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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: "Barr Charles Igwe" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <charles.igwe@ymail.com>
Date: Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:22:16 -0000
Subject: Dear Friend Please Claim your Fund.

Dear Friend Please Claim your Fund.

I am Barrister Charles Igwe a personal attorney to the deceased
(Engr. Richard). I am compelled to write you this email for the following
reason:- The above named person, who is now deceased, in His Will,left for
someone who bears your name his entire Estate and Cash deposit of US4.5Million.

The truth is that, l do not know if you are the beneficiary or not. For two
years now, l have tried effortlessly to locate the name on the will without
success hence l have contacted you,Can you please get back to me urgently.if you
think you are the one or you desire further explanation. Get back to me
immediately.

Do not forget to include your telephone, your full residential
address,full names, age and occupation.
You can send your reply to my personal email address: charles.igwe@ymail.com
or you call me on 234 7088 995741

I look forward to your response.

Best Regards.
Barrister Charles Igwe

Anti-fraud resources: