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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: "MS. LILIAN HOLLOWAY" (may be fake)
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:00:35 +0300
Subject: "Possible Relative's Account"

Hello,

I am Ms.Lilian Holoway the Former credit manager of Amal Bank of Ghana Ltd in Ghana. I have a proposal to discuss about an abandoned bonded account in Amal Bank of Ghana, Ltd. The account holder originates from your country. Please contact me through email if you are interested or give me a call. It will be beneficial to all parties concerned.

Regards,

Ms. Lilian Holloway
+233272597129

Anti-fraud resources: