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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. Godwin I Emefiele" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <gemefies@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2016 08:32:54 -0700
Subject: NEW DEVELOPMENT TO YOUR PAYMENT RELEASE

Attention Dear
 
Following the instruction and directive from the presidency to release all outstanding contract payment/Inheritance to it's Sole beneficiary, we are glad to inform you that we have scheduled to release your payment via Diplomatic cash payment delivery to your house door step in your country.
 
We have been discussing with a Diplomat who will come down to your country to deliver your payment to you. The Diplomat will use his diplomatic immunity to move the consignment and deliver it to your door step without any hitch after all the necessary arrangement were conclude with him. Your are expected to meet with the Diplomat in person on arrival to and retrieve your consignment immediately.
 
Confirm to us immediately so that we can conclude with the Diplomat for the possible Delivery of your consignment payment in our country.
 
Thank you for your cooperation.
 
God bless you.
 
Mr. Godwin I Emefiele
The New Executive Governor
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
 
 

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