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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: joseph hendrick <mrhendrick7@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2015 15:13:54 -0700
Subject: ATTENTION TO THE DIRECTOR / CEO.

FROM: THE DESK OF MR JOSEPH HENDRICK.
Bill and Exchange Manager,
Telephone: +27844531410.
E-mail : mrhendrick7@gmail.com
Dear Friend,
I am a banker in ABSA BANK REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA.
I have a Business proposal of US$17.5Million for you.
The fund belongs to a deceased customer who died with his next of kin
leaving nobody for the claim.
I want to present you as his next of kin to my bank so that the fund
will be transfer to your bank account. Your share will be 50% percent
while 50% will be for me. No risk involved in this transaction.
If you are interested, Contact me with the above e-mail / phone number
for more details.
Thanks.
With Best Regards
MR JOSEPH HENDRICK.

Anti-fraud resources: