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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: "Dr Ron John" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <www.w.union.com@inMail24.com>
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:14:24 +0100
Subject: GO NOW AND PICK UP YOUR FIRST PAYMENT

How are you today,

I write to inform you that we have already sent you USD5000.00 dollars through
Western union as we have been given the mandate to transfer your full
compensation payment total sum of USD1.500,000.00 via western union by the
Authorities of IMF/SENATORS COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN PAYMENT.

Now, I decided to email you the MTCN and sender name so that you will pick up
this USD5000.00 to enable us send another USD5000.00 today as you know we will
be sending you only USD5000.00 per day. Please noted that the transfer
charge of
$5000 is $155 so contact Mr.Terry Cool and asked him where you can send the
transfer charge to enable you run to western union to pick up the
USD5000.00 and
call me back to send you another payment tomorrow,

My direct phone line is + 229 98330553,
Manager Mr.Terry Cool
Email:(www.w.union.com@inMail24.com)
email me once you picked up your money here is western union information to
pick up the USD5000.00;
Send Name Solomon Young
MTCN ##### 1734067948
Text Question:WHO
Answer: GOD
Amount: USD5000.00
I am waiting for your call once you pick up this USD5000 and so send your tell phone number to contact you too.
Thanks
Dr Ron John

Anti-fraud resources: