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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: "Ms. Carman Lapointe" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrs.carmanlapointeun.uk@zing.vn>
Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:26:29 -0500
Subject: CONTACT IMMEDIATELY FOR YOUR COMPENSATION (FROM UN, UK).

Attention:The Beneficiary
 
In line with our plans to make the world a better place, we deem it fit to compensate those that have been scammed in one way or the other.
 
We have been having meeting for the passed 3 months which ended 2 days ago with the former secretary to the UNITED NATIONS. This email is for all the people that have been scammed in any part of the world. The UNITED NATIONS COMPENSATION COMMISSION (UNCC) have agreed to compensate them with the sum of US$5,000,000.00 (Five Million US dollars only).
 
We found your name in our list and that is why we are contacting you as it has been agreed and signed.
 
All you need to do is to furnish us a scan copy of your Identification (ID) and your direct cell phone and your address to enable us cross check your information we have in our file here.
 
I have a very limited time to stay here in London.
 
Yours in service.
Mrs. Carman Lapointe
UN delegate to UK.

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