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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: Brigadier General Gunter Katz <coperation1@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: general.brigadier1@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2013 15:36:15 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Willing To Assist.


Attention

I know you don't know me but I meant no harm sending you this note, just that i don't have anyone out there to talk to,as i lost my parents when i was 8 and i am contacting you to help me as I am much in need of TRUST and help.I am a German Military officer under International Security Force in Afghanistan.

I have Two boxes deposited with a Private Security House in United States, which contains some US Dollars which amounted to $18 Million. I'm still on duty here in Afghanistan as Spokesman International Security Force if such amount of money is traced to my account, I shall be investigated hence i need you to assist me get the funds out in the private security Company in United States.

Let me know what lucrative investment we could go into , in your city. I Will forward your contact to the Security Officer in the Private security Company in United States immediately I hear from you as the Owners of the Boxes. I will offer you 20 percent, and you would help me invest in your Country.

All I need is your trust and we will get this done. I need your contact details and I will give you all information, including the package codes and delivery logistics.I will be so grateful if we could get this concluded as soon as possible and I hope you can make a perfect plan on how best you keep the Boxes secured,as that is the most important thing.I will provide to you the CODE to the the Boxes immediately you collected the boxes from the security Warehouse in United States.

I await your reply asap.
Best regards,
Brigadier General Gunter Katz

Anti-fraud resources: