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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: "Mr Promise Lawnson" <test@test.com>
Reply-To: <lawnsonpromise@yahoo.it>
Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:33:52 -0600
Subject: Notice: Defrauded Beneficiary,

Notice: Defrauded Beneficiary,

We are so disappointed at our failure in coming to your aid before now, wherein so much unlawful act had already been done to damage the image of our Company. This is not to ascertain or say that we have been idle over the years that this strange thing has been happening, but we have been busy in our own little way, trying to resolve issue and bring all those who have in time past used our Courier name to defraud you off your hard earned money.

For this, our district here in Lagos, Nigeria, in collaboration with our World DHL Courier Panel and Boards of Directives, we have been duly assigned after our meeting to pay out DHL Company Certified Cheque, valued at the sum of $100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand United States Dollars only) Please note that this is very minute towards redeeming the image of our Company based on the high extent of condemnation by this Fraudsters, but we felt this Compensation will help gain back the affection, trust and customer relationship in its little way, as the theory of our observation proves and confirms that, the deeds of this imposters under the false believe of working with our DHL Courier Company has actually made over 20% of our Customer seize working with us, while they prefer dealing with other Courier Companies.
You may want to ask, WHY ME? or WHAT FOR?

This is very simple, just as been said earlier, that this definitely can't correct all that has been spoilt in a jiffy, but then we believe its a step by step process. You where actually been selected through our Compensation Designated Department, who works hand in hand with our International Anti-Fraud Team, where data's of victims where randomly drawn for a Lucky Winner, and Luckily for you, you immerged our first Lucky Winner in the very first of its kind.

This is actually the first of its kind, which we intend to do more, all towards redeeming the trust of our lost Customers. Again, have in mind that in due time after redeeming your fund, you'll be called on for publishing with 100% contact information disclosed for security measures. Your are to provide us your full data, such as your full names, address, contact phone number, occupation and age. This will help us process the delivery of your Cheque and also to be specific of the cashers details, to avoid delay in Cashing.

Please be informed that this message is an Official Mail, and needed to be treated as such so security and safety reasons. You are indeed obliged to ask whatsoever you deem necessary to help you clear and confirm the legitimacy of this mail to you, in other to to be regarded as one of those Fraudsters. We are here to make amendment.

Please be informed that our Courier will be responsible for the delivery of your Cheque to you without costing you a penny. All that is needed by you is your full details as requested above and 0.05% of the value of your Cheque as TAX Fees amounting to US $190, to be paid to Nigerian Government. Once this is met. Your Check shall be delivered to your doorstep in 2 working days where you'll be issued a Tracking Number to help update you of delivery status by the minute. To redeem your Cheque. Please reply to: lawnsonpromise@yahoo.it
And thanks for choosing DHL, we are here to serve you right.

Yours sincerely,
Mr. Promise Lawnson.
Sec. of DHL Courier Service.
Lagos, Nigeria.
+234-8080-471-015.
e-Mail: promiselawnson@yahoo.com

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