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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: "Federal Bureau of Investigation" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <martinojei@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 11:21:29 -0400
Subject: FBI FUNDS TRANSFER/CREDIT NOTIFICATION ALERT!!!

This is to notify you that US$10.5 Million have been transferred into an account in your name as the beneiciary of funds.

This funds was transferred without proper documentation to show it is not related to terrorist or money laundering activities.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) advice that you obtain the proper DIST(diplomatic Immunity Seal of Transfer/Antiterrorist Certficate) transfer release document which should release and effect the funds valued at $10,500,000.00 to you.

You are expected to have the CLEARANCE DOCUMENT obtainable at a fee of USD Three Hundred and Twenty ($320). Only then shall we release your FUND as clean money devoid of any illegality, and you will be free of any involvement. To this end, the funds will be legally credited into any account of your choice with immediate effect.

Get back to us, so we can direct you on how to obtain the transfer release document.

Anti-fraud resources: