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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: "Tim Brian" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <timbraian@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2019 08:57:39 -0000
Subject: Read and Reply Urgently...

Dearest,
You mean a lot to me and God has a reason for this because he has directed me to do this with you by helping the people in need. All other details will be communicated to you as soon as I receive your response, but note that this is a worthy venture and God will bless you in abundance. I want to give the sum of 10.5Million United States Dollars into the work of charity through you. You will get 20 percent for your effort.
Thanks and God bless you.
Best regards.
Tim Brian.

Anti-fraud resources: