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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: Adams <officebox2202@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 04 Apr 2018 10:53:57 +0100
Subject: 'I await your response ...



--
Hi,
With this letter we hereby acknowledge receipt of your payment file
from the West African states government. We were meant to understand
from our findings that you have been going through hard ways by paying
a lot of charges to see to the release of your fund which has been the
handwork of some miscreant elements from West Africa. Based on the
record in your payment file, your overdue fund payment is
($9,800,000.00). At United Nations Compensation Commission, we are
committed to helping people and businesses by providing affordable,
reliable and convenient payment services. We have a wide range of
money transfer products to choose from.
Below are our methods of payment:
1. By Cashier check
2. By Corporate ATM card
3. By Wire Transfer
KINDLY REPLY TO <accountant.office@gmx.co.uk>
We believe in giving you choice; which is why we offer a range of
services to pick and choose from, so you really can't go wrong. In
order for us to work as efficiently as possible, it is understood that
your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

Respectfully submitted,
James ADAMS
Chief accountant
United Nations Compensation Commission
London,
SW1A 2EL
United Kingdom

Anti-fraud resources: