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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: "Mrs.Patricia Anna." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <annapatrice51@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:21:51 +0100
Subject: My Beloved One

My Dearest Beloved in Christ,
I don't really know who you are, but peace is unto you as you read
This letter. My Instinct tells me that I can trust you by my
Proposition. I got your contact through Internet directory and My Instinct directed me to send this money to you.
I am a widow and a devoted Christian, my name is Mrs. Patricia Anna from UNITE STATES OF AMERICA, since my husband died, I have been suffering from arthritics and lately doctors have diagnosed me with terminal cancer, which left me with approximately twelve months to live. I am currently on wheelchair and being looked after by a nurse and some of my late husband’s relatives in turns.
Before my husband died, he left some money to the tone of $5.6m United State Dollars (Five million, Six hundred thousand dollars) and he made  me promised him that it should be used for humanitarian work, because we  have no children and he don't want his brothers to lay hand on it,
Since they don't believe in God, they have a different vision.
This money is currently in a vault with a bank, if you will
Promise me that you will use this money to achieve the wish of my
Husband and I, then I will instruct the bank to release the content of the vault in your name.
You are also requested to send the below infoamtion
Your Full Name, your contact address your occupation, age and phone number,
God bless you as you walk in the light and glory. You can reach me
Though my private email:annapatrice51@gmail.com
And also send me your Full name and phone number.
Yours in Vineyard,
Mrs.Patricia  Anna.
 

Anti-fraud resources: