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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: "David Craig" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <r.chuck20@yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2016 16:34:13 -0800
Subject: Please!

Please my dear,

Can you help an old ill man of my age (89)? The truth is that I need your help and I will reward you for it.

I don't need your money and I will not ask you for money. Please, this is not scam or any form of fraudulent activity. I will be the one paying you for helping me. I could hardly do some usual routine due to my illness, hence I urge to employ your help and support.

I don't want to waste your time with my writing, I will tell you how I need your help when I see you are ready to help me.

Please reply.

Thanks,

David Craig

Anti-fraud resources: