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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: Ahmed Bello <amedogrbello58@msn.com>
Reply-To: amedbello14@voila.fr
Date: Tue, 4 Oct 2011 08:36:36 +0200
Subject: I NEED YOUR URGENT ASSISTANCE!

I am Mr Ahmed Bello, the chief operating officer with my bank and I want to inform you that an amount of US$10.5 million will be moved on your name as the Foreign Business Partner to our late deceased customer. I need your help to receive this money as we shall share the money in the ratio of 50:50%. You will receive this amount through a bank wire transfer.

Please send your full names, direct telephone numbers, and physical address,
more details will be given upon your reply.

Your quick response will be highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely,

Mr.Ahmed Bello (esq.).
 

Anti-fraud resources: