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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: "Mr.George Morgan" <foffice761@gmail.com>
Reply-To: moneygramheadoffice64@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2021 10:39:55 +0100
Subject: Attention,,

Attention,
Departments:Of Money Gram Payment office
Ref: Payment Release Update
Amount Valued: US $2,500,000.00.
Payment allocation security code (A84PRFGN2019)
Scam victims compensation payment funds.
This is to bring to your notice that with effect (IMF)
International Monetary Funds has compensate you with
{$2.500.000.00} Two million Five hundred united state
dollars which was approved by IMF in this office in your name as the
beneficiary during our 2021 file revision compensation will be confiscated
This fund was deposited and has you as apparent heir to it as a scam victim.
You are therefore by this notice required to provide this office with your
personal information such as to avoid wrong payment.
Your Full Name.......
Your Address.........
Country..............
Your Phone Number .......
A copy of Your ID........
Note that renewal of your payment file will cost you $200 only
Because we can not deduct any money from your fund as it was registered
with insurance coverage.
To enable us process and release the said fund to you,
or you let us know your preferable choice of receiving your fund.
We shall anticipate your quick response.
Regards
Mr.George Morgan

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