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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: Chris Mark <gchmkesq74@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <markchris11960@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:58:27 -0400
Subject: Good-day*Contact me as stated*


Attention;

Compliments of the day. 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 nevertheless,my name is Mr. Chris Mark (ESQ.) and I was privileged to be the Legal adviser/Personal Attorney to my late client.

Further more,I wish to inform you that my late client died intestate and in the process of review in my search I got your contact information,your information was revealed to me through an international business directory here in London, 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. Anticipating an urgent response from you.

Best regards,
Chris Mark Esq.
_________________________________________________________________
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