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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: "Andrew" <william44andrew@excite.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Oct 2006 07:09:41 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: VERY URGENT


Dear Harvey Ostmacher, I have discussed with a lawyer that i will want him to assist in processing this claim on your behalf.on my discussion with him,he said some specific clearance papers must be obtain in verious ministries,which will cost some amount.the amount he told me,is beyong my control.on that regards,i will want you to assist in any way you can by raising some amount. I will want you to tell me how much you can arrange as we are talking about US$4,500. Waiting to hear from you urgently. Yours Faithfully,Andrew Williams.

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Anti-fraud resources: