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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: "john brooks" <johnbrooks101@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:29 +0100
Subject: hello are you looking for part time job


Are you looking for a part time job other than babysitting? I am looking for
someone who can handle my personal and business errands at his/her spare
time. Someone who can offer me these services:
Mail services: Receive my mails and drop them off at Fedex(nothing
illegal).
Shop for Gifts Sit for delivery( at your home) or pick items up at nearby
post office at your convenience.

Let me know if you will be able to offer me any of these services.
Mr John

Anti-fraud resources: