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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: "Mr. Charles Colins" <passarelli@passarelli.com.br>
Reply-To: <harpermcleod@lycos.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2015 21:03:38 -0300
Subject: CERTIFED BANK CHEQUE

Good News.
Compliments of the day and God's blessings. I am glad to inform you that I have successfully concluded the transaction, the money has been transferred to London yesterday.I succeeded through the assistant of Mr. Patrick Richmond who is a London base business man, he cleared the fees and the fund was transferred to his account. Currently I am in London with him and my wife and children.
However, I did not forget you because you are the source of my success, you made me what I am now though you weren't there to complete this project with me but I give all the credit and thanks to you for your past efforts . I know it is not your fault or rather your wish to back out on me and the transaction. I understand it was your situation then.
In appreciation towards your assistance, I have mapped out as compensation and wrote on your favor a certified bank cheque worth of $700,000 (SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS ONLY).  I left the cheque with my Secretary Mr. Harper Mcleod on my departure to London.
I would like you hence to contact him on the below info so that he can mail the bank cheque to you without any delays so that you will received it  and then cash your money.
Name: Mr. Harper Mcleod
Email: harpermcleod@lycos.com
Contact my secretary in Republic of Ghana so that he can release your bank cheque to you. I will stop here. Once again, thank you very much and remain blessed with your family.
Best Regards,
 
Mr. Charles Colins.

Anti-fraud resources: