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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: "Mr. John Larry" <johnlarry873@gmail.com>
Reply-To: western.u.transfer@w.cn
Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2012 16:37:06 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Western Union transfering payment head office





Western Union transfering payment head office
741 Rue des Francisains Adidogome
Benin Republic  / Lome broade
P.O Box 9263

Hello friend,
The $5,000.00 has be sent in your name today We have concluded to effect your payment through western union$5,000.00 daily until the $1.5MILLION USD is completely transferred to you accordingly.Though,Mr Mike Don has sent $5,000.00 in your name today
 
so contact Western union Agent: Mr. John Desmond TEL:+229-96351578 Or EMAIL::(western.u.transfer@w.cn) Tell him to give you the mtcn,sender name and question/answer to pick the $5,000.00. NOTE;this payment was directed to be made available in your name.
Please,do not forget to update me as soon as you receives this first
payment.
Thanks
Mr.John Larry 

Anti-fraud resources: