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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: "David P. Malone" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ceocare00@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Apr 2019 02:40:09 +0200
Subject: HAPPY EASTER IN ADVANCE

Bank of Hope
Address: 150-24 Northern Blvd g4,
Flushing, NY 11354, USA
+1 917 633-7770
offixces@gmx.com
Greetings  ,
 
This is David Malone. We wish to inform you that we have received directive from the Treasury Department to pay your withheld sum of US$7,000,000. We discovered unpaid sum owed to you and some other individuals through non-Contract Payment, Inheritance and Lottery Winning Prize Awards and has thus approved the sum US$7,000,000 for immediate payment through this bank to you.
 
You are advised to fill out the below requested information to enable us complete the verification process and proceed with preparation and delivery of the ATM card to you.
 
Your Full Name:
 
Home Address:
 
Direct Telephone/Cellphone number:
 
Occupation:
 
 
This message is as a result of the approval in your favor. You are advised to comply promptly to expedite the verification, release and delivery of the ATM card. .
 
Note: If you are not able to process and receive your fund within 7 working days, your funds will be considered unclaimed and funds moved to the government treasury.
 
Please help us to serve you better.
 
Have a blessed day. I await for your reply soon.
Yours sincerely,
 
David P. Malone
Senior EVP, COO & Director, Bank of Hope
 

Anti-fraud resources: