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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: "K. Smith Dutch" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <pretacompanyltd@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2015 14:36:38 +0100
Subject: FUND PAYMENT TRANSFER FROM YOUR RELATIVE

My name is K. Smith Dutch, and the Head of International Operation Department in a Bank here in London.

I Come across your profile and have Decided to get in touch with you after my prayer, to see if you can help me alliviate this problem. I can't imagine how you will feel receiving a sudden letter.

An investor who died in 2005 bomb attack in London, approached us seeking our expertise in investing over 12 million British Pounds cash discretely in diverse project.I have one concern / dilemma, which is "the origin of this investor funds is of concern to me About this investor: He is a 55 years old man and late without trace and i sought for someone who shares the same last name as a long-lost relative of the Victim, which is you.

If you would be happy to receive funding from this type of investor, please indicate by return email and we can discuss on the modalities of getting this Fund. Once I receive a message from you notifying me of your interest, the details of the transaction/the terms and condition of sharing regarding the business would then be brought to your knowledge.

I will provide all necessary information needed in order to claim this money, Hoping in God that you will never let me down now and in future.o.k!

Thank you.
K.Smith Dutch

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