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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: "James Hay" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <dvid_lee1971@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2015 13:05:08 +0100
Subject: ATM Card Number: (4214123456789012)

Attention: Sir/Madam.

This is to Inform you that ATM Card Number: (4214123456789012) worth US$8.3M has been accredited to your favor, you are advised to contact Mr. David Lee on email: (dvid_lee1971@yahoo.co.jp) with the following information below.

1. Your full Names.
2. Your Phone and fax number.
3. Your Delivery address where you want the ATM card to be sent to.
4. Your Age, Sex and Occupation.
5. Your Next of Kin (if available)

Regards

Mr. James Hay
Customer Unit
Standard Chartered Bank

Anti-fraud resources: