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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: "Louis Peterside." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ohamadike20@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 24 May 2019 10:05:59 +0100
Subject: Your email.

Attention Beneficiary;
 
The essence of bureaucratic bottleneck processes are deliberate approach to forestall the disbursement of non certified payments. However, I am willing to render you my immunity cover in solidarity to enable you enjoy a hitch free payment process before my retirement from service. A centralized database shows that you have been seeking an inheritance payment valued at $20M from the era of my predecessors and that struggle is still ongoing to date. Though, the said funds truly exists in your name, It will be difficult for my office to approve your payment on inheritance grounds considering that foreign claims from this region raises a lot of suspicion. The outlook of inheritance settlements in present day is perceived as "Ghost Claim" through which stolen treasuries are being diverted to offshore accounts in collaboration with foreign counterparts.
 
'Inheritance Claim' as a cultural means of stealing state revenue was developed by corrupt government functionaries in the early 80s for the purpose of safe keeping looted funds in foreign countries. The successful outcomes of this practice for decades did inspire the insight with which many bogus schemes are being perpetrated today. Given my long service experience, erring politicians have been consistent in diverting about $9bn worth of loots to foreign accounts through inheritance channels yearly. I have vested interest in your withheld payment, whether the funds in question was bestowed on you through the "back door" as alleged is not my concern, I will be glad if you would bring me on board. I have examined the circumstances that have been hindering the transfer of your funds over the years, and would advise you to exploit a lifeline opportunity I am willing to offer.
 
May I persuade you not to forfeit this funds yet, as someone in a position of authority, I am certain that there is something I can still do to successfully actualize your payment. With my executive powers, I must ensure that the declared 'Purpose of Payment' is revised in a fresh Approval which will enable me to influence the approval of the funds to your favour. I guaranty that we will execute this venture under a legitimate arrangement without breach of the law. Please, note that I won't ask you for an upfront fees, but must earn my commission following our agreed sharing formula at the end. I will appreciate your prompt reply If you are interested to know the modality of this pursuit, and my role therein.
 
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
 
Best Regards,
Louis Peterside.
Director, Financial Intelligence Division.
Federal Ministry of Finance.

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