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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. Ricardo Lewis" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <fund_unit02@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 23:34:09 +0100
Subject: Re: You Are Officially Informed

Attention: Beneficiary.

My name is Mr. Ricardo Lewis of the International Monetary Fund investigation unit. Attached pictures was received and forwarded to our office here in London UK today the 5TH Of MARCH, 2010 requesting that your unclaimed fund be paid to Janet Williams.

In the said letter of change of beneficiary/ownership, representatives of Janet Williams states that you are dead and as such your fund should be paid to her as the next of kin to you.

Because of the elaborate global scam, we decided to contact you for confirmation. If after seven working days, no response is received from you, it will be assumed that you are dead and as such authorization and approval will be granted on behalf of Janet Williams to claim/receive your fund.

Confirm this pictures and reconfirm your Information and how you want your fund paid to you without further delay if you are still alive. Send your response to my email address: fundunit_uk01@yahoo.com.hk

Below is the information you are expected to re-confirm,

1. Full Name:___________________
2. Address:____________________
3. Nationality:_____Sex___________
4. Age:_____ Date of Birth:__________
5. Occupation:___________________
6. Phone:_______Fax:_____________
7. State of Origin:_____Country:_____
8. Driver's lincence:________________
9. Copy Of Your Identity:____________

You can also call for clearification +447035993289

Thanks

Regards

Mr. Ricardo Lewis
International Monetary Fund investigation unit.
Tel: +447035993289

Anti-fraud resources: