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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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Fraud email example:

From: "Philippe.V .V" <v_philip3@hotmail.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2004 09:52:25 +0100
Subject: URGENT CONTRACT SUPPLY

For Your Attention,
The Managing Director / Owner

REF: RE-CONSTRUCTION OF IRAQ - VARIOUS SUPPLIES...

My name is Philippe V. and this is an urgent contract invitation from
Iraq. My benefactor at the new American controlled Iraq ministry has
mandated me to seek for your cooperation in a multi million dollars
worth of supply contract. Please if you can assist us, then kindly
contact me via My Global Satellite Fax Number: + 1 253 663-3510.
(PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SEND FAX ONLY DETAILING YOUR DIREACT TELEPHONE,
FAX NUMBER AND EXCLUSIVE EMAIL). As soon as we recieve those, I shall
get back to you with all details exclusively.

Regards,

Philippe V.

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