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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: "GEORGE SCOTT" <barrgeo_scott21@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: g_batloffice@yahoo.com
Date: Sun, 21 May 2006 02:27:17 +0000
Subject: I RECOMMENDED YOU

 
Dr. George Scott
British American Tobacco p. l .c
Globe House
4 Temple  Place
London    WC2R 2PG
 
 
Attn: Sir
 
I am Dr. George Scott, the Admin Manager, British American Tobacco p.l.c my office is located at globe house 4 temple place London (WC2R 2PG) I am writing in respect of a foreign director of my company
 with identification NO-7725, who suffered and died of cancer of the lungs on April 2000.  Before his uneventful death, he has worked with us for twelve (12) years, and is therefore, due to be paid his entitlement.
Unfortunately, this has been delayed because the bonafide person to whom we recognize as his next of kin according to his directives in our records is his wife Mrs. Ann who sadly died of heart attack barely three months after his husband died. Sadly too, their marriage was blessed with no issue.  By the virtue of my position, I am mandated to locate his relatives anywhere they maybe. Having tried in all the ways possible to get this but could not succeed, I went to your embassy for a search, yet, the result was negative as they do not have any clues on whom his relatives are. Presently, I am at a loss as per whom, and where to pay his entitlements totaling Ten Million Six Hundred Thousand US dollars ($ 10,600, 000. 00), hence I resolved that since my search for his relatives have proved abortive and the management has been on me as to provide the Next OF Kin of our late staff or have this fund pay to the government since the company is a British and American organization. I have to write you so that if you and I can agree to work together,
I will present you as HIS NEXT OF KIN; so that the funds will be processed and paid to you, since both of you have the same surname and come from same country.
 
This will be perfected on the condition that you will take 35%, while I and my Colleagues take 65%, if you agree to assist me. I have perfected all modalities for payment and the whole exercise will be finalized within seven (7) working days if you fully cooperate with me.
 
 Kindly send me an e-mail via  g_batloffice@yahoo.com   signifying your decision including your private Tel/Fax numbers for quick communication.
 
 
Yours Faithfully,
Dr. George Scott
Admin Manager
 
Do keep the confidentiality  of proposal tight


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