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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: "Mr. William G. Billington" <info@mail.com>
Reply-To: williambillington@wildblue.net
Date: Mon, 06 May 2013 11:58:52 +0200
Subject: Re: Donation For Orphans

This is based on blind trust, hoping that you will expand my wishes as desired. I have US$200 Million for charity projects. You will be getting 20% of total funds as your commission if interested. Please see attached for details.

Regards,
Mr. William Billington

Anti-fraud resources: