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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: "DR MELVIN SMITH (UNITED NATIONS OFFICE)" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <acesbnkplc@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2015 17:44:51 -0600
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS LUCKY WINNER,

 
Hello,
You are being legally contacted regarding the release of your Lottery Winning Fund Price of $10.5M USD
organised by office of the United Nations Monetary Agency .
After a detailed review of your file,I therefore wish to
inform you that your payment is being processed and will be released to you
as soon as you respond to this Office.
Contact Mr.Victor Etukwu immediately for your payment:
Email: acesbnkplc@gmail.com
Tel : +234-8171190310
Making the world a better place
Regards,
Dr Melvin Smith
Office Of The United Nations Monetary Department
Thanks for Your Cooperation and waiting for your prompt reply.

Anti-fraud resources: