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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.Francois Honvie" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <currywilliam468@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 19 May 2016 02:21:10 +0100
Subject: Contact the Remittance Department now

Hello;

I have reached an agreement with United Bank for Africa for the transfer of your $12.8 million into your account and I will confirm the transfer before leaving here.
I have the full contact of the bank but I want you to get in touch personally with the Remittance Department's Director so you will get instant attention.
His contact details are below;
Name:William Curry
Phone:+22999396889
Direct email:currywilliam468@gmail.com

Please get in touch with him now with the following details;
Full names...............
Address...............
Telephone number..............

Regards
Agent William Curry
FBI Delegate

Anti-fraud resources: