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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: "Barclays Bank Plc. London" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <barclaysplclondon@live.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2012 22:14:35 -0800
Subject: Funds Transfer Valued US$5 Million

                                             Funds Transfer Valued US$5.Million
Attn: Fund Beneficiary ,
 
I wish to inform you that from the records of outstanding foreign payments due for release with bank's in Europe/UK, America, Asia & Africa, your name and contact was discovered as next on the list of the outstanding foreigners' payment which are still hanging on and who have not yet received their payments.
 
I wish to inform you today that your payment is being processed and will be released to you as soon as you re-confirm your details to us, so that we can authenticate the claim legally with Bank Of England In Affiliation With World Bank to Assist Individuals outstanding claims In The Settlement Of Disputes Through Barclays Bank Plc. London .
 
Also note that from our record the sum of  US$5,000,000.00 (Five Million United States Dollars Only) has mapped out to be release to you for now as your part-payment, after which the remaining part of your claims will be released to you .
Kindly re-confirm to us the followings:
1) Your Full name.
2) Home Address
3) Phone,
4) Fax.
5) Occupation & Age.
 
In receipt of the above information, your payment will be approved and paid to you by Wire Transfer to your designated bank account . You are advice to get back to me immediately you receive this mail for immediate payment release.
 
Note: Your payment is schedule to hold within 72 hours immediately you get back to me with the above mention requirement . You are adviced to contact me on the direct stated above number and E-mail Me, expecting your immediate response.
 
We look forward to hearing from you to enable us serve you better .
 
For and on Behalf of,
Barclays Bank Plc, London .
 
Yours faithfully,
Ms. Elizabeth Mei .
Head, Information Dept .
Barclays Bank Plc, London .
Private Banking Department .
Tel: +44 7035968890

Anti-fraud resources: