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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: =?UTF-8?B?RmVsaWNpYSBzcMOpcm8=?= <andrew@cnwangjiang.com>
Reply-To: sperofelicia@gmail.com
Date: 01 Nov 2020 02:05:14 -0800
Subject: Is Urgent

Dear Friend,
It might be a surprise to you reading from me again as I had written an earlier email to you but without response. Presently, I'm in the hospital where I am undergoing treatment for Esophageal Cancer. Today my Doctor told me that I will not live up to 60 days. I am Mrs. Felicia spéro, widow to late Colonel Maurientes spéro, former deputy defence attaché to Benin consulate in Czech Republic. My husband was killed by those who were envious of his position in the same office.
There is 2.1 Million Dollars my late husband deposited in a bank here in Benin. But before his death he vowed to use his wealth for the orphanages. I have decided to donate this money to an individual, who will utilise it in fulfilment of the last request of my husband and this is why I contacted you. Reply with your full names, phone number, address and occupation. I will give you more details after consideration.
Please send me your reply to my personal email
Yours Sincerely,
Mrs. Felicia spéro

Anti-fraud resources: