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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: "Albert Chong" <wong.albert668@gmail.com>
Reply-To: albert_chong@gmx.com
Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:39:20 +0800
Subject: Attn: Next Of Kin

Dear Friend,
 
 
I am Mr. Albert Chong, a staff member of HSBC Bank Malaysia.  I have a business
transaction which I will like to introduce you into that will be of our mutual benefit,
(US$ 19,305,050.12). The above amount was left behind be a deceased client of mine
that shares the same last names as yours.
 
 
All conformable documents to back up the claims will be made available to you prior to
your acceptance and as soon as I receive your return mail via my email address,
I will let you know what is required.
 
 
I will like to hear from you so that I will explain more details about the transaction.
 
Sincerely,
Albert Chong

Anti-fraud resources: