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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "APPLE COMPANY" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <appleberryltd@rediffmail.com>
Date: Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:03:33 +0100
Subject: Employment Opening for a Motivated Individuals..

We Are National Shopping Service® LLC, We have a mystery shopping assignment in your area and we would like you to participate" Secret Shopper® is accepting applications for qualified individuals to become a mystery shopper. It is fun and rewarding, and you choose when and where you want to shop. You are never obligated to accept an assignment. There is no charge to become a shopper and you do not need previous experience.
 
 
ABOUT US
In 1972, National Shopping Service started out as a small private investigation firm owned and operated by a retired police officer in Orange County, CA, John Astle. Around 1985, Paul Bingham, a salesperson and Mormon Bishop, purchased the company from his long time friend Astle. Bingham utilized his large family to perform almost
all of the local mystery shops.
 
 
National Shopping Service® LLC is the premier mystery shopping company; serving clients across America and Canada with over 500,000 shoppers available and ready to help businesses serve their customers better. Continual investment in the latest internet and communication technologies coupled with over 18 years of know-how means working with National Shopping Service® LLC is a satisfying and rewarding experience.
 
 
Mystery shoppers are either paid a pre-arranged fee for a particular shop, a reimbursement for a purchase or a combination of both. Secret Shopper® is available for immediate assignment, an inspection of the customer service of any Wal-Mart in your area. You are to shop secretly and invest just a little time to get things done. This fee will be paid upfront. During this shop you will visit the location and make several observations as regards the customer service.
 
You will be required to interact with the shop clerk The assignment will pay $200.00 per duty Kindly Fill Out the application form below and we will get back to you
shortly with the assignment:
 
 
Full Names:
Full Contact Address:( No P.o box)
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Country:
Phone Number (H):
Phone Number (Cell):
Occupation (if any):
Sex:
Marital status:
Age:
E-mail:
 
 
Thank you for your help.
We look forward to working with you .Sincerely,
 
Mark Sears
Employment Manager

Anti-fraud resources: