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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: Peter Ken <peter_ken42@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2015 12:03:52 +0000
Subject: hi


My Dear.

How are you doing? Hope all is well. Please excuse me if I have infringed into your privacy. This may be strange any way, but I have no option than to mail you. I am Peter Ken, from Syria by nationality, 19 years of age, the only son of late Former Syrian Defense Minister killed in a bomb attack. I inherited a total sum of $8.5 Million American dollars from my late Father, The funds was deposited in the bank in Abidjan Cote D'ivoire to avoid anybody know about it, I will like to transfer the funds to you in your country for investments and for me to come over and complete my Study.

I want an account overseas where i can transfer this funds this is because i have suffered a lot of set backs from my wicked uncle. The death of my father has really brought sorrow to my life. My main purpose of sending you this mail is because of the way I found you and perhaps trustworthy persona. Thanks for your co-operation i wait your urgent response in my email.

Peter Ken.

Anti-fraud resources: