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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: "Anne Martyns" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <anne.mart5@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2018 21:51:22 -0800
Subject: Important

Hello,

I am an external auditor for the financial regulatory board in the European Union; presently auditing accounts in several investment banks here in the United Kingdom.

Having inside leverage, as part of the auditing team, I discovered several accounts that has gone dormant due to intestacy (Death without a will). We can work together to get this funds. Upon confirmation of your interest, I would give more details.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Anne Martyns




CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail and all attachments may contain material that is confidential and/or privileged, and is intended only for the use of the person(s) named above. Any review, reliance, distribution or copying of this e-mail by others without express permission is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by e-mail reply and destroy all copies of the original message.

Anti-fraud resources: