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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.Jean Smith" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <jeansmith2011@rediffmail.com>
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 19:29:08 -0000
Subject: Reply me From Sister Jean USA

Reply me From Sister Jean USA

I am Mrs.Jean Smith a wife of Late Mr. Gordon Smith from USA I have a deposit valued at $1.5 million which Recently ,I decided to donate this fund to either an organization or devoted individual that will utilize this money the way I will Recently, my doctor told me that I have only six months to live in this world due to cancer problem. Though what disturbs me most is my stroke sickness. Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to either a charity/orphanage home or devoted God fearing individual/company that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein. I want this organization or individual to use this money in all sincerity to fund charity homes (motherless homes), orphanages, and widows.

Although, I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are into radical organization and I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an unholy manner. Hence the reasons for this bold decision. Please, pray for me to recover as your prayers will go a long way in uplifting my spirit. I don't need any telephone communication in this regard, because of my condition and my doctor has advised me not to speak on phone because of my health for now .
instruct herein. As soon as I receive your reply

Any delay in your reply will give room in sourcing for another organization or a devoted Individual for this same purpose. Until I hear from you by email, my dreams will rest squarely on your Shoulders.

May God blessings be with you in all your daily endeavors, Amen.
Mrs.Jean Smith

Anti-fraud resources: