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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. Larry Oaks" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <larry.oaks968@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2017 22:19:37 -0700
Subject: Good News

I am Mr. Larry chairman of Foreign payment Department, I have been mandated to inform you about the recent development regarding your payment. This morning after our board meeting, your case was mention and we have agreed to pay you without any further delay so I here require you to desist from any partner who may have been requesting for your information's or asking you to pay fee's before the Transfer can take place.
 
I would like you to employ transparency and honesty in this regard, because your co-operation and honesty will be highly appreciated and be best for us. The total fund is US$10.5 million (Ten Million, Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars) The Requested Information is to ensure that no mistake/error is made and it should be forwarded In the manner stated below:
 
Your Full Name: _____
 
Your Complete Address: _____
 
Name of City of Residence: _____
 
Date of Birth (Day/Month/Year): ____
 
Direct Telephone Number: _____
 
Mobile Number: _____
 
Fax Number: ______
 
Kind Regards,
Mr. Larry Oaks

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