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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: "Ali. D" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <gimark100@yahoo.co.th>
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2017 20:43:28 -0800
Subject: Re: FYI: YOUR INHERITANCE

Good Day
I am a banker with a first class bank , I discovered the sum (45.5 Million Dollars) which I will like you to stand as the next of kin to my late client, which you have the same surname and I contacted you because your surname with my deceased client is the same.
So, Upon receipt of your reply, This deal is legitimate and 100% legal, there is no risk attached.
You should contact me immediately as soon as you receive this letter,if you are interested and ready to help on this project.Trusting to hear from you immediately.
Best Regards
Ali Dada

Anti-fraud resources: