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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: "Mrs. Diane Laws" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <dianelaws2102@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2017 12:45:08 -0700
Subject: Hello Dear,

Hello Dear,

I am very sorry to disturb you with my present humiliating condition. My name is Diane Laws, l am a 29 years old young lady from France married to Mr John Charles from Cote d'Ivoire

l really need your assistance. I lost my husband two years ago and the family members of my husband wants to kill me and my children just for the inheritance of 8,800.000.00 Euros he left behind, estate properties and funds in banks here.

Due to their bad intention to eliminate me and my kids, we are in hiding. I want to seek your help to have us move into your country, also to secure this fund in your country, The funds can be transferred to your country and we will fly to join you.

I will be waiting for your reply

Regards:
Mrs. Diane Laws

Anti-fraud resources: