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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: Ameen A <ameens2011@live.com>
Date: Wed, 10 Aug 2011 01:40:05 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Can i trust you?





 
Good Day My good friend,
 
Let me start by introducing myself, I am Mr Salif Karim,an account officer with an African Bank in Burkina-Faso of West Africa(CBI). I am writing you this  letter based on the latest development in my bank which I will like to bring to your personal edification,($9million transfer claims ).This is a legitimate transaction and you will be paid 30% for your "Assistance".If you are interested, kindly fill the below for the next step.
 
full names:
phone line:
country of origin:
age:
occupation:
marital status:
 
your bank information:
 
account name:
account type:
account number:
bank address and phone/fax:
 
yours Sincerely
Mr Salif

Anti-fraud resources: