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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: "Linda Jones" <205jones@gmail.com>
Reply-To: harveyholding74@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Wed, 21 Jun 2006 15:39:15 -0700
Subject: REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED


Dear friend,

I represent HARVEY NORMAN HOLDING LTD based in AUSTRALIA. My company exports
goods/services for world trade. We are searching for representatives who can
help us establish a medium of getting to our customers in Europe and
America/Canada 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 10% 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 me promptly by email the following:

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

Thank you for your time.

Very Respectfully,
Mrs. Linda Jones
Secretary,
HARVEY NORMAN HOLDING LTD.

Anti-fraud resources: