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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: "DR.Mrs. Susan Willfred" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <info_centralbank@webmail.de>
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:44:06 -0700
Subject: ATTN BENEFICIARY

Attn Beneficiary,
 
 
This is the central bank of Nigeria foreign operation; this is to officially inform you that we received your data information on our desk as one of our foreign costumer who have not received their contract/inheritance fund.
 
 
It is my pleasure to let you know that your payment has been approved and ready to be released to you since you have mate up with all the transfer requirements of this bank.
 
 
We want to apologize to you for any inconveniences that this bank may have cost you in the past due to the past corrupt officials who almost held your fund to them selves.
 
 
Because of the fraudulent activity that is in Africa, Nigeria to be precise we have credited your fund into our correspondence financial firm in London UK so that your money can be paid to you in London UK.
 
 
To this end, you are requested to forward to us your direct info so that the financial firm in London UK will not make mistake when contacting you for your payment.
 
 
You’re urgent and prompt reply to this message will be highly appreciated.
 
 
Yours Sincerely
 
Dr. Mrs. Susan Wilfred
 
CBN FOREIGN OPERATION
 

Anti-fraud resources: