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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: smith peter <smith_p27@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2006 11:42:52 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: VICTIMNAME VICTIMNAME from smith


Attn: VICTIMNAME VICTIMNAME

I wish to acknowledge your mail and I am very sorry for the delay in replying your mail. I was out of town.I need someone that is trust worthy to assist me in claiming the funds from the finance company. I need your details to enable me write a letter to the Finance Company that I have gotten the next of kin and also to change the beneficiary to your name. Please send this details as follows;

1. Page 1 and 2 of your international passport or Driver’s license or national id
2. Your full address
3. Your Telephone numbers and Fax number

Please this information is to enable us write a letter of change of ownership to the Finance Company and informing them that we have found the next of kin.

This is my numbers +442070980653, +447845126070. You are free to call me anytime of the day. I am urgently waiting for your reply. Please call me as soon as you receive this mail .

Thanks.

Smith
+442070980653


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