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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: Chris Leach <chris_leach@live.com>
Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 23:09:25 -0400
Subject: =?iso-8859-1?Q?Western_Union=AE_?=

Western Union®
Western Union®
Welcome to Western Union
Send Money Worldwide
ADDRESS: PLOT 1, SOUTHWARK BRIDGE,SE 19 HL UNITED KINGDOM
PHONE NUMBER: +44-7024023893
REF NO: 250-153

Dear Sir/Madam
 
There is an issue with the Western Union Money Transfer in the amount of 1,000,000.00 POUNDS STERLING directed in cash credited to file KTU/ 9023118308/03, at the owner of this email address.

We are unable to complete a transfer directed at an email address, so we require some more information in order to complete this transfer.

In order to effect this payment, please call our offices at: Chris leach.+44 702-4016-606 OR +44-7024023893 Email: ( westernunionmoneytransfer18@freeukisp.co.uk )

As soon as this information is received, your payment will be made to you over the counter or wired to your nominated bank account directly from The Western Union Transferring Bank as soon as you comply with the requirements of western union charges. When calling or emailing, please use reference number 250-153 for our mutual convenience.

Sincerely, Chris leach. .
Western Union®
Welcome to Western Union
Send Money Worldwide
+44 702-4016-606

Anti-fraud resources: