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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: "KEN MURPHY" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <kenmurphy733@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 2012 07:04:19 -0800
Subject: THE WORLD BANK FINANCE GROUP LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM.


THE WORLD BANK FINANCE GROUP LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM.
55 STREET JAMES SQUARE, LONDON SW1Y 4JS, UNITED KINGDOM.
OFFICE OF: Bill and Exchange Manager/ Secretary General
FROM DESK OF: MR. KEN MURPHY

Dear Sir/Ma
I am Ken Murphy, Bill and Exchange Manager/ Secretary General, Head of the World Bank Finance Group, UK Branch. We have set up a new Agency to fight against scam and Fraudulent activities worldwide.
This Group is responsible for investigating unpaid contracts, inheritance and lotto winnings. We have directed the paying authorities (banks) worldwide to make immediate payment of verified claims to the beneficiaries without further Delay
you are being legally contacted regarding the release of your long awaited fund. After a detailed review of your file, the World Bank Group has mandated that your fund should be release immediately.
The sum of US$10,000,000.00 (Ten Million United States Dollars) has been approved in your favor via my desk. I therefore wish to inform you that your payment is being processed and will be released to you as soon as you respond to this letter. Please re-confirm to us the following:
1, Your Full name:
2, phone, fax, and mobile number
3, company name, home address:
4, profession, Age and marital status
: Note that the above fund has been cleared from terrorist or fraud related activities.
Thanks for Your Cooperation. Your payment has been approved and endorsed by the World Bank,
Your detailed information has been confirmed with the instruction and approvals given from Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI, Washington DC, USA regards the deposited fund from the World, the sum US$10,000,000.00. as compensation and full payment of your funds.
Mr. Ken Murphy
(Secretary-General)
World Bank Group.

Anti-fraud resources: