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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: "Dr JOHN ZUMA" <drjohn_zuma1@yahoo.co.uk> (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2005 00:38:01 -0800
Subject: Dr JOHN ZUMA

Commissioner / Lovrday
D 1367 Northriding
Braamfonten JHb

Contact Person
Dr JOHN ZUMA
TEL: +27-73-216 9959
Contact Email: drjohn_zuma1@yahoo.co.uk
Good Day,
I am Dr. John zuma, working in department of fund released order in first National bank of South Africa, I know the letter might come to you as surprise, but take it like your own deal.
Mr. ALEJANDRO RODRIGUEZ, from SPAIN executed a contract through Federal Ministry of Aviation here in South Africa, the contract worth of USD 29, 000,000. Million Dollars, but on the process of him claming the money, he died with his family in Bomb Blast in MADRID SPAN disaster that occurred in SPAIN, we involve you to authenticate this clam.
Meanwhile, his money has been signed to pay in my office before I will give order to the bank for final endorsement of his money.

Nobody knows what is going on except me and my colleague, the man’s information’s are Contract Sum: USD 29,000,000 Million Dollars.
Contract number: FMA/FMF/3-X99/2001 You will act like the beneficiary of this money; I will give you more information about the transaction.
I wait for your urgent reply
Kind regards,

Dr John Zuma.
N/B don’t forget to include your direct telephone/fax number.


Anti-fraud resources: