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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: "Terry Adams" (may be fake)
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2013 06:11:41 -0000
Subject: GOODMORNING. (04-12-2013)

Goodmorning,
 
I did not receive any response to the earlier mail I sent to you so I decided to mail again.
 
It is about my late client who bears the same last name with you, possibly a member of your family I assisted in making an investment deposit with a leading bank in my country.
 
When I informed the bank about his death, I was instructed to present any available member of his family or close relative for his funds since he had no next of kin filled with the bank that is why I am contacting you.
 
Please reconfirm to me if your email is still valid for further details.
 
Best regards,
 
Terry Adams (Esq)
 

Anti-fraud resources: