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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: "Tanko Sanni." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <bank1929kanthony@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2018 09:59:23 +0100
Subject: Letter of Intent.

Dear Client,
 
Note that the $20 Million entitlement in your name as the claimant has exceeded its grace period in the suspense account and failure to complete the statutory requirements will result to the termination of payment.
 
I have vested interest in this fund because it's among the few funds here that truly exists and legitimate. Why not come straight with me to see how we could work together to finalize your payment now and for the last time?
 
Even we know that" an elephant can fly" in this part of the world; so please relate with me in confidence, was this fund bestowed on you through the 'back door' or you actually inherited the sum like the document says?
 
I am on the verge of my retirement and I have thought it wise to make you an 'eleventh hour' offer that will be beneficial to both of us. In view of the above, please leave me your phone number for a discussion with you.
 
Thanks in anticipation, I hope to read from you at your earliest convenience.
 
Regards,
Tanko Sanni.
Administrator-General of Public Trustee,
Ministry of Justice, North-eastern Region.

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