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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: "Barrister Luis Gomez"<luisgomez@aol.com>
Reply-To: <luisgomez0003@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2009 11:20:12 +0100
Subject: URGENT FLIGHT

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am in search of an agent to assist us in the transfer of A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MONEY and subsequent investment in properties in your country.
You will be required to
(1) Assist in the receiving the said sum before arrival
(2) Advise on lucrative areas for investment
(3) Assist us in purchase of properties.
If you decide to render your service to us in this regard, 50% of the total sum of THE SAID AMOUNT OF MONEY will be for you. Send information such as personal telephone/fax number and contact address when replying.
yours faithfully,

Mr.Luis Gomez

Anti-fraud resources: