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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: "williams" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <Williamsmar680@aim.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:05:51 +0200
Subject: Please Read

I am a lawyer. am contacting you for a business transaction to transfer of
funds for investment purpose. A deposited Fund valued US$9.5 Million dollars
by late client of my in one of the banks here in Europe. Please contact me
at once to indicate your interest. I will like you to acknowledge the receipt
of this e-mail as soon as possible via my private email (Williamsmar680@aim.com)
and treat with absolute confidentiality and sincerity.

I look forward to your quick reply.

Best regards,
Mr. Williams Marshall

Anti-fraud resources: