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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: "Joseph cole" <josephcole634@yahoo.es>
Reply-To: <josephcole640@yahoo.es>
Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2012 13:27:47 -0400
Subject: Re: From Mr. Cole

20 Lincoln's Inn Fields
London WC2A 3EE

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am Mr. Joseph Cole a banker here in London; my late client an
expatriate was killed in an unknown circumstance and before his death,hedeposited a total sum of $5,500,000.00 U.S Dollars with our bank here in London. I decided to search for any of my late client's relative which has been very difficult for me before the money get confiscated ordeclared unserviceable by the bank management because they have given me a mandate to present any family heirs to my late client.
This is why I am writing to you so that you will assist to claim this funds.
I will prepare every operation that will assist you claim the money and
the funds will be released to you within 12 working days after you have
filed in for the claims. I will like you to acknowledge the receipt of
this e-mail as soon as possible via my email with the following
Information:

1.YOUR FULL NAMES..........................
2. YOUR CONTACT ADDRESS: ........................
3. YOUR NATIONALITY: ..............................
4. YOUR OCCUPATION: ..................................
5. YOUR DIRECT PHONE NUMBER: ...........................
6.YOUR SEX:..............
I look forward to your quick reply.
Thanks,
Mr. Joseph Cole

Anti-fraud resources: