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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: Sohna Adams <sterwog@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:30:17 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: From your friend Sohna




Dearest,
 
How are you doing today? How about your health which is very important and your work? I hope that everything is fine with you. I decided to contact you, because i strongly believe that we can become friends and have things to share in common.
My name is Sohna Adams. I am 21 years old from Liberia in Africa, 5.8ft tall, fair in complexion, single, (never married). I am easy going, calculative and I have the fear of God. I like nature and everything natural. I like someone who is not boastful and who does not discriminate in religion and race. What more can i say? Ok, i can say i am good looking. I will send my pictures to you when you reply.
Love and affection from your friend,
Sohna.

Anti-fraud resources: