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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: "Joan Melvin" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <joan_melvin@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 19:31:24 +0100
Subject: Attention Funds Receiver.

Attention Funds Receiver.

I have to start by introducing myself as Mrs Joan Melvin, senior investigator working with the united Nations. From and accured data base through the International Moneytary Funds (IMF) we observed that you were surposed to receive your wire transfer of your funds on the 25-05-2012.

This E-mail requires you to quickly confirm to this humble office if you have received your funds transfer. If No, complete the requested information Below:

Full Name
Age, Sex , Occupation
Direct Mobile Number
Nationality
A valid passport

I will be waiting for your swift response to this urgent matter

Thanks!

Mrs Joan Melvin
UN INVESTIGATOR

Anti-fraud resources: