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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: "Bradley Wick" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <wickbradley9@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2023 10:01:13 -0700
Subject: Greetings From Bradley Wick...

Greetings,
 
I am Bradley Wick, a Financial Consultant. My client, a Businessman from Ukraine, who died following Russia invasion he lost his only son who joined the Ukraine army as a result he died few days later, has a fund valued at Ten Million United States Dollars in a bank. My client had no traceable next of kin and did not update his WILL before his demise. I want to front you as the beneficiary of the deposited fund. I shall provide you with all documents when you reply positively to this proposal. Sharing modalities will be discussed in your response.
On your reply, kindly include your full name, occupation and Telephone contacts.
 
Bradley Wick

Anti-fraud resources: