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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: "Alex Craig" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <alexcraig111@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 21:24:16 -0700
Subject: Immediate response appreciated" !!!!!

Untitled Document
Dear  Sir

I will like t begin by way of introduction; my name is Alex Craig..For reason which will
Come to light as you read on, I obtained you address during my search for a business
Man with a strong business and a good financial standing that can receive and manage a
Large sum of money slated for offshore investment in your country, let me ally your fear
About this proposal, it is not a scam but a true story that demands a god attention and I
Write to inform you of a desire to acquire estate, company and landed properties in your
Country, I also want my identity to remain undisclosed to any third party at least for now,
Until the completion of the transaction ends, my desire to have an overseas agent in order
To actualize this transaction. There is absolutely no risk involve.
Thus your area of specialization does not matter in this transaction, all that is required of
You is a safe account and your willingness to assist me acquire those assets in your
Country. For this too, you shall serve as my agent. Already, I have worked out means of
Achieving my aim if you accept my proposal. Your confidential office telephone, cell
Phone, Fax number and email address for easy correspondence, I shall only provide you
Details if you strongly indicate interest in the business proposal. If however, you are not
Dispose to assist, kindly destroy this letter in view of confidentiality of the proposed
Transaction and the interest of personalities involved.
Thank you in anticipation of your cooperation.

Best Wishes
Alex Craig
 

Anti-fraud resources: