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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: "Capt.Micheal B Brabner" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <capt.michealbrabner@zing.vn>
Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 08:42:38 -0600
Subject: PLEASE AM STILL TO HEAR FROM YOU PLEASE MY DEAR

Hello, I am sorry to encroach into your privacy in this manner, I am
one of the US Troops Deployed in Iraq Again on the 27th Sept 2012 and
I found you listed in the Trade Center Chambers of Commerce directory,
I find it pleasurable to offer you my partnership in business. I want
to solicit your attention to receive money on my behalf, I only pray
at this time that your address is still valid as i have try to send
you this mail yesterday it return as undelivered mail. I am Capt.
Micheal B Brabner, an officer in the US Army, and also a West Point
Graduate presently serving in the Military with the 2nd Battalion, 8th
Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Peace
keeping force in Baghdad. I am on the move to Afghanistan from Iraq as
the last batch just left, and i really need your help in assisting me
with the safe keeping of two military trunk boxes i found here in
Iraq. I hope you can be trusted? please there is no risk as i will
explain further when i get a response from you on this my private
email below, Nevertheless, reconfirm the following to me as follows.
(a) Your full Names: (b) Your physical mailing address: (c) Your
direct telephone numbers: (d) Your occupation: Waiting for your early reply. Best regards, Capt.Micheal B Brabner

Anti-fraud resources: