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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: Joe Lee Jeffrey <ghred44@att.net>
Reply-To: joe.jeffrey02@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 11:55:56 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Urgent Enquiry


Attn,
 
Bearing in mind the nature of the content of this letter coming from a person without any referral, I apologize for any inconvenience, but please read and objectively consider if we can work together,I know this message may come to you as a big surprise because we have not met before, but please do not think this is one of those junk or scam mails you do received in your email box/fax machine of  which I, myself do receive also.
 
 
With due respect,
 
My name is Joe Lee Jeffrey an attorney by profession, in my quest to find a reliable trustee to manage the assets/estate of my late client valued at only $5,600,000.00 (Five Million Six Hundred Thousand US Dollars) This is the reason why you are receiving this email from me.
I shall be willing to supply you with more detailed information concerning this business project upon hearing back from you.
 
I have no intention whatsoever to delve into your private life considering the fact that you have never had any communication with me in the past,but due to the nature of this business project based on the fact that I lack the locus-standi to assume the role of the trustee or appoint any of my relation to become the trustee by virtue of the facts and circumstances surrounding this project, I am left with no other choice, but to carry out a discreet search for a reputable person outside the shores of my country and consequently seek your stewardship.
 
If you wish to render your selfless service, but very rewarding, do provide me with the following informations via email.
 
1.Your full names
2.Tel & fax numbers
3.Complete Address
4.Your occupation and your Age.
5.Marital Status
 
I shall provide with more detailed information upon hearing from you.

Thank you, all inconvenience is regretted.
Joe Lee Jeffrey .
Principal Partner Jeffrey Lee & Partners.
 
===================================================================
-- Confidentiality Notice --
This email message, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and contains confidential information. Unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose, copy or disseminate this information. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender immediately by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.
 

Anti-fraud resources: