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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: "Mrs.Tennis Hug" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrbonnyyq@w.cn>
Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:02:24 +0100
Subject: ATTN: BENEFICIARY

ATTN:  BENEFICIARY
 
I wish to use this medium to inform you that your CONTRACT/INHERITANCE Part Payment of USD2.3M (Two Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars) from CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA have been RELEASED and APPROVED for onward transfer to you via an ATM CARD which you will use to withdraw all the USD2.3M in any ATM SERVICE MACHINE in any part of the world.
 
 
We have mandated Mr.Bonny Way, to send you the ATM CARD and PIN NUMBER which you will use to withdraw all your USD2.3 Million Dollars in any ATM SERVICE MACHINE in any part of the world.You are therefore advice to contact the Head of ATM CARD Department of Nigeria:
 
 
Contact Person: Mr. Bonny Way
E-mail addres: bonny.wayp@w.cn
Tel: +2347031997622
 
 
Tell Mr. Bonny Way that you received a message from the office of the Presidency,instructing him to send you the ATM CARD and PIN NUMBER which you will use to withdraw your due fund in any ATM SERVICE MACHINE in any part of the world, also send him your direct phone number and contact address where you want him to send the ATM CARD and PIN NUMBER to you.
 
 
We are very sorry for the plight you have gone through in the past years. Thanks for adhering to this instruction and once again accept our congratulations.
 
 
Best Regards.
Mrs.Tennis Hug
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

Anti-fraud resources: