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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: Dr Brian Smith <ohhlordthygodweneedtousethistom@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: dr_brian_smith11@yahoo.com
Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 10:40:00 +0900 (JST)
Subject: URGENT RELEASE OF YOUR INHERITANCE FUND VIA ATM SWIFT CARD!!

$B?7$7$$%a!<%k%"%I%l%9$r$*CN$i$;$7$^$9?7$7$$%a!<%k%"%I%l%9!'(B ohhlordthygodweneedtousethistom@yahoo.co.jp

ATTN: SIR/MADAM,

It was Resolved by the Nigerian Government that your Contract/Inheritance Payment funds Should be Released to you via a Newly Implemented Method tagged "ATM SWIFT CARD".You are to Re-confirm your Full Name,Address,Phone #,Age,Occupation and your Next of kin to claim your funds.

- Dr Brian Smith


Anti-fraud resources: