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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: "William Stevenson" <info@William.com>
Reply-To: williamstevenson03@hotmail.com
Date: Mon, 10 May 2010 15:32:23 -0430 (VET)
Subject: My Dying Wish


Dear friend,

I am William Stevenson and i have been diagnosed with Esophageal cancer It
has defied all forms of medical treatment, and Right now, I have only
about a few months to live and I want you to Distribute my funds to
charities. I have set side 20% for you and your family keep this secret to
yourself. If you are willing to help me, please reply to my personal Email
addresses: williamstevenson03@hotmail.com as soon as possible.

May The Good Lord Bless you and your Family.
I await your response.

Regards.
William Stevenson.

Anti-fraud resources: