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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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Please note about this email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Smith Okinile" <info@smith-shaw.com>
Reply-To: smith-shaw@myway.com
Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2005 04:39:33 +0000
Subject: A REPRESENTATIVE IS NEEDED

Dear Friend,

I represent Excel Import and Export Company based in Ghana. My company exports cocoa, rubber, timber and other raw materials for world trade.We are searching for representatives who can help us establish a medium of getting to our customers in Europe,Canada and America as well as making payments through you as our payment officer. Most of our customers pay out in cheques or money orders and we do not have an account in your country that will clear this money. It is upon this note that we seek your assistance to stand in as our representative in your country. Note that, as our representative, you will receive 10% of whatever amount you clear for the company and the balance will be paid to us.If you are interested in this business transaction,forward to us the information below:

(1)Your full names,
(2)Contact address and,
(3)Phone/fax numbers.

Thank you for your time.

Respectfully,
Mr.Smith S Okinile,
CEO, Excel Import/Export Co. Goods for Import/Export Freight Fwdg.Svcs.

Anti-fraud resources: