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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: "Steven Walker" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <stevwalker16@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 3 Jan 2021 12:46:18 +0100
Subject: Estate Beneficiary as Next of Kin

Greetings, I am Steven Walker, I got your contact email from an online directory with my license key; I have decided to write you through my private mail box for my personal reasons .
 
I would need your assistance in re-profiling funds worth £55,800,000.00 (Fifty Five Million Eight Hundred Thousand British Pounds) belonging to my late client who shares same surname with you.
 
I seek your consent to present you as the sole beneficiary of the deceased for future claim of the said fund.
 
Contact me for more detailed information and confirm your detailed information to me once again. It requires your
urgent attention and I would like to meet with you personally, for about an hour or so, to set up a meeting for this at your convenience.
 
It is advisable for you to reply my message today for me to know if I should continue with my search.
 
Should you be interested and find yourself able to work with me,mail me with your Full names, Age, country and Direct telephone number only to enable me furnish you with adequate information in regards this claim..
 
Your prompt response will be highly appreciated.
 
Best Regards,
Steven Walker

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