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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: Jerald Lawal <jeraldlawal1860@gmail.com>
Reply-To: ll01_02lawal@hotmail.com
Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2013 09:11:18 -0800
Subject: Dear Owner/Beneficiary.........................................

Dear Owner/Beneficiary,

I am in possession of your payment file, your funds would have been
paid you long before now but for few irregularities beyond my
understanding.

I am willing and ready to release your funds to your account within a
short period of time from the day we agree on my terms, I repeat my
terms.

I demand you allow me to have 10% of your funds as soon as you receive
it in your designated account in a short time period from the day we
completely agree to transact.

If we agree to move on, I assure you of this transfer within 24 hours.
My identity shall be made known to you as soon as we agree in
totality.

Regards,
UCNSQ121264
WIRE/TELEX TRANSFER OFFICER

Anti-fraud resources: