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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: Ann cliff <websfa55@att.net>
Reply-To: knormanvan@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:40:54 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: help me




Hello Sir /Madam 
I hope you don't take offense in my sudden approach. I took a trip this week to Edinburgh, Scotland and was attacked and robbed. My belongings including my cash, credit card and cell phones were all stolen. I've made contact with my bank but the best they can do is to mail me a new card which will take 4 working days to arrive here, am currently concluding my documentation at the embassy so i can fly out. I need you to lend me some funds to settle some bills. 
Please let me know if you can assist me in anyway so i can forward you details to effect a transfer. You can reach me via email .knormanvan@yahoo.com Waiting for your mail. Thanks.  Ann Cliff

Anti-fraud resources: