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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: "ASHLEY JOE." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ashleyjoeprivatemail@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 10:27:10 -0800
Subject: URGENT

Dear,
 
 
Hello,I am Mr Ashely Joe, a staff of Private Banking Services at the
 
Bank of China (BOC) United Kingdom . An investment was placed under my management
 
four years ago by a customer who is now deceased. I need your
 
assistance in investing these funds. if you're interested contact me
 
via my private email. If you're not interested in my offer do not
 
respond to this email.
 
Provide your telephone number for voice conversation and to enable me
 
disclose some more vital information concerning this transaction.
 
Awaiting your urgent reply via my email below.
Thanks and my regards,
Ashely Joe

Anti-fraud resources: