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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: Western Union <awardteamunion@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 2 Oct 2014 17:38:38 +0430
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS FROM WESTERN UNION

Attn, Value Customer.

You have today patronized/awarded with the sum of US$35,000.00 by
African Western Union Management, as one of our lucky/valued customers
who uses Western Union throughout your past transaction deals in
Africa till this year 2014.

This award has been selected through our local banks, and Western
Union agencies before indicated and approved. You' re now required to
pay the sum of US$150.00 usd Award Winning Registration Fee with your
following details listed below so that your USD$35,000.00 United State
Dollars will be sent to you with a guarantee after 3hours of the fee
confirmation in 2 payments in amount of $4,500 twice which is $9,000
dollars for today own.

Your transfer will be completed transfered to you on Monday evening if
only that you will try and send the money today.

Fill this out correctly when forwarding the payment details because we
don't want any complaint from customer's this new year.

1. Name_ _ _ _
2. Address_ _ _ _
3. Phone Number_ _

You should transfer the US$150.00 Award Winner Registration Fee by
Western Union to below name:

Receiver Name: ONORIODE OVENOMOR
City: Accra
Country: Ghana
Question: Good
Answer: Luck

As soon as the above fee and your address are received, your
US$35,000.00 will be forward to you as explained. Call OR Email
at( union@accountant.com ) as soon as you send the Award
Winner Registration Fee.

Thank you for using Western Union money transfer in all your transfer
in business to Africa.

Thanks
Western Union Operating Manager.
Gen. Dir. Bobby Ochuko

Award Winning General Oversea

Anti-fraud resources: