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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: "HSBC BANK OF ENGLAND" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <official.staff80@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 06:08:00 +0100
Subject: Director, HSBC BANK OF ENGLAND.

My name is Mr. Neil Brown, Director, HSBC BANK OF ENGLAND, as I would advise you to respond to this mail for an immediate fund transfer as approved by the Financial Service Authority (FSA) to your account at this fiscal year 2013, the fund valued $5.5M only.
 
It is very urgent and important you re-confirm your full Names, Home mailing address,Your Direct Telephone Numbers,And also your banking details where the approved funds will be transferred into.
 
As soon as you read this message,E-mail and call me on +44 703 599 3772 as the fund is ready to be transferred to your account.
 
Best Regards,
Mr. Neil Brown.
Director, HSBC BANK OF ENGLAND.

Anti-fraud resources: