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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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Fraud email example:

From: "Ben Tom" <bentom@bentom11.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Mar 2005 18:46:57 -0700
Subject: URGENT CONSIGNMENT

Dear Sir\madam,
Sequel to the secretive arrangement in regards of the shipment of your contract sum, I wish to inform you that all necessary modalities have been automatically concluded and have left Nigeria to London via your Country by Express Cargo Flight.
Note carefully the content of the crate is "MONEY" but I did not disclose
it to the Courier Services as Money, rather I informed them that the crate
contain Vital "DIPLOMATIC DOCUMENTS" belonging to my client (that?s you).
Furthermore,the weight of the consignment is 90kg but I manage to pay 45kg,which cost US$9,000.00.and the remeaning 45kg will be paid when you received the consignment in your custody then you can put hand in the money(consignment)and pay to the courier servies as they handover the consignment to you.On no account should you disclose the content of the crate with the Diplomatic Courier Services for fear of betrayal. So do not allow them to know that the content is money.
In the meantime, contact the Dipomatic Courier Services
Attn. to Mr. Edward Smithline
Tel: 44-77-4606 5722
email:gd11@o2.pl
To know the actual situation with the consignment and also give them your
delivery address where the consignment will be delivered and then get back to me as soon as possible so that I can give you the shipment document.
Meanwhile, I will be coming over to your country immediately the consignment arrives in your Country for my 10% share.
Please update me as you contact the Diplomatic Courier Services for any
details you may need from me.
Congrats and remain blessed,
I remain at your service.
Best Regards,
Mr.Ben Tom

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