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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: "Mrs. Ike" <mrs.ike2000@virgilio.it>
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 2010 07:01:04 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: May GOD use you

My Dear in the Lord,

I am ashamed to write this mail, but I do not have any
option. I am in serious pains as I write this mail. I am a single mother of 38
years old with three children. I am a hairdresser. I lost my husband on October
5th last year after about 6 months and 2 weeks illness, which ruined our total
savings. And the company he worked for refused to pay any entitlement to us.

My recent problem started with the construction of an expressway in my area,
which they destroyed my saloon. I have tried to no avail to secure another one
since last year. And having a family to feed since then, I do not have money to
pay for the one I was showed at Ikporin Road last week. I went to the Christian
Women Organization to borrow, but instead of helping, I was told to wait till
the general meeting of May 30th. I also complained to the pastor’s wife.

Now,
the school will start next week and I do not have any food for my family now. I
do not have money for food not to talk of their school fees. Today, I say let
me write you to know if God will bless me through you.

Please reply to my
email address: mrs.ike2000@gmail.com . Do not reply on this email I used to
send this mail.

Mrs. Ikechukwu

Anti-fraud resources: