will not cheat me once it gets into your hand.
 
My name is Scott Robert Wotherspoon. I am a London based attorney with a practicing license of Great Britain. My late
 
client  has been confirmed dead and I am in possession of all deposit documents for the above mentioned sum which was
 
deposited with a Bank in Nigeria.
 
Because of the nature and source of the funds, my late client did not let anyone know about this fund as he entrusted all 
 
into my hands. I will only make you the beneficiary of this fund and get the bank transfer it to your private bank account
 
in your country.
 
Should you be interested, reply with the following information:
 
Your full name and address.
Your direct mobile/telephone numbers.
Your age and occupation.
A copy of your identity(passport or drivers license or Staff I.D card).
However, if you are not trustworthy, confidential and interested, Please, do not use this advantage to betray me.
 
Regards,
Barr. Scott Robert Wotherspoon

Anti-fraud resources: