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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: "Mr. J Cheong" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrjcheong@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2016 06:11:39 +0100
Subject: Dear Sir/Madam (Your Nomination as the Next of Kin)

Dear Sir/Madam,
 
 
I am Mr. J Cheong, I worked for a Bank but have since stopped due to this project.  I wish to place your name as the beneficiary to Twenty Eight Thousand Five Hundred Million Dollars ($28,500,000.00) due to the death of the depositor who died without any heirs.
 
I assure you that this transaction will be executed in a manner that will protect you from any breach of the law both in your country and here.
 
I am requesting your collaboration with me, the money will be released to you in any country of your choosing.  I urgently require the following information for my attorney to start processing vital legal documents:
 
1)Name:
2)Address:
3)Tel:
4)Age:
5)Sex:
6)Occupation Status:
 
Please note that my share of this fund will be sixty (60) percent and I intend that you invest it in your country real estate on my behalf.  You may keep the remaining forty (40) percent for yourself.  I want you to know this transaction will be directed by me through the help of my lawyer; it will help us secure all vital documents that will support your nomination as the Next of Kin,  As the true beneficiary to the said fund, money will be released in your favor.  What I require from you now is complete trust and honesty.
 
Awaiting your quick response,
Mr. J Cheong.
mrjcheongmrjcheong@yahoo.com.tw

Anti-fraud resources: