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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: "Josephine Lopez" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <jlopoz3@yahoo.com.my>
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2012 22:19:50 +0200
Subject: I am obligated to contact you today

Sir/Ma, The International Settlement department of Fifth Third Bank,USA is obligated to contact you for the immediate release of your fund whose account has become dormant and subsequently transferred to this department as unclaimed fund.We received an authorization to pay you as the only authorized paying bank since other banks have failed. However, our findings have revealed that the problem behind your inability to have received your fund from the corresponding bank resulted from lack of transparency, insincerity and incessant demand for money by your representative(s) for unusual payments. We have therefore decided to establish a direct payment system (DPS) with you for the prompt release of your funds without any hitch.We therefore request that you respond to this email immediately to enable us proceed with the release of your fund accordingly . Reconfirm the following information: Full Name Phone & Mobile phone Number Full Mailing address We sincerely regret the inconvenience and delay of receiving your fund,be rest assured for prompt payment within three working days as arrangements have been perfected to release your fund without any further delay.You are advised to stop every conversation with any office to enable us serve you better.As soon as I hear from you,I will give you my official email address. I awaits your urgent response for further information in details. Yours Faithfully, Mrs. Josephine Lopez International Settlement department Fifth Third Bank,USA

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