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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: "Liu Ling" <liu.ling45@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 03:55:08 +0100
Subject: Contact me ASAP

Good Day,

I have a Business Proposal of $21,300,000.00 for you to
handle with me from my bank.I will need you to help me in
transferring the above funds. I need to know if you will be
able to handle this with me before I explain to you in
details, if you agree to work with me please send me your:

1,Full names,
2,occupation,
3,private phone number,
4,current residential address.

Your earliest response to this letter will be appreciated

Regards
Liu Tia Ling

Anti-fraud resources: