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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: "Dr.Mrs. Cecilia Ibru" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrsceciliaibru@outlook.com>
Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2016 17:02:35 -0600
Subject: RE: DELAYED PAYMENT..

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR,
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA (CBN),
TINUBU SQUARE,
LAGOS - NIGERIA.
DIRECT LINE +234 705-761-7460
RE: DELAYED PAYMENT..
A team of Auditors set up by the Presidency, Foreign Contract Payment commission has discovered an outstanding payment due to you by one of the banks here and has reported it to our bank for immediate action. Our office has called for reasons for non-payment and was informed that you were unable to pay the statutory charges, and that there are counter claims on this same fund.
Presently there are two different groups known to be lobbying for the releasing of this  fund into their two different given accounts and we do not know which of these groups is truly representing you. You are therefore required to confirm to us in reply to this mail which of the groups is your true representative, if any. You are also advised to be weary of anybody that promises to help you get your fund. You do not need any special assistance to receive your fund, especially now that the Presidency has restated her resolve to adhere strictly to the mode of payment stipulated in the Anti Corruption Bill (ACB).
There will be no incredible and unofficial methods of payment in this case. The system of settling debts in Nigeria is the same as in your country and anywhere in the world. We oblige you to suspend any legal action you have considered taking against the bank or individuals or the Government of Nigeria because of the delay. Answering the following questions will help our bank to facilitate your payment:
1. What problem are you having presently in receiving your fund?
2. Do you owe any Bank, company, persons, or group of persons in Nigeria.
Henceforth, get clarificat ion from the undermentioned officer before contacting any other office or person in this matter. Note that your local representatives may not be welcomed by our bank to avoid further complications.
While thanking you for your endurance till now, we promise to fulfill our part as early as we get your response to this letter and also take the right steps.
Yours truly,
Dr.Mrs. Cecilia Ibru
For the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

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