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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: "Ms.Elizebeth Wallace" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <elizebethwallaceimf2048@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2014 12:10:01 -0600
Subject: FROM THE DESK OF Ms.Elizebeth Wallace.

Attention: Beneficiary. Sir/Madam, This is to inform you that after board meeting with IMF Director Ms. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and FBI including United State Government we have concluding to transfer your US$9.7M to your account details listed below. Your file appears in my desk two days ago Through IMF office that you are among people approved to be paid half of their part payment of Nine million, seven Hundred Dollars ($9.7Million USD. Signed by World Bank Nigeria, On behalf of IMF. 1) Your full name. 2) Contact Address 3) Phone, fax and mobile #. 4) Age. 5) Occupation. 6) Your bank details In receipt of the above information and your payment will be approved and paid to you by bank to bank wire transfer to your nominated bank account. You are advised to get back to me immediately for more information listed above. Thanks Ms.Elizebeth Wallace/Mr.Edward Cliff. Tele:+2347056195545

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