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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: ECOWAS HEAD OFFICE <info.ecowaspaymentunit@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 28 May 2007 14:49:44 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: URGENT RESPONSE WITH YOUR PAYMENT DETAILS


Dear Recipient,

This is to acknowledge the receipt of your mail content well noted. Like i have wrote you in my last mail that you do not have to bother yourself about the fee you are to pay, this donation is geared at uplifting you standard of living and making your dream come through. You are advice to go ahead to proceed with the payment immediately you receive this mail so that this office can released your donation for dispatch.

As soon as the payment for the insurance is made, the insurance of your parcel will takes immediate effect and you will receive your donation at your door step 48 hours after confirmation of payment by this office. Have this on mind that you have already recvice your donation prize as soon as you make the payment. You will congratulate our affort when you recive your donation prize to your doorstep.

Do have a blessed day as we look forward to receiving the payment details ASAP.
Once again, congratulations.

Regards,
Sanui Sanusi


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