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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: "JAMES SMITH JNR" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <serviccenter0@aol.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Nov 2012 20:58:44 +0100
Subject: Outstanding Payment Approval of €3.6 Million

Dear Beneficiary,
 
In compliance with the directives of the Board to pay-off all outstanding debts of €3.6 million on or before 7 working days from dated,
the Credit Control Department is processing to effect payment found recorded in the payment schedule of 2012 in your favor.
You are therefore required to confirm by sending your Full names, Contact Address, Phone Number, Age and Occupation,banking information to enable us
 
proceed with the payment processes.
 
Finally,you have to urgently RE-CONFIRM your Bank Information to this office to avoid transfer error.
 
NOTE: In line with Foreign Exchange Financial Control and allied conduct, your account will be effected as soon as you reconcile our 0.1% handling charge.
 
Contact me as soon as possible with the bellow information.
 
Regards,
 
Mr. James Smith.
Director, Standard Chartered Bank
Direct Line: +234 7087603802
website: http://www.standardchartered.com/
 
 

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