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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: "ATM PAYMENT OFFICE" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <atmpay09@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2011 16:34:42 -0800
Subject: =?utf-8?B?U3BhbTogQXR0ZW50aW9uOiBCZW5lZmljaWFyeTogWW91?=
=?utf-8?B?ciBBVE0gVklTQSBDQVJEIGlzIHJlYWR5IGZvciBwaWNrIHVw?=

Attention: Beneficiary


This is to inform you that your ATM VISA CARD has been credited with your fund of $8.5 Million, and we are sorry for the delay in contacting you all this while.The ATM CARD was issued to you as a result of your delayed payment and also as an inheritance of yours.It is ready for use.You are required to provide the ATM department with your information such as


YOUR FULL NAME:
YOUR CONTACT ADDRESS:
YOUR PHONE NUMBER:


(There is a delivery fee of $155 for the dispatching of your ATM to you by courier,please take note before forwarding your information). You are advise to contact the ATM department via their email {atmpay09@yahoo.co.jp} for the release of your ATM CARD immediately.


Congratulations once again.


Regards,
Rev. Thomas Barry

Anti-fraud resources: