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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: "DEPARTMENT OFFIER" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <webdept@w.cn>
Date: Wed, 6 Apr 2011 08:18:52 +0200
Subject: BUSINESS REQUEST

Hoping that you are having a wonderful day.
 
Having gone through your info, I was determined to contact you today regarding a project that I needed both of us to carry out, the project is related to the South African Government.
 
At the moment, I will not be able to give you my full names based on the fact that this project is a very sensitive one and I need to be very careful.
 
In a brief introduction:
I am also a senior government official here in the Southern African Region. I would like you to bear with me for not giving you my names on this email, but I promised that on my next message to you, I will give you my full names, contact phone number, address and also our Government website where you can review my full identity.
 
I needed your consent and interest regarding this project that is worth Millions of British Pounds, which we can work with your company or if possible through you as an individual in corroboration and full co-operation to finalizing the project to its completion and success.
 
Through my power in the Government, I was able to obtain all the covering documents regarding this project, the documents are signed, stamped and registered by the Government under the DPW and DOF as a signed contract awaiting balance payment, which I can also send you the document by email attachment for your review.
 
For security reasons, I cannot be able to give you the full breakdown of this project but when you reply with your interest, I will be able to give you the full details of the project and I can also tell you the actual amount involved. I will also give you my personal information which is in the Government Organizational website where you can find my full data, position, phone and fax number etc. And on the receipt of your response we shall also negotiate on the sharing of the fund.
 
Note: Your main role on the project is to communicate directly with the Government, as I will be sending you the contact information and also the messages that you will be sending out to the Government from your end.
 
This project needs an attention of a capable and determined person who is also well to do, which is the main reason why I contacted you in the first instance since I can see that you may be capable of handling the project from your end in honest and sincerity. If you are interested and can corporate with me, then you should respond so that I will give you the full explanation of the project for your understanding.
 
Thank you and awaiting your urgent response for full introduction.
 
Regards,
Senior government official
Southern African Region
Email: webdept@w.cn

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