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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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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: Stephan Haeringer <shae_ringer@yahoo.co.uk>
Reply-To: stephan_haeringe@hotmail.com
Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2006 12:26:39 +0200
Subject: Your prompt response will be very much appreciated


Personal attention to the Chairman

Hellow sir,

Inquiry for a business Transaction

I am Mr.Stephan Haeringer, executive vice chairman and
member of the Corporate Responsibility Committee with
a bank in Switzerland.

It involves a deposit of (US$40,000,000.00) left by a
deceased Iraqi governor, now out
standing for claim. If you are capable and willing to
corporate with me in doing the deal,contact me for clearance & proceeding.

Your prompt response will be very much appreciated

Thanks

Mr. Haeringer


Anti-fraud resources: