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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: Jim Harry <vincenzo.salvatori@alice.it>
Reply-To: h_cosh@live.com
Date: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 08:37:02 +0100 (CET)
Subject: About Your funds USD2.5 MILLION

Hello Dear,
Please i am so sorry for replying late. The reason is that i lost the contact
information you sent me, and just now i manage to get it, i will like to know
if you receive this message, meanwhile, the check is ready now with my
secretary at amount of USD2.5 MILLION. You are to email him with below details
so that he can guide you on how to mail the check or if possible wire transfer
as you suggested on friday.I am in India now and will be back by january, do
let me know if you get the check or funds wired.
Below is my secretary email contact
Name: Dr Henry Cosh
Email:h_cosh@live.com
Thank you.
Jim Harry

Anti-fraud resources: