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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: MICHAEL MICHAEL <michaelpower200@yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 26 Apr 2015 08:43:21 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: REPLY


Hi,How are you doing  ? I hope all is well with you. I saw your contact during my private search on Google.To start with, It is unfortunate that we do not know each other and i  hope you will not mind.For your information, I am in a difficult condition now and i am confused.
My wife has been awarded a scholarship at The University of Winnipeg in Canada and up till now i haven't raised money for our air ticket and accommodation. If i miss this opportunity, it will affect my future.
Please, i need your financial help. No amount is small. I have proof of the scholarship awarded.and i will pay you back if i cross over to Canada. God bless you and your family.
Regards,Michael.+601116290165


Anti-fraud resources: