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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: "Alan Edward" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <dralanedward@qq.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2014 21:51:51 +0100
Subject: Confidential Business Transaction.

Hello,
Please, kindly take your time to understand the content of this email.I wish to introduce you to a project
that would be of immense benefit to both of us. Being an Auditor in a big financial institution,
it is possible that we may be tempted to make fortune from our Profession when we cannot
help it,or left with no better option.
The issue I am presenting to you is a case of an over-invoiced contract payment It was fortunate that i stumbled
on it as an Auditor, I am  now faced with indecision about who to transact with after i saw your contact online
in my search for a reputable individual i was convinced i could do this with you.
This contract is a grade 'A'contract strictly for foreigners,that is why i seek a foreigner.
 
However, I don't belong to that school of thought which proposes that thefortune of unlucky people be given
to the government. I therefore seek foryour assistance in presenting you as a contractor.
Please give your response to this email via return email. I will reveal
other details upon your response to this email and as soon as we establish
correspondence.Due to online network i have to reserve alot until i open conversation with you hopefully
through telephone.
Reward is negotiable.
Yours Faithfully,
D.r Alan Edward.

Anti-fraud resources: