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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Mrs. Rosaline Spagnolo ®" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <rosaline-spagnolo@voila.fr>
Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:58:18 -0000
Subject: Greetings to you!

Greetings Dearest Beloved,
 
I am divinely touched to offer my fortune to less privilege.
I am a childless widow and as a result of my present situation I have nothing in mind other than to help the poor according to God direction and wishes.
I reached you by the special grace of God through email because I can not speak to your understanding on telephone due to my sickness.
 
I am suffering from esophageal cancer for years now and have undergone series of cancer treatments but no avail.
 
Recently my doctor declared that I have shorter days to live. Likewise from my daily health report it is also clear to me that I have but little time to pass on,therefore I wish to offer you my fortune US$6,200,000.00 to take care of charity work in favour of less privileges in your country.
the money will go to the charity work.
 
I have come up with a great confidence for your trust conduct over this solemn work of God after many prayers.
 
As soon as I receive your reply I will give you the address of my bank and also instruct them for the release of the money to you for the charity work.
But I only wished to have your assurance that you will utilise the money as I have said.
 
I have great interest for the welfare of the less privilege because i was once an orphan and will not be happy if any thing comes contrary against the charity work.
 
Please remember my situation in your daily prayers.
Hoping to receive your reply soon.
 
Yours Sick Sister,
Mrs. Rosaline Spagnolo
 

Anti-fraud resources: