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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: "APEX LOTTERY PROMOTION" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <apx.award.claim@consultant.com>
Date: Fri, 4 Nov 2016 02:02:23 +0800
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU HAVE WON!!!

APEX LOTTERY PROMO
Ref Number: NLUK/910/16454
Batch Number: VC/32/ID1141


Dear Winner,

We are happy to announce to you that your email address have won $4,000,000.00 (Four Million US Dollars). You were selected among the 10(Ten) lucky winners during the internet ballot draw of the APEX LOTTERY PROMO. You are advised to contact the claim department immediately with the below information for the release of your prize money.

Ms. Vera Jones(Claim Agent)
Tel: +44-7031971909
Fax: +44-8166281183
Email: apex.award.claim@consultant.com
International Prize Department

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Yours Faithfully,
Mr Anthony Brandon
Online Coordinator.


Anti-fraud resources: