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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: "Mr Patrick Chan" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <seng_mrpchan@hotmail.com.hk>
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:20:46 +0800
Subject: Re: Important Notices.

Hello,

I am Mr.patrick chan,Director of the Hang Seng Bank Ltd, hong kong. Aniraqi man
made a fixed deposit of (30,millionUSD) and he died with hisentire family leaving behind
no next of kin, am ready to share 65% for me, 5% will be use to settle any expenses and 30% for
you if you choose to stand as my deceased client next of kin. If you are interested please notify to
send to me this information below to this E-mail: seng_mrpchan@hotmail.com.hk

1. YOUR NAME:
2. YOUR RESIDENT ADDRESS:
3. YOUR OCCUPATION:
4. YOUR PHONE NUMBER:
5. DATE OF BIRTH:
6. COUNTRY OF RESIDENT:

Mind your names and address will be used by my Attorney to prepare the needed documents that will
back you up as the sole beneficiary of my deceased client funds. I wait to hear from you anyway,
I have spoken my honest mind to you this day.

Best Regards,
Mr.Patrick Chan.

Anti-fraud resources: