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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: "Mr Charles Philip" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <lep707@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2012 08:28:04 -0700
Subject: I need your assistance

There are serious political problems here in my country right now and they have killed my parents Please am seeking for your urgent help to transfer USD 4.8M into your bank account for investment purpose 10% is for your help contact me at +22504382499 for more info

Anti-fraud resources: