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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 John Van" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <dr.johnvan31@w.cn>
Date: Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:36:36 +0200
Subject: Dr. John Van.....

Hello!

How are you today? I am Dr. John Van. And there is an issue that came up
which I would like to discuss with you. There is an over invoice payment
made to my company, which involves some amount of money, so I have decided
to involve a trust worthy second party who I can entrust this money on
when I have been able to pull it out from London to a designated account.
I decided to put it before you so you can assist with this situation. I
also found out that if the government finds out, the money will be
confiscated and transfered into banking treasury. So all I require from
you is to lay claims on the funds as all necessary document will be
provided to ensure that you collect the funds and move it to your account
where I will come for final disbursement.

You will be given 30% of the total funds when I see that there is a
success in this deal. The amount involved is Twenty three million, three
hundred thousand United States Dollars ($23.3million USD). I will provide
you with the necessary information as soon as I hear from you.

Please note that all necessary arrangement for the smooth release of these
funds to you has been finalised. We will discuss much in details when I do
receive your response that shows you are interested in this transaction.

NOTE: If you know you are not trust worthy, please do not reply this E-mail.

Regards,
Dr. John Van.
33 Tot hill Street,
Westminster,
London, SW1H 9LA
E-mail: dr.johnvan31@w.cn

Anti-fraud resources: