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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 WILLIAMS <john_williams_fma@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2006 23:23:11 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Your email


Dear VICTIMNAME

In regards to the form i sent to you, please why are you not responding the by filling the form and returning back to me.

i just don't understand, you promise to help me out.

if you have made up your mind to carry out this transaction with me then why have you not return the form to me so we can carry out this transaction and for it to completed in time and in good faith. you have made up your mind and promise me that you will assist me in carry out this transaction. please remember your promise.

i always stand on my word because my word is my bond, and that is what i expect from you i took you are a man of honor.

please let me understand you well.

Best Regards
John williams

Anti-fraud resources: