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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: "Peter Scott" <scottpete@yandex.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2019 21:03:18 +0530
Subject: Hi

Hi,

Can you receive some money from HSBC bank where I work? We have several abandoned deposits by Indians who have died many years ago and no one is coming forward to claim their money due to no record of alternative beneficiary. I can forward your details as their relative and the money will be released to you directly to your bank account anywhere you are if you will agree on a 50-50 sharing formula between me and you once the money is credited to your account. Nobody will ever ask about the money and this is very safe for you and for me because I am the person in charge to sign the documents for releasing the money.

Please get back to me immediately with your complete Account details and valid ID proof if you are sure to maintain absolute confidentiality on this. We have done a public notice on this so its very safe to bring you in. https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/news/switzerland-set-to-transfer-details-of-indian-account-holders-in-hsbc/ar-BBTbldG?ocid=spartanntp

Your urgent response will be most appreciated.

Regards,
Peter Scott.

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