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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: "Scott"< richard.richardscott.scott000020@gmail.com>
Reply-To: < richard.richardscott0002@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:33:11 +0100
Subject: PAYMENT NOTIFICATION

From: Dr.Richard Scott
International Settlement Dept.
Bank of England
http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/
Ref: BOE/ISD/ACD/4556/09
 
Dear Sir/Madam
 
The International Settlement department of Bank of England is obligated to contact you for the immediate release of your fund whose account has be come dormant and subsequently transferred to this department as unclaimed fund.Our findings have revealed that the problem behind your inability to have received your fund from the corresponding bank resulted from lack of transparency, insincerity and incessant demand for money by your representative(s) for unusual payments. We have therefore decided to establish a direct transfer payment system (DTPS) with you for the prompt release of your funds without any hitch.
 
We therefore request that you respond to this email immediately ( forwarding your direct contact telephpone number) to enable us proceed with the release of your fund accordingly.
 
Yours in service,
Dr. Richard Scott,
Reply to this alternative email ID : richard.richardscott0002@gmail.com
 

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