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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. Jim Bromley" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <jim_bmgf@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2018 10:15:52 -0700
Subject: FROM THE GATES FOUNDATION

Hello,
 
I represent the "Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation? Membership of the foundation has been  opened to people who want to apply and receive "Financial Aid(Grant)" from the foundation  through its philanthropic and financial empowerment platform.
 
Several benefits are associated with membership of the foundation:- access to health,  educational, investment and business grants of US$1 million and above at 0 - 1 digit repayment rate. Other benefits include - all expense paid invitations to the foundation's luncheon and exclusive receptions. Should you have any interest in formalizing your foundation membership and grant application, let me know upon your response.
 
Regards,
 
Mr. Jim Bromley
Chief Financial Officer
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
 
 
 
 

Anti-fraud resources: