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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: "MR John Stendahl"<Stendahl@gmail.com>
Reply-To: <gregoryjohn@aol.nl>
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:14:20 +0200
Subject: HELLO

Hello,

I seek your assistance on a business transaction that will be of mutual benefits. Kindly email me your name, company name (if any), your address, telephone and fax number.
On your response, I will send you the full details and more information about myself and the funds.
Kindly reply through my private email (gregoryjohn@aol.nl)

Yours sincerely,
Mr. John Stendahl LLP

Anti-fraud resources: