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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Vincent Bredu" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <vincentbredua@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Oct 2013 01:33:09 -0700
Subject: Can I Work This Out With You

Dear Friend ,

I am writing you with tears in my eyes and I no you will wonder how I got your ontact, well my name is Vincent Bredu a GHANAIAN and my parents are international business men and they are late, I am the only child they have.

Dear I got your contact in my late fathers file when I was searching for some one to assist me to move this funds which my late parents wanted to use for an investment in your country before they were late. please on this issue, yesterday I came back from school and only to see that the 3 story building that my father has, has been burnt down by enemies, please i will be sending youthe documents that is backing this funds and my id and my number, please when you contactme then we can discus how you will like to receive this for me, if by bank to bank or by CURRIER SERVICE WHICH IS LIKE DHL, I will give you 30% of the total amount of content; please kindly getback to me with your information.

HOW I WISH YOU CAN SEE MY HEART AND KNOW HOW I FEEL AT THIS MOMENT OF HELP AND PLEASE I NEED YOU TO MAKE UP YOUR MIND AND NOT A PLAYING TIME FOR ME AT ALL, THE LORD WITH RICHLY BLESS YOU AS YOU ACCEPT TO ASSIST ME .

I expect you prompt response.

1. Full name
2. Your direct cell phone
3. Your residential address
4. Occupation

Thanks
Vincent Bredu

Anti-fraud resources: