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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: p_richard3@hotmail.com
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2006 11:16:52 +0200
Subject: GOOD DAY FROM: PAUL Richard.

FROM: PAUL Richard.
PHONE: +27-73-207-8977
ATT: DIRECTOR\CEO.
GOOD DAY

I am Mr. PAUL Richard. Working in department of fund released order in first National bank of South Africa, East Gate Branch, I know the letter might come to you as surprise, but take it like your own deal.

Mr. MICHEAL K. GUMA from South Korea executed a contract through Federal department of Aviation here in South Africa, the contract worth of US$9,300,000. (Nine Million, Three Hundred Thousand United States Dollars), but on the process of approving the transfer of the money to him, he died in Train Bomb Blast that occurred recently in UK, we involve you to authenticate this clime and transfer the fund to your designated bank account.
Meanwhile, his fund has been signed to pay in my office before I will give order to the bank for final endorsement of his fund.
Nobody knows what is going on except my assistance and me. This is the man's information.
Contract sum: of USD9, 300,000 Million Dollars

Contract number: FMA/FMF/3-X99/2004

You will act like the beneficiary of this money; I will give you more information about the transaction.

I Waite for your urgent reply

Best regards,
Mr. PAUL Richard.

NB don't forget to include your direct telephone/fax number


Anti-fraud resources: