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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: International Monetary Fund <infoimf2000@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2015 11:47:12 +0100
Subject: Awaiting your prompt response

Dear Friend,

I am interested in establishing and operating a very viable business
as a means of investment abroad. I do not know too well on how this is
done in your country, So I will need you to help me in this regard.

My preference is any good profit yielding businesses and I would
appreciate any viable ideas you could come up with. I will also need
you to help me look for properties like homes and lands for sale as I
am proposing to invest the sum of five Million United States Dollars
($5,000,000 USD) for this. I do not know if you can and will be of
help to me.

For a brief on my personality; My name is Mr George Wilson, a African
based in Taiwan. I am a retired Business man formally into private
Shipping Business. I am 52 years of age, married with a wife and 4
lovely kids. I dropped my Shipping business because it wasn't
producing profitable income. I have had so much problems with the
Taiwan Authority just because am a foreigner I believe.

My need for this business proposition and to acquire these properties
is very urgent as I am planing to move out of this country with my
family down to your country. I want you to also help in finding a good
home where my family and i will live in. ( Mini Estate )

Please I expect your good and prompt reply so that we can proceed
swiftly. I will need your phone and fax numbers for easier
communication with you if I am unable to access my emails.

Best Regards,

Mr George Wilson

Anti-fraud resources: