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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: "First Sunset Bank" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <dw129826@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Mar 2018 19:51:59 -0600
Subject: Important message from First Sunset Bank.

Dear Sir/Madam,
 
We are writing this message to inform you that On Monday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, jointly announced that the U.S. government in conjunction IMF and United Nation has agreed to settlement all outstanding payments.
 
 
Following the Unscrupulous fraudulent activities in African owing to Contract, Inheritance and lottery winners.
 
 
Your outstanding payment file was forwarded to us from the above agencies for immediate payment to you, and before we proceed with your fund transfer, you must have an online account with us for wire transfer of the fund, kindly contact us for immediate process of online account in your name.
 
 
In order for us to attend to you very fast we advise you reply to this mail immediately you received this mail and also reconfirm your full details as listed below:
 
Full Name:
Address:
Phone:
A scan copy of your ID for your online account activation.
 
 
Please reply for further details on how to open an online account and transfer of your fund.
 
 
Your urgent reply will be greatly appreciated.
 
Sincerely,
Mrs Lonna Davis.
First Sunset Bank.
PRO Officer

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