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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: "SAM OKPOKO" <barristerokpoko03@googlemail.com>
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:05:33 +0200
Subject: GOOD DAY


FROM:BARRISTER SAM OKPOKO
Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).
Tinubu-Square,Lagos Nigeria.

Attention:Honourable contractor,

Sir,

We have been making effort to transfer your approved funds arising from
the inheritance /contract but we are always faced with the same
difficulties.
Problems has arisen with respect to transferring large funds as a result of
the new controls put in place by international money transfer monitoring
agencies.
It has become almost impossible to transfer large sums without checks,
lengthy
delays and even blockage by the agencies/IMF.

In view of this fact, we have devised an arrangement whereby your funds
will be shipped directly by our Diplomatic Unit in London or wire transfer
of the funds in bits.
This arrangement is confidential and will be carried out to ensure you
receive your money
speedily and within the time frame. This is to inform you that all necessary
arrangements have been concluded and our Diplomatic Unit/Offshore Payment
Centre in London has been advised
and telexed the approvals in your favor as the beneficiary of the funds
($25.5million) for prompt process and release of your funds.

Upon receipt of your complete information for validation, I shall update you
with the contact of the
Diplomatic Unit/Offshore Payment Centre in London for further
correspondences with them. So, indicate how you wish to receive your funds
either by bank wire or diplomatic sealed consignment directly to your
contact address. You are requested to send the following:

1. Your Complete Names /company names
2. Your direct telephone/fax numbers
3. Your Contact Delivery Address

Congratulations and remain blessed while awaiting your prompt reply with the
requested information for swift release of your funds.

Best Regards,

BARRISTER SAM OKPOKO
Director,Operations/Admin,CBN.

Anti-fraud resources: