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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: "Alex Ugo" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <alex.ugooo1878@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 7 Apr 2023 09:58:45 -0500
Subject: $10Million, ATM Master card Payment

Mr Alex Ugo,
ATM Head of Operation
UNITED BANK OF AFRICA (UBA)
 
 
                          $10Million, ATM Master card Payment
 
Attention Beneficiary
 
 
I am Mr Alex Ugo, ATM Head of Operation Department UNITED BANK OF AFRICA, I resumed to this office on the 5th of last Month and during my official research last week I discovered an abandoned ATM Visa card valued sum of $10Million with your name as the rightful beneficiary.
 
I tried to know why this card have not been released to you but I was told that the formal ATM head of operation who left this office One month ago with-held your card for his own selfish interest.
 
Now that your ATM Master card is still available for you to pick it up here in our bank, I want to know how you wish to receive your ATM card along with your four digits pin code number.
 
You can come down here in our bank to pick up your card direct from my office or alternatively it can be send to your address through any registered reliable courier service company that you will take care of the courier charge, I don't know the cost of shipping the card to you but if you permit me I will go to the courier shipment company to find out the cost,
 
Your direct telephone number and address will be needed and more details of your ATM card payment will be made known to you as soon as I receive your swift positive response, to enable you know the amount programmed for your ATM daily withdrawal. Do call me as soon as you receive this message
 
Tel: + 234-818-650-6211
Whatsapp
 
 
Thanks For your anticipated co-operation and understanding. We will serve
You better.
 
Yours Faithfully,
 
Alex Ugo

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