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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: "Prof. Rita Wrenn" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <prof.rita50@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 11 Sep 2010 05:16:41 -0700
Subject: SECRET SHOPPER ASSISTANCE NEEDED

We have a mystery shopping assignment in your area and we would like you
to participate" Secret Shopper® is accepting applications for qualified
individuals to become mystery shoppers. It's fun and rewarding, and you
choose when and where you want to shop. You are never obligated to accept an assignment. There is no charge to become a shopper and you do not need
previous experience. After you sign up, you will have access to training
materials via e-mail, fax or postal mail. ABOUT US Secret Shopper® is the premier mystery shopping company, serving clients across America and Canada with over 500,000 shoppers available and ready to help businesses better serve their customers. Continual investment in the latest internet and communication technologies coupled with over 16 years of know-how means working with Secret Shopper® is a satisfying and rewarding
experience.Secret shopping as seen on ABC NEWS, NBC NEWS, L.A.TIMES. Stores and organizations such as The Gap, Walmart, Pizza Hut, and Banks. One
amongst many others pay for Secret Shoppers to shop in their establishments and report their experiences. On top of being paid for shopping you are also allowed to keep purchases for free. Secret Shopper® NEVER charge fees to the shopper.Training, tips for improvement, and shopping opportunities are
provided free toregistered shoppers. Mystery shoppers are either paid a
pre-arranged fee for a particular shop, a reimbursement for a purchase or a combination of both.Secret Shopper® has available for
with the assignment: PERSONAL INFORMATION:
First Name...........................................
Middle Name.............................................
Last Name............................................
Street Address.........................................
City, State, Zip
Code............................................
Cell Phone Number
.............................................
Home Phone Number
.............................................

Age....................................................................
Current
Occupation.................................................
Alternate Email Address
..............................................
AVAILABILITY:
Days/Hours Available
Monday ..X............................................
Tuesday ..X...........................................
Wednesday X.............................................
Thursday .X.............................................
Friday ...X..........................................
Saturday .X............................................
Sunday ............................................
Hours Available: from _ ______ to _____We await your urgent response.

Thank you for your help.
We look forward to working with you.Sincerely,

Secret Shopper®
prof.Rita

Anti-fraud resources: