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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: Gerry Kafia <ruggero.silvia@alice.it>
Reply-To: mr.gerry_kafia@yahoo.es
Date: Thu, 15 May 2014 20:23:16 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: Very Urgent!!

Very Urgent!!

You are among the three selected scamvictims to receive $3.5M compensation
from Benin Republic Government
The stated amount will be transferred to you either through
Western Union 5000$ daily or Western Union
Gold Card which we will convert the total amount into ATM car'd. Address and
phone Number needed.

Best Regard
Mr. Gerry Kafia
gerrykafia2@yahoo.co.jp
+229 99416784

Anti-fraud resources: