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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: "SYLVIA RHODES" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <infodeskdeliverydept1@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 28 May 2010 23:25:37 +0100
Subject: COMPENSATION FUND OF $750,000 HAS BEEN APPROVED TO SEND TO YOU.

NOTE THAT YOU HAVE 14 WORKING DAYS TO RECEIVE THIS PAYMENT NOW APPROVED IN YOUR NAME IF YOU ARE SERIOUS OR WE WILL CANCEL IT IF YOU FAIL TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTION GIVEN.
 
Due to conjestion of return payment files in the security depatment of foreign operations and with the report of scam and fraudlent activities that is being received daily, the board of directors finance ministry has resolved that all clients that has over due payment must receive their compensation fund of $750,000 usd by CASH, DRAFT OR ATM MASTER CARD payment but it must be through a reputable courier service to ensure a safe delivery of this compensation of $750,000 and it has to be monitored by our security department to ensure that you receive it and confirm and you will not be scammed again.
 
From the record and report we have been receiveing, it is noted that you have been scammed of your hard earned money before and could not receive the payment due in your name and base on the fact that your name fall among the victims, this compensation of $750,000 usd has been granted in your favour and you are advice to respond to receive this fund within the next 14 working days or we have no option than to cancel this payment in your name.
 
Reconfirm these informations below :
 
1.YOUR FULL NAME:=================================
2.YOUR HOME ADDRESS.====================
3.YOUR CURRENT HOME/OFFICE/CELL PHONE NUMBER.==========
4:YOUR OCCUPATION/POSITION :==========================
4.A COPY OF YOUR IDENTITY OR PASSPORT COPY:============
 
CONTACT THE DIRECTOR ENGR. VICTOR ANESTESIA
FOREIGN DELIVERY DEPARTMENT.
COTONOU BENIN REPUBLIC.
 
Thanks and Remain Blessed.
 
Yours Faithfully,
Dr. Sylvia Rhodes
Director minstry of finance

Anti-fraud resources: