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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: "Mrs.Douglas Smith" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <fcourier615@hotmail.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Jan 2013 05:44:19 -0800
Subject: Attention: Please,

Attention: Please,
 
I have deposited your Consignment Trunk Box of ($4.8Million) dollars with Fedex Courier Company,so please re-confirmed your personal information such as to them.
 
1. Your full name..
2. Address where you will like it to be sent..
3. Private phone and fax number..
4. Your age..
5. Attached / scanned copy of any identification of yours.
 
Contact Person: Dr. Jerry Cook
EmaiL: fcourier615@hotmail.com
Tel: +22993848229
  
Thanks,
Mrs.Douglas Smith

Anti-fraud resources: