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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: "Dr Smith Collins" <smithcollins@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: frankedward970@aim.com
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2010 07:56:15 +0700
Subject: Thank You For Your Assistance (Contact My Secretary For Your
Compensation)

Dear Friend
I'm happy to inform you about my success in getting the
fund transferred to a Swiss Account with the co-operation of a
new partner from paraguay who is an international business man.
Presently I'm in Paraguay for investment projects with my
own share of the total sum. Meanwhile, I did not forget your past
efforts and attempts to assist me in transferring those funds despite
that it failed us some how.
Now contact my secretary, his contact is:
Name: Mr Frank Edward
Email:frankedward3000@aim.com
I have concluded the wire transfer arrangment with the bank,
Ask him to guide you on how to transfer the total $500.000.00 (FIVE
Hundred
Thousand US Dollars)to your self,ensure you use the above email to
contact
him.
Best Regards.
Dr.Smith Collins


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