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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: mr Thomas vinny <thomasvinny@bullworlduk.com>
Reply-To: mrthomasvinny@yahoo.com.hk
Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:51:34 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Attention! From Mr Thomas.


P O Box 10720
217 Strand
London WC2R 1AP
  
My Dear.
 
I have a very important request that make me to contact you, I am Mr. Thomas Vinny, I found your profile very interesting and decided to reach you directly to solicit your assistance and guidelines in making a business investment and transfer of £12.5M GBP (Twelve Million Five Hundred  thousand pounds Sterling) to your country within the next few days. 
  
I presently work as a Chief Auditor, Offshore Mortgage & Services with Natwest Bank Plc, London Branch. But at this moment, I am constrained to issue more details about this profitable business investment until I get your response by mail. Please take out a moment of your very busy schedule today to respond back if you are interested, please send your direct telephone numbers through this email (mrthomasprivatebox@ymail.com) for an  initial confidential communication.   I wish for utmost confidentiality in handling this transaction.    
Awaiting your reply,    
Mr. Thomas Vinny
www.NatWest.com

Anti-fraud resources: