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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: "Grace Wright" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <grace.wrightartgallary@outlook.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2015 01:48:36 -0800
Subject: PERSONAL ASSISTANT NEEDED

Hello,

My Name is Grace Wright, and I own an Art Gallery, This time of the year
is exceedingly a busy time for me. And I find myself constantly
travelling out of the Country for exhibitions, auctions, deliveries etc. All as

such I sort the services of a Personal Assistant to handle my business errands.
I do not require that you resume to an office or leave your current
employment.

I am looking for someone that can handle my business errands during
his or her spare time.

List of responsibilities that I would require you bear on my
behalf:

1. Receive my mail and drop them off at the post office or shipping
center. All expenses and shipping charges will be covered by me.


2. Pay bills on my behalf. I would be providing funds for this.


3 Sit for delivery at home or pick up items at a post office near you
at your convenience.
When you get my mail or receive packages on my behalf you are free to
open them to check contents in order to guarantee your safety and
security.

The contents of my mail and the packages are specifically art
materials and paintings as well as personal letters. No heavy packages
are involved.
If you decide to accept this position or you are able to offer me any
of the responsibilities I have listed above, Please provide me with
the following details

Full Name:
Full Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Phone No:
Age:
Work Status:

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

1. Being honest and trustworthy.
2. Ability to 15 to 20 hours a month
3. Ability to check your EMAIL 3 to 5 times daily

REMUNERATION:

$450 Weekly.

Please note that this job DOES NOT require any financial obligation of
any sort from you as I would be catering for all expenses.


Regards,
Grace Wright

Anti-fraud resources: