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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: REV DR PAUL WILLIAMS <centrabankofnigeria45@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: gov_fgn@yahoo.co.jp
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:59:00 +0100
Subject: Sem assunto



Attn:

We write to inform you that the Federal Government of Nigeria incollabration
with United Nations has agreed last week to refund US$4.5m as compensation to
every scam victim with immediate effect. Also, to inform you that we are
paying you by bank to bank wire transfer. The following information is needed
from you. Your Name, Private Telephone and Bank details for urgent transfer to
you.

Best Regards
Rev.Dr Paul Williams
Director Payment Monitoring Agency.
Tell:+234 8120 718 229

Anti-fraud resources: