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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: "Sgt.Benjamin Franklin" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <benjamninfantry@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:45:44 +0200
Subject: Gold opportunity

Greetings,
How are you today ? I am Sgt. Benjamin Franklin an American soldier serving in the Military 3rd Infantry Division here in Iraq. Firstly, i 'd like to apologize for using this medium to contact you as it is my last option. I found your details in one of the Online directories and decided to intimate you with a business transaction that i believe can change our lives.
 
During one of my night patrol duties, i stumble into a storage vault containing four Refined metallic Gold Bars of 120kg, 95kg, 85kg, 65kg respectively in a dilapidated building once owned by a known Iraqi business mogul, at first i was shocked and astonished i had wanted to leave it there, but came to my senses and realized its gift from God, as the total monetary value will change my life forever.
 
I have kept this Gold bars to myself for some time now hoping that i will take it along with me back home when we are released in 5-6 weeks time from now, but unfortunately i realized it will be seized from me by my senior officers who take it and  keep it to themselves.
 
To this effect, I wish to solicit your partnership in moving this GOLD BARS out of IRAQ IMMEDIATELY, here is a war zone and as soldiers there are limitations to what we can do. All i need a is a reliable, trustworthy and competent individual that will act as the receiver.
 
I am planning on using one of Iraq's best diplomatic courier company to ship the GOLD BARs out of iraq and all i require of you is to help in receiving at your end. I am prepared to share the money from the sale of this God's gift with you 60/40 (Giving you the 40%)
 
My utmost question is Can I trust you ? If you are interested in this transaction and you know you are trust worthy and competent, do contact me as it is very urgent and requires immediate attention.I look forward to you message and shall furnish you with further details about the transaction.
 
Please note : Transaction of this magnitude is best kept a secret, until its successful execution. It is 100% risk free.
Please reply me back on my private email:benjamininfantry@aol.com
 
Thank you
 
Sgt.Benjamin Franklin

Anti-fraud resources: