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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: "Godwin Emefiele" <Godwin@ceres.ocn.ne.jp>
Reply-To: <diplomatica3@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2017 09:40:42 -0700
Subject: PLEASE CONFIRM RECEIPT IMMEDIATELY

Central Bank of Nigeria,
Plot 33, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Way
Central Business District, Cadastral Zone,
Abuja, Federal Capital Territory,Nigeria
 
Dear Old Customer,
 
 
I write to notify you that the fixed deposit account in your name with a maturity date of December 9th 2014 is now available to be activated for withdrawals/transfers. In light of recent developments and meetings, the directors of this highly esteemed bank have decided to irrevocably grant you full access and control of the account.
 
 
We sincerely apologize for any delay you might have encountered in the past; your payment is now 100% Guaranteed.
 
Kindly contact me for a more detailed account information and activation procedures.
 
Thank you for your patronage.
 
Godwin Emefiele
New Central Bank Governor
 

Anti-fraud resources: