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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: "HM Revenue Customs" (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2016 08:41:25 -0000
Subject: Tax Refound

 

Pending Tax Refund

We would like to notify you that you still have an outstanding tax refund of £1,965.48 from overpaid tax from year ending 2015, despite our previous letters regarding your refund we are yet to receive your claim. Requests for refunds are time limited please use the link below to complete your claim online also note the following:

You are required to confirm your account details including online banking users before your payment can be process.

 
  • You have until the 31st of Dec 2016 to make your claim
  • Reference No: 2015/94FE2324/U
  • We can only process a refund for the tax year we have detailed above

Please note: Double check your details before submitting your application form to avoid system error.

 
Start Claim ?
 
We aim to send repayments within 2 weeks, but it may take longer in some cases. You should wait 4 weeks before contacting us about the payment.
 
HM Revenue and Customs
  • © Crown Copyright

Anti-fraud resources: