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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: Joyce Chan <joycechan1965@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2005 13:59:12 +0200
Subject: Email 26-10-05

Dear Sir,

I am Ms Joyce chan, Commercial insurance Officer at Edward Wong credit limited in Hong Kong. I am
sorry for using this medium to contact you as it is highly unsecure but I have no choice as it is the only
medium I can use in establishing contact with you that is quick as this matter is in dire need of urgent
attention. I would want you to assist in a business venture involving $4,000,000.00 (Four Million Dollars)
but have to be sure that you are willing to indulge in this transaction.

Please kindly get back to me if you are interested so I can furnish you with more details. I can be
reached on this private tel/fax number 011-852-301-72622

I await your immediate response,

Regards,


Ms. Joyce Chan
2/F, Edward Wong Tower,
910 Cheung Sha Wan Road,
Kowloon, Hong Kong

Anti-fraud resources: