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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: "United Nations" <info@un.com>
Reply-To: mailoffice1f@yhoo.co.jp
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 2015 03:28:11 -0400
Subject: RESPOND ASAP : URGENT..1

Hello,

My name is Mr. David Smith, I am a Representative of FBI, appointed by United Nations, to ensure that all outstanding payment be made to the Beneficiaries.

I discovered US$10M and I want you to stand as the beneficiary to receive the fund for our mutual benefit because the opportunity falls within my area of jurisdiction and it is 100% safe. For us to Complete the Procedure, you are required to send the following to me for proper documentation.

(1) Your Full Name:
(2) Your Address:
(3) Phone, Fax and Mobile Number:
(4) Profession, Age and your payment status:
(5) Copy of your Id. To serve as proof of identity.

The information will be used for Job description and follow up for the release of the said fund. Note that the above fund have been cleared from terrorist or fraud related activities. Get back to me for us to reach terms urgently. 40% of the fund will be your financial reward for standing as the beneficiary.

Thanks for Your Cooperation.

Mr. David Smith.
Mandated Special Agent.
Reply, Reply All or Forwar

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