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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Tracey Johnson" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <tj6325320@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2018 08:12:50 -0800
Subject: Re: This is Tracey Johnson...

This is Tracey Johnson from Benin Republic, How are you and your family? You
may not know me again, but I contacted you previously concerning
transferring $5m into your account. You agreed to help me but later opted
out because you said you will not pay any upfront money. I want
to inform you that I have successfully transferred the money to
someone else who was capable of assisting me. Due to your effort,
sincerity, courage and trustworthiness you showed during the course of
the transaction I want to compensate you and show my gratitude

I have bought some gifts which include jewelries, Clothes, ipads and
laptops for you. I have deposited the consignment with the courier company
that will convey it to your house. Inside the laptops, you will see $10,000 each (10
laptops) making it $100,000. I hid them inside the laptops so that
nobody will see it.

I will be going to China today for investments. I have given an
American in charge an order to deliver the items to you.The bag is
currently at airport in Colorado

Below are the contact details of the Courier in Colorado

Contact Person: Mr. John Carlson
ES&L courier Delivery
Location: Colorado U.S.A
Email:es.lcourier.delivery@gmail.com

Please reconfirm your address and phone number to me once again so
that the courier company will contact you

Once again thanks for your advice and encouragement


Tracey Johnson

Anti-fraud resources: