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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. Sabir Lanre Odunlami" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <xboxlivee1@w.cn>
Date: Fri, 8 Apr 2011 09:53:55 +0100
Subject: Your Fund Approved For Released.

Attention: Beneficiary,

We the Spring Bank Plc, Wishes to inform you that your long overdue fund has been approved. We have not heard from you since? What is happening? If you are interested to receive your fund immediately. Quickly get back to me with your Full Name: Age: Occupation: Nationality: Address: Marital Status: Cell phone. Indicate how you want us to make the payment to you either Atm Card, Certified Bank Draft, Bank to Bank Transfer.

Yours Sincerely,

Mr. Sabir Lanre Odunlami
Group Executive, Financial Control,
Spring Bank Plc, Nigeria.

Anti-fraud resources: