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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: "MYSTERY SHOPPER" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mshopper@emailclick.com>
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 11:40:19 +0100
Subject: MYSTERY SHOPPER JOB(NOT SPAM)

MYSTERY SHOPPER JOB(NOT SPAM)
Secret Shopper(R) is accepting applications for qualified individuals to become mystery shoppers. It's fun and rewarding, and you choose when and where you want to shop. You are never obligated to accept an assignment.
There is no charge to become a shopper and you do not need previous
experience. After you sign up, you will have access to training materials via e-mail, fax or postal mail.
ABOUT US
Secret Shopper(R) is the premier mystery shopping company, serving clients across America and Canada with over 500,000 shoppers available and ready to help businesses better serve their customers. Continual investment in the latest internet and communication technologies coupled with over 16 years of know-how means working with Secret Shopper(R) is a satisfying and rewarding experience.
Secret shopping as seen on ABC NEWS, NBC NEWS, L.A.TIMES.
Stores and organizations such as The Gap, Walmart, Pizza Hut, and Bank. One amongst many others pay for Secret Shoppers to shop in their establishments and report their experiences. On top of being paid for shopping you are also allowed to keep purchases for free. Secret Shopper(R) NEVER charge fees to the shopper. Training, tips for improvement, and shopping opportunities are provided free to registered shoppers. Mystery shoppers are either paid a pre-arranged fee for a particular shop, a reimbursement for a purchase or a
combination of both.Secret Shopper(R) has available for immediate assignment an inspection of the customer service of any walmart in your area. You are to shop secretly . This fee will be paid upfront. During this shop you will visit the location and make several observations as regards the customer service.
You will be required to interact with the shop clerk.
You may conduct the shop alone or as a couple.
The assignment will pay $200.00/ Assignment
Kindly Fill Out the application form below and send to (mshopper@emailclick.com ) and we will get back to you shortly with the assignment:
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
First Name:
Middle Name:
Last Name:
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Cell Phone Number:
Home Phone Number:
Age:
Current Occupation:
Email Address:
We await your urgent response.
Thank you for your help.
We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,
Frank James
Hiring manager
Secret Shopper(R)
Reply to (mshopper@emailclick.com )


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