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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: "Archers Law Solicitors" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <spearman.archerssolicitors@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2017 21:40:31 +1300
Subject: Testament In Your Favour

From The Desk of Andrew Spearman
Archers Solicitors

For your Information

I know we do not know each other but please I need your urgent assistance regarding this email you received. We are the Trustees and Executors of the Testament of my late client who died without a will.

I wish to notify you that your name were listed as a beneficiary to the bequest of the sum of 15,500,000.00 GBP in the codicil and last testament of my deceased client because you bear the same last name.


All I need is for you to accept so that we can obtain the probate division of court papers required for you to claim the funds from the holding bank. Please feel very to reply me for more details.

Thank you,

Andrew Spearman
ADVOCATES LAWYERS SOLICITORS

Anti-fraud resources: