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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: "HENRY COLEMAN" <henkolle77@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: henkolle12@yahoo.com.hk
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 13:32:56 -0500
Subject: Respond Urgently.

Dear Friend,

I know this email will come to you in an odd manner as you have not received
any prior communication from me before now.

But be that as it may, my name is Mr. Henry Coleman and I was privileged to
be the account officer of my deceased client who lost his life sometime ago.

In the process of review of the financial report by my bank, I discovered
that both of you have a similar last name, hence I contacted you so that I
can give you further briefing on my intention and how to disburse the
estate he left behind.

I will most acknowledge your prompt response as that would enable us to
start something immediately.

Sincerely,

Henry Coleman.

_________________________________________________________________
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