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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: "Vinicius Rincon" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <vinrincon@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Sat, 25 Sep 2010 04:55:23 -0700
Subject: God guide you

My intention of contacting you is to solicit your assistance
in a Project, Though I know my decision to contact you is
unconventional, the prevailing circumstances necessitated my action.
I am Vinicius Rincon from Dubai an oil explorer.I have cancer and the
doctors say i have Six months left.Honestly everyone will surely die one
day,but how you pass through this world is what matters,I have been
distributing funds to charity organizations but Due to my present condition i
cant do this anymore,i need you to help distribute my remaining money
to Christian and Muslem countries and religious organizations, Any delay in
your reply will give room in sourcing for an organization or a devoted
Muslim/Christian for this same purpose.Until I hear from you my dreams will rest
squarely on your shoulders,God guide you.

Vinicius Rincon

Anti-fraud resources: