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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: "Steve Howard" <atlantic@alphaimport-export.com>
Date: Mon, 18 Jul 2005 10:40:32 +0000
Subject: URGENT REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED

Dear friend,

I represent ATLANTIC IMPORT AND EXPORT COMPANY Australia branch. My company
markets and exports cotton,cocoa and other products for world trade.
We are searching for representatives who can help us establish a medium of
getting to our customers in Europe and America as well as making payments
through you as our payment officer. It is upon this note that we seek your
assistance to stand as our representative in your country.

Note that, as our representative, you will receive 5% of whatever amount you
clear for the company and the balance will be paid into an account we will
avail to you. Please, to facilitate the conclusion of this transaction if
accepted, do send mail to the email address (atlanticmd1964@netscape.net)
the following:

(1)Your full names,
(2)Contact address and,Phone/fax numbers.
(3)Age.

Thank you for your time.

Very Respectfully,

Steve Howard,
President.
AIEC


Dear friend,

I represent ATLANTIC IMPORT AND EXPORT COMPANY Australia branch. My company
markets and exports cotton,cocoa and other products for world trade.
We are searching for representatives who can help us establish a medium of
getting to our customers in Europe and America as well as making payments
through you as our payment officer. It is upon this note that we seek your
assistance to stand as our representative in your country.

Note that, as our representative, you will receive 5% of whatever amount you
clear for the company and the balance will be paid into an account we will
avail to you. Please, to facilitate the conclusion of this transaction if
accepted, do send mail to the email address (atlanticmd1964@netscape.net)
the following:

(1)Your full names,
(2)Contact address and,Phone/fax numbers.
(3)Age.

Thank you for your time.

Very Respectfully,

Steve Howard,
President.
AIEC


Anti-fraud resources: