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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. BILL HALL" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <billhall1@superposta.com>
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2013 17:48:54 -0400
Subject: FOR YOUR MUTUAL BENEFIT.

FROM: MR. BILL HALL.
US CUSTOMS & BORDER PROTECTION UNIT.
NEWARK INT'L AIRPORT
NEW JERSEY USA.
 
 
Urgent Attention.
I am Mr. Bill Hall, Chief Controller Customs, Newark International Airport New Jersey. This organization was set up to fight against scam and Fraudulent activities worldwide. This Group is responsible for investigating the legitimacy of unpaid contract, inheritance and lotto winning claims by companies and individuals  and directs the paying authorities worldwide to make immediate payment of verified claims to the beneficiaries without further delay.
You are being legally contacted regarding the release of your long awaited fund. After a detailed review of your file, the United Nation Monetary Unit has  been authorized to release your fund immediately. The sum of US$25,500,000.00; has been approved in your favor via my desk. This payment will be made via Cash payment through Diplomatic Courier Delivery.
Be informed that we are working in collaborations with the United Nation secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, who authorize the immediate payment of your long  awaited fund without any further delay. 
You are advised to include the followings below:
(1). Your Full Name,  (2). Direct Telephone Numbers, (3).Contact Address, (4). Your Occupation, age and Marital Status (5). The Nearest Airport Close to your City. Note that the above fund has been cleared from terrorist or fraud related activities.
Thanks for Your Cooperation.
 
MR. BILL HALL.
US CUSTOMS & BORDER PROTECTION UNIT.
NEWARK INT'L AIRPORT
NEW JERSEY USA.
Email: billhall1@superposta.com

Anti-fraud resources: