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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: "DR.RUTLEY SMITH BEN" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <rutleysmithben3@sify.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:37:55 -0000
Subject: Your Assistance is Needed

Dear Sir,

I am an investor and a business merchant seeking for your co-operation in building a 5 star Tourist Hotel or Real Estate in your country. I am sorry
if this is not in line with your profession.

However, I need an experienced person like you to assist me set up and develop this project. I estimated the sum of ?17,350,000.00 Million British
pounds for this project, which I will transfer as soon as possible immediately our discussion is positive and sealed.

On the resumption of this project, you will be a member of the governing board as Director of works and project Management.

You will also be entitled to a share percentage of 15% and more other benefits as we advance further, while 85% stands for the company.

Your immediate reply will be highly appreciated and I shall give you more detailed information concerning this project.

Please if you have any interest for this project; correspond to my office via my email address: rutleysmithben3@sify.com

Best Regards,

Dr Rutley Smith Ben.

Anti-fraud resources: