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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: "Finn Martins." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <legalhouse099@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Aug 2016 08:16:49 +0300
Subject: ATTENTION FINAL NOTIFICATION.

My name is Barr. Finn Martins, I may have to trouble your sense of personal achievement and reward for an opportunity properly taken advantage of. I wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to the total sum of US$ 10, 900, 000.00(Ten Million Nine Hundred Thousand United States Dollars Only) in the intent of the deceased (name now withheld since this is my second letter to you).
 
I contacted you because you bear the same last name with my deceased client and therefore I can present you as the beneficiary to the inheritance, since there is no written will from my late client. Our legal services aim to provide you with a complete service as I am prepared to provide you with all the documents required by the holding Bank to enable them release this inheritance funds to you.
 
All the papers work required will be processed in your acceptance of this deal as I am prepared to offer you 45%, 50% for me, while 5% will be set aside for any expenses we pay for during this transaction, that is to say that any money spent during the period of this transaction, will be refunded, once the fund has been transferred into your nominated bank account. I request that you kindly forward to me your letter of acceptance with the below details via my private email:- legalhouse099@gmail.com
 
Full Name:-
Full Address:-
Tel No.:-
Private Email:-
Occupation:-
Date of Birth:-
 
Your prompt response is highly imperative.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Finn Martins Esq

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