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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: "Vanni Treves" (may be fake)
Date: Mon, 31 May 2010 12:19:06 -0700
Subject: Grant Year 2010-J Paul Getty Jnr. Charitable Trust

J Paul Getty Jnr. Charitable Trust-Grant Year 2010
Vanni Treves
1 Park Square West
London
NW1 4LJ
Email: vannitreves@myemail.com

Good Day,

I am writing you this mail in my personal capacity and to you in same way as you in your personal capacity with the purpose that we go into partnership. I am Vanni Treves, a trustee to Sir. Paul Getty Jr., Foundation; I believe we could work together. Sir, Paul Getty Jr., a philanthropist who passed-on with a large sum of money set as aside for charity but could not commence the project before his death. The said money is off the records of his written will. The money is proposed to be used for charity, do contact me if you are willing to partner with me to set up this charity home with the said funds, Besides, we shall be will compensated financially.
I shall give you details upon receiving your reply, please state your full name, address and direct telephone number.
Please send your responds to my private email address only: vannitreves@myemail.com
Yours sincerely
Vanni Treves

Anti-fraud resources: