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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: "Terry Grunerud" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <gapbusterworldwide15@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:39:47 -0600
Subject: HELLO...(MYSTERYSHOPPING JOB)

Get paid to shop for some of your favourite brands.Help improve customer service in your area.
You would be paid $100 for every survey you carry out ,bonus on your transportation allowance and funds would be given to you if you have to dine as part of the duty.
If you are interested, Pls send in the following info:
Full names:
Full address(No p.o.box):
City and state:
Zipcode:
Phone number:

Hiring manager,
Gapbuster worldwide.

Note: All funds would be sent to you prior to your assignments

Anti-fraud resources: