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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. Johnson Toul" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <drtoul@sify.com>
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:33:11 -0700
Subject: Cash Payment Through Diplomatic

African Union
Annex office,England
21 Knotto Bottom Close,
Northallerton, North Yorkshire,
England
+44 870 284 3213


This is to notify you that your funds has been programmed for immediate release into your nominated account but we can not
transfer this funds direct to your nominated bank account, because we are having a problem with international monetary fund
(IMF) so our method of payment is by diplomatic courier service note; that every arrangement regarding your cash payment
through diplomatic services has been made, note that your funds have been packaged like a consignment.

Be informed that the diplomatic agency has to move down to your country. I want you to send your direct mobile phone and your
home address to me immediately, so that as soon as the diplomats arrive in your country they will call you immediately to
notify you. Meanwhile, if you want the consignment to be delivered elsewhere other than your house, please do indicate in

your next correspondence.

looking forward to hear from you.

Yours faithfully.

Dr. Johnson Toul
Director,
Foreign Reserve Escrow Account Officer
African Union
+44 870 284 3213

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