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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: jones <jones_g@di-ve.com>
Date: Fri, 02 Nov 2001 23:51:26 +0100
Subject: Help


Dear ,
I am dropping you this quick note to
introduce to you my intent. I am Mr. Gary Jones, banker,in charge of bills
and foreign exchange remittance Department of Commerzbank in Europe.

I have $35Million for investment purpose, I want you to receive this
fund as a next of kin to my late customer on my behalf for investment.
Note that to indicate your interest do send an urgent reply to this e mail address
gjones@holani.com
Thanks,
Mr. Gary Jones

Anti-fraud resources: