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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: Mary Lee <cenacolo@alice.it>
Reply-To: wumtwesternuniontransfer@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 04:29:25 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: The first $4,500 was sent today

ATTENTION

We have concluded to effect your payment-through western union
$4,500.00 daily until the$1.5milion US is completely transferred to
you accordingly. Though, Mr John rick has sent $4,500.00 in your name
today so contact Western union Agent:below with your *Full Name,
*Address*Profession*Telephone Mobil

Mr.Bill Martins
TEL: +229-68168841
EMAIL::wumtwesternuniontransfer@yahoo.co.uk

So hasten up and give the agent a call to process your payment at
once.
Ask him for the information to pick up your first payment of $4,500
Once again congratulations.
Thanks
>From Hon Mrs. Mary Lee
(IMF REPS BENIN.)

Anti-fraud resources: