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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: "NIGERIA INTELLIGENCE AGENCY"<info@office.com>
Reply-To: <jemenialjohnson@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2013 11:32:49 +0300
Subject: REPORT TO THIS OFFICE WITH IMMEDIATELY EFFECT..

Nigeria Intelligence Agency
Aso Quarters,
Asokoro, Abuja,
Nigeria
ATTN:
MUSA ABDULLAHI is my name. I am the Director General of NIGERIA INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (NIA). Our office is located at plot 2010 Bala Ali crescent, asokoro Abuja Nigeria. NIA is an agency of government on security and financial matters. A file bearing the name your name, has been sent to my office from the SENATE COMMITTEE on INTERNATIONAL MATTERS for thorough investigation and assistance. From our investigations so far, you have been a victim of several internet scam otherwise known as 419 and as a result, UNITED NATIONS WEST AFRICAN REGION stepped in and compensated you to the tune of $2,500,000. further investigations also revealed that you have been dealing with different people both here and in London, paying them money unnecessary all in name of trying to get the UN money paid to you. My question to you, is, how on earth do you expect to get the money paid to you here in Africa from London? common sense!
    Now listen to me, henceforth, you should stop paying money to anybody any where again because NIA has taken over. Do not let anybody deceive you again. Inform the agency immediately you get such offer so we can get the cartel arrested. Reply this mail immediately so i can treat it first thing tomorrow morning in my office. Within 4 working days, you will get the money paid to you.
best regards,
Musa A

Anti-fraud resources: