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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: "Simon Mensah" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <simon.mensah507@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 2015 21:04:53 +0100
Subject: very urgent

My name is Simon Mensah, from African Development Bank Lome Togo but presently in the prison because of my deal with some Government official to move out the sum of $62 Million in cash. I really need your help in assisting me to receive part of the money I succeeded in moving out from the $62 Million before this problem.

                 Your urgent and positive reply is needed to enable me disclose to you where and how to receive the money for safe keeping or investment in any profitable business in your country as I may not be able to communicate with you always after this few days. I need a total stranger to handle this transaction for and I believe and hope you can be trusted?
               Regards,

               Simon Mensah

Anti-fraud resources: