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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: "Capt. Peter Clarke" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <buzbizjob@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2016 16:18:32 -0700
Subject: From: Peter Clarke

Dear Friend,
I am Captain Peter Clarke of U.S Army serving in Iraq.
I need your assistance and cooperation to secure and invest US$16.3 Million. The funds originated here in Iraq. I will give you details when I hear from you but you must assure me that you will not betray me and that this transaction with you will be kept secret now and forever. Trust and Confidential is key.
Read this BBC webpage first for understanding (  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm  )
Reply me only to this email:  offjob86@gmail.com
 
Capt. Peter Clarke.

Anti-fraud resources: