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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: mchlsmth1mic@aol.com
Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:43:10 -0800
Subject: Business relationship

Attention Director,

I am Mr. Micheal Smith, I am the general accountant of a reputable bank here in Africa and with my position, I was privileged to use my position to over invoice a contract by excess of $22.Million Dollars, which I have insured and secured in the banks escrow account here in our branch and what I need now is a trust worthy Foreigner whom I will work in hand with, to transfer this money ($22.000.000:00) to his company or private account immediately.

I will use my position to influence this project in other to expedite the transfer. Send me the following information below for agreement purpose and security reasons upon your confirmation of interest. Then I will tell you the next step.

1. Full Name, address and occupation
2. Private phone number
3. A copy of your ID or International passport.

Reply to my private email: mchlsmth1mic@aol.com

Regards,
Micheal Smith

Anti-fraud resources: