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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: "Ng Ten Thoon" (may be fake)
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 20:54:08 +0100
Subject: hi, please read.

I want to use this opportunity to offer you a business undertaking with a very high monetary gain and value, mutually beneficial to both parties if you are interested. Please allow me give you a brief picture of what I have in mind by replying to this mail. Best Regards Ng Ten Thoon

Anti-fraud resources: