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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: "David Thompson" (may be fake)
Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2017 00:54:16 -0700
Subject: Hello

Hello

My name is Sgt. David Thompson, a member of the 3rd Infantry Division of the United States Army deployed to Iraq
during the War 12-13 years ago, I am now serving with the United States Special Forces Syria. Based on my request, i will like you
to please read the following news article.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm

I am one of the soldiers in the news above that found all the barrels containing the money and i have a very good business
proposal for you, if you are interested you will make 3 Million Dollars in few days without spending a dime of your own money. If you are Interested please get back to me for more details.

Waiting to hear from you.
Sgt. David Thompson

Anti-fraud resources: