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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: "Jonathan Archer" (may be fake)
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:03:56 +0100
Subject: For details email; jarcher77@live.com

This is for your attention,

I understand that though the Internet is not the best way to send you
this, because of the confidentiality which it demands. However, I have already sent you this same letter one month ago and I am not sure if it did get to you since I did not hear from you. Thus I am constrain to reach you through the Internet.

I wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to the
total sum of (Four million Six hundred thousand British Pounds) of the deceased (names now withheld since this is my second letter to you). I contacted you because you bear the same surname identity and therefore can present you as the beneficiary to the inheritance funds.

All the legal papers will be processed in your acceptance. In your acceptance of this deal, I humbly request that you forward to me your letter of acceptance with your full names, your current telephone and fax numbers and a forwarding to enable us file necessary documents at
our high court probate division for the release of this sum of money to
you.

I will provide you with full details upon confirmation of receipt of your reply.

Yours faithfully,
Jonathan Archer.
jarcher77@live.com

Anti-fraud resources: