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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: "Melony Jason" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <melony.jason118@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 12:53:48 -0600
Subject: HOW ARE YOU


Dear

My name is Melony Jason, I am an account officer here in HSBC London, and we are conducting a standard process investigation on behalf of the International Banking Conglomerate.

This investigation involves a client who shares the same second name identity(which I used in searching out your email address) with you and also the circumstances surrounding investments made by this client at "HSBC London". You may not know anyone here but you share same second name. The client died in-testate and nominated no successor in title over the investments made with the bank. I would respectfully request that you keep the contents of this mail private and respect the integrity of the information you come by as a result of this mail.

It is also pertinent to let you know that I have prayed and inquire from God about our partnership in this deal and I can confirm to you that I am convinced that we can both achieve success in the end. I therefore will advice you to consult with your God and let me know the outcome. This is very important to me because I believe in spiritual directives and confirmation in anything I do.

I would like to intimate you with certain facts that I believe would be of interest to you. Since you share similar details to the late fellow, I am seeking your consent to present you as the next of kin and have them release the deposit to you. We shall share the proceeds in the ratio of 50% each...

I am the only one who knows of this situation and now you are second, for the sake of transparency in this matter, you are free to make immediate contact with me through my confidential email once I get your positive response to this email; I will intimate you with the process towards a conclusion.

I send you this mail not without any measure of fear as to the consequences, but I know within me that nothing ventured is nothing gained and that success and riches never come easy or on a platter of gold.

To indicate your interest in this transaction, I will advise you furnish me with the following details for easy and effective communication,


FULL NAMES:
ADDRESS:
AGE:
SEX:
CELL PHONE NUMBER:
OCCUPATION:

If you deem it fit to be part of this great promising venture, please indicate your interest by responding to this notice. I will give you the comprehensive details in my next correspondence on the necessary steps to take for us to achieve success in this transaction as soon as I have your consent as regards my proposal.

Yours faithfully,
Melony Jason

Anti-fraud resources: