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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. James Bright" (may be fake)
Date: Tue, 28 Sep 2010 03:01:15 +0100
Subject: World Bank Payment Advice

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have been directed by the International Debt Settlement Department of the World Bank to inform you of the victory that has been secured on your behalf in view of your funds that have been outstanding with the International payment agencies. Note that in view of the issues raised in the arbitration and the settlement reached on your behalf, the World Bank has agreed to release the sum of $15,000,000.00 (FIFTEEN million United States dollars only) in the first instalment.

In respect of the time that has already been expended in the pursuit of this payment, the World Bank has released your Payment Advice and the funds to Citibank UK for final clearing and transfer into your bank account as soon as possible.

To facilitate the clearing and transfer processes within 4 working days, you are advised to forward your full name and address to enable Citibank UK issue you an INTERNATIONAL BANK DRAFT or your complete banking information for a SWIFT BANK TO BANK TRANSFER.
Resond urgently,

Best Regards,
Dr. James Bright

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