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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: "Ateke Eruke" <info@radiopodrinje.org>
Reply-To: <eruke_ateke123@yahoo.com.ar>
Date: Thu, 5 Dec 2013 12:41:14 -0500
Subject: Re: This Letter is personally for you.

Hello,
 
My name is Ateke Eruke. I am civil right activist.
I have been declared by my government as "militant" and my life is in danger
I am on-the-run; I have $25 million under my custody.
I need your assistance to safe-keep this fund and shelter in your country.
The % sharing of this fund and details on this transaction will be discussed on your reply.
Regards,
Ateke.

Anti-fraud resources: