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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. Esther Caldwell" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrs.esthercaldwell1@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:49:44 -0700
Subject: Calvary Greetings Dear Beloved.

Hello Beloved,
 
Please endeavor to use it for the Children of God. As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I believe everyone will die someday.
 
My name is Mrs. Esther Caldwell, From London UK, I was married to late Dr. Anthony Caldwell, a contractor with United Nations in ACCRA - GHANA,
West Africa, where we live all our Lives for Thirty-two years before he died in the year 2007. I am a sick and dying woman who has decided to donate
what I have to you for the work of God and for charity organization around your community.
I am 59 years old and I was diagnosed for cancer for about 2 years ago, Immediately after the death of my husband who has left me everything he worked
for and because the doctors told me I will not live longer than Two Month because of my present Condition,I decided to WILL/donate the sum of $5.2Million
to you since I don't have a child of my Own to handle the Charity project in my name and for the work of God.
You should contact me immediately you receive this mail  so that I will put you in contact with the establishment to enable you arrange with them on how
to get the Fund for the purpose mentioned above. I can't predict what will be my fate by the time you will receive the fund, But you should please ensure
that the fund is used as l have described above.
 
Please reply me as soon as possible.
Your Dying Sister In Christ,
Mrs. Esther Caldwell.

Anti-fraud resources: