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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: "Corbin, Shameika S" <scorbin@uncfsu.edu>
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:05:27 -0400
Subject: GRANT AWARD NOTIFICATION !!!

Foundation's Officer,
Fondazion Di Vittorio, ITALY
http://www.fondazionedivittorio.it <http://www.fondazionedivittorio.it/>
NOTIFICATION FOR CASH AID
This is to acknowledge the receipt of the requested data and
theconfirmation of your reliability in this universal programme.
Do note that I have forwarded the produced data, to the head office of
the Vittorio Foundation (ITALY) and the ECOWAS head office (Organisation
assigned to handle your payment) in NIGERIA. Included in this letter is
your donation pin number to be used when claiming your donation. Your
donation pin number is "21556770665477". This number should be kept
strictly confidential by you, as you will use it in receiving your
donation.
You are to immediately contact the Payment officer in the ECOWAS office
in Abuja, Nigeria for claim of your donation. Please do contact the
officer in the below information.
CONTACT INFOS.
MR. ALFRED UDEH
COUNSELLOR, ECOWAS HEAD OFFICE ABUJA.
PLOT 4, BLOCK 23,GARKI, ABUJA.NIGERIA
E-MAIL:ecowascounsellor1@live.com
PHONE NUMBER: +2347033356828
Do note that your contact with MR. ALFRED UDEH, you are to contact him
whit the above address ecowascounsellor1@live.com do not click on reply
to take his E-Mail address here also you are to provide him withthe
following details your full name,full address,phone number,sex,age,
occupation,and your country This will enable the ECOWAS office prepare
a check valued US$850,000.00 and all necessary documents required to
clear/cash the check in your name.
Please contact MR. ALFRED UDEH immediately. Thank you for your
cooperation in this matter.
Signed,
Foundation Secretary
Mr.Riccardo Varanini

Anti-fraud resources: