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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. Graham Williamson" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrgrahamw@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2019 23:31:13 -0700
Subject: Awaiting your TOP URGENT Response today.

My Dear Friend,
 
It is my humble pleasure to solicit your strictest confidence in this transaction. My name is: Graham Williamson, the financial director of RIX Petroleum Scotland Ltd. UK. I am the officer in-charge of offshore remittances to contractors / beneficiaries. We are seeking your assistance to transfer the sum of Thirty Seven Million, Three Hundred Thousand Dollars (US$37,300,000.00) to your account for private investment.
 
This amount accrued from an over-invoiced contract amount for the construction of an Oil Refinery Sub- stations from 2014 to 2017 to expatriate companies.
 
The contract was originally valued for One Hundred and Twenty Million United States Dollar US$120,000,000.00) but we over-invoiced the figure to read $157,300,000.00. Therefore, we have perfected plans to quickly TRANSFER the extra US$37,300,000.00 to your bank account.
 
This contract has been completely executed and the original contractors have been paid all their contract bills less this $37,300,000.00 through our partner banks in UK, United States and Europe.
 
We shall forward your personal details to the legal department of the  Bank for the payment process of the balance US$37.3 Million. Be rest assured that all modalities are set for smooth execution of this viable transaction.
 
This transaction is 100% risk free, and requires absolute confidentiality. You must do this transaction alone!
 
Awaiting your TOP URGENT Response today.
 
Best regards,
Mr. Graham Williamson

Anti-fraud resources: