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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: "REBEKAH SMITH" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <rebekahsmith001@live.com>
Date: Mon, 28 May 2012 20:08:07 -0700
Subject: RE: I WANT TO INVEST WITH YOU

Dear Friend


My name is Mrs Victoria Smith, widow to late Joseph Smith. I am suffering from Cancer of the breast. Since my doctor said i can't live more than 2 months again. I will want you to claim my funds (Twenty million United States dollars and distribute it to the charity. The funds are in a Finance Firm in Europe. I will give you 20% of the total fund for your assistance.

1. Can you handle this project?
2. Can I give you this trust?

I wait your response for more details.

Mrs Victoria Smith.

Anti-fraud resources: