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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: "WILSON BEN" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <wilsonben911@yandex.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2016 14:38:54 -0500
Subject: Yours Sincerly, October 27th 2016

 
Dear ,
Good day and my apologies for sending you this sensitive letter, this is due to its urgency and importance. I humbly crave your indulgence to read this letter with all seriousness because this project is based on trust, confidence and Sincerity of purpose in order to have an acceptable meeting of like minds. I Am an   AMERICAN CITIZEN LEAVINGYOURS SINCERELY IN LONDON AM SENDING THIS E-MAIL IN OSPITAL SICK BED I'V BEEN UNDERGOING TREATMENT FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER.
There is absolutely going to be some little doubts in your heart in respect of this letter, coupled with the fact that, so many individuals have taken possession of the Internet to facilitate their nefarious deeds, thereby making it extremely difficult for genuine and legitimate business class persons to get attention and recognition. There is no way for me to know whether I will be properly understood, but it is my duty to write and reach out to you as a potential partner.
look of things I will not recover from it as I have lost my voice already. As things stands now, I am making ngement’s for  my estate as I have no  children to survive me or inherit my estate. It is my plan to give out my estate to  Charity and I am looking for some one to assist me do this  hence this mail.It is hoped that you partner with me on this.  I would appreciate a response ASAP as I do not have the luxury of time. The amount involved is USD 7.5 Million dollars.
Best Regards,
Willson Ben
 

Anti-fraud resources: