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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: "john zuma" <john_zuma_55@hotmail.com>
Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2006 15:40:55 +0200
Subject: What did your friend tell you?

My Dear Maria,

Greetings!

I have received your mail and I want to know what your friend told you about
this transaction.

I want to take your mind to the previous mail you sent to me requesting me
not discuss this transaction with any person. Now what have you done?

John Zuma.

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Anti-fraud resources: