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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: "Hang Seng Bank Postmaster" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <andwong0005@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Sat, 27 Aug 2011 01:45:42 +0100
Subject: Please I need Your Response

Greetings,

I am sorry to encroach into your privacy in this manner, I found your listed in the Trade Center Chambers of
Commerce directory here in the United Kingdom, I find it pleasurable to offer you my partnership in business,
I only pray at this time that your address is still valid. I want to solicit your attention to receive money on my
behalf for investment purposes. The purpose of my contacting you is because my status would not permit me
to do this alone.

When you reply this message confirming your interest and sincerity of purpose, I will send you the full details
and more information about myself and the funds.

Mr. John Galvan
Director (Accounts Dept),
Head operations manager,
Private Banking Services (AIG Private Bank Plc)

Anti-fraud resources: