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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: "Mr. Eric Freeman" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ericfreeman04@gala.net>
Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2010 14:59:54 +0200
Subject: From Mr. Eric Freeman

Mr Eric Freeman
32 Sliveway Melvin
Johannesburg, South Africa
+27-787-919-754
Good Day.
 
In line with Government’s commitment to transform the public sector, The South African National Roads Agency Ltd (SANRAL) was established in April 1998 by an Act of Parliament as an independent statutory company operating along commercial lines and at arm’s length from Government. SANRAL harnesses more than 600 person years of core skills and experience in road development and management within a highly motivated, professional and passionate team of people operating out of its (Pretoria) head office.
 
I am Mr. Eric Freeman, the Director of Contract Award and Procurement Commission (CAPCOM) to the Republic of South Africa. I and the Chairman of (CAPCOM) (Mr.Joseph Clark) are confidentially requesting for your consent to transfer a deliberate OVER-INVOICED sum of US$14,500,000.00m. Of Multi Billion Dollars Contract awarded to foreign firms in preparation of this year 2010 Fifa Football World Cup to be hosted by South Africa.
 
This is to use your name/particulars LEGALLY transfer the said fund which we deliberately inflated/over-estimated during the contract we awarded some months Ago for our personal benefit. Hence we have decided to invest and re-settle outside the South Africa.
 
If interested, send me an email so I can give you the full details and I have the deposit document in my possession.
I await your urgent reply.
 
Best Regards
Mr Eric Freeman
+27-787919754

Anti-fraud resources: