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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: < p.chan28@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2011 17:38:01 +0100
Subject: ATTNS:

It is understandable that you might be a little bit apprehensive because you do not know me but I have a lucrative business proposal of mutual interest to share with you. I got your reference in my search for someone who suits my proposed business relationship. I am Mr. Patrick Chan Executive Director & Chief financial Officer of Hang Seng Bank Ltd. I will need you to assist me in executing a business project from Hong Kong to your country. It involves the transfer of money. Everything concerning this transaction shall be legally done without hitch.

Once the funds have been successfully transferred into your account, we shall share in the ratio to be agreed by both of us. Contact me on my confidential Email address ( p.chan28@yahoo.com.hk ) I shall furnish you with more information’s about this operation immediately I receive a positive response from you.
Kind Regards,
Mr. Patrick Chan
E-mail: p.chan28@yahoo.com.hk

Anti-fraud resources: