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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: "INFORMATION" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <swyer@rediffmail.com>
Date: Fri, 8 Nov 2013 00:51:50 +0100
Subject: BONDED ACCOUNT

Hi,
My Name is Steven Wyer former Accountant with SNS BANK (www.snsbank.nl) Netherlands Branch. I am presently working with CapitalOne Bank London, here in England.
I have a proposal to discuss with you about a certain bonded account owned by one of my late client. Please contact me through email for more details as regards the bonded account.
My contact with you as regards the bonded account will be beneficial to all parties concerned. I chose to make contacts with you on this due to one reason which would be made known to you as we progress
Regards,
Steven Wyer

Anti-fraud resources: