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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: "fama kane" <famkan5@yahoo.co.uk> (may be fake)
Reply-To: famkan@myway.com
Date: Wed, 25 May 2005 23:26:03 +0200
Subject: A wish to really know you!!!

Hi friend,

How are doing today? I hope you are fine as I am overhere? I am Miss Fama Kane and while browsing through the internet, I came accross your profile and to tell you the truth, it appeals to me very much. So, I am wondering if we could size each other up and maybe establish a long-lasting relationship.

Hoping to read from u pretty soon.

Regards.

Fama.



Anti-fraud resources: