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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "BEN DOUGLAS ESQ" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ben_douglas_esq2@yahoo.es>
Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2016 11:48:41 -0800
Subject: CAN I TRUST YOU?

With all due respect,

My name is Ben Douglas and an attorney by profession, in my
quest to find a reliable trustee to manage the assets/estate of my late
client valued at only US$11,000,000.00 (Eleven Million United States
Dollars), I contacted you and it is the only reason why you are receiving
this email from me.

I shall be willing to supply you with more detailed information concerning
this business project upon hearing back from you. I have no intention
whatsoever to delve into your private life considering the fact that you
have never had any communication with me in the past, but due to the
nature of this business project based on the fact that I lack the
locus-stand to assume the role of the trustee or appoint any of my
relation to become the trustee by virtue of the facts and circumstances
surrounding this project, I am left with no other choice, but to carry out
a discreet search for a reputable person outside the shores of my country
and consequently seek your stewardship.

If you wish to render your selfless service, but very rewarding, do
provide me with the following information's via email.

1. Your full names
2.Tel & fax numbers
3.Complete Address
4.Your occupation and your Age

I shall provide you with more detailed information upon hearing back from
you. Thank you, all inconvenience is regretted.

Best regards,
Ben Douglas Esq.
Principal Partner

Anti-fraud resources: