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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: "Sir GOLCHERT Dutcher" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <woolwine.anderson@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:23:52 -1200
Subject: Payment Sent ck

Payment Sent

Good Day,

Message was sent from State Department of Operation.

Serial number 5368/02

TK :56475600545 188
LK: KTU/9023118308

This is to officially inform you that we have verified your Unclaimed file presently on my desk. Contact us as soon as you receive this email for information on how you will be paid.

Best regards,

NAME: Mr. Chaselaw Pun

Anti-fraud resources: