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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: "Miss Hannah Colman" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <misshannahcolman@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2013 19:41:31 -0700
Subject: Dear Friend

>From Miss Hannah Colman
I know you will be surprised to receive this message.I am writing this mail to you with heavy tears In my eyes and great sorrow in my heart.
My name is Miss Hannah Colman, the only child of DR MICHEAL COLMAN. My both parents died during the civil war in my country.
I inherited a total sum of $5M from my late father.This money is in a bank in USA.
Please I need you to assist me invest the money wisely in a viable business in your country or any country of your choice as Trustee Guardian since I can not be able to handle such amount of money myself.
I am an orphan starving a lot without food
Thanks and God bless you
Waiting for your reply
Yours Lovely
Miss Hannah Colman

Anti-fraud resources: