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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: "Mr. Abebe Selassie" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <philipsmarthholding01@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Apr 2017 22:47:30 +1100
Subject: Confirm If You Did Receive This Mail

Hello
 
I wish to know if you are able to handle a business  transaction worth €70 million pounds with me for investment
 
project that will benefit both of us.
 
Keep this transaction top secret, to avoid jeopardizing this business  transaction.
 
As I await your urgent reply : philipsmartandyou@gmail.com
 
Best Regard.
 
Mr. Abebe Selassie
African Department Director
+ 1-2092-482-46

Anti-fraud resources: