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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: "MS MARY WILLIAMS" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrs.marywilliamss01@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2014 18:35:12 +0200
Subject: WORLD BANK AUDITORS...Reply!

Did you sign any Deed of Assignment in favor of (TOM BROWN) Thereby making him the current beneficiary with his following account details?
 
MR TOM BROWN,
AC/NUMBER: 6503809428.
ROUTING/122006743,
B/NAME: CITI BANK,
ADDRESS: NEW YORK, USA,
 
We shall proceed to issue all payments details to the said Mr. TOM BROWN, if we do not hear from you within the next two working days from today.
 
YOURS TRULY
MS MARY WILLIAMS/MR EDWARD CLIFF
DIRECTOR OF PAYMENT/ SPECIAL DUTIES
WORLD BANK AUDITORS
Office Hot Line +234-8022983818

Anti-fraud resources: