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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: International Monetory Fund <info@unitedkingdom.org>
Reply-To: <Mr.hansmueller@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 21:24:11 +0100
Subject: Your Outstanding Payment.

International Monetory Fund (IMF).
Headquarters - Zurich Switzerland
Date: 16th May, 2010
Dear Sir / Madam,

In view of the complaints coming from foreign beneficiaries against private banks in respect to late or non-settlement of their claims INHERITANCE, CONTRACT PAYMENT & LOTTERY.

It is important to inform you that all private banks and Security Company have been directed to hands off foreign payments and refer all cases of outstanding foreign claims to the INTERNATIONAL MONITORY FUND (IMF) for vetting and approval for payment.

Consequently, your outstanding claim is one of the cases referred to us and is now receiving immediate attention in our office and you are hereby advised to reconfirm the following for immediate settlement of your payment.

1. Your total amount:
2. Your current contact telephone number:
3. Your receiving bank account details

You are to stop all further communications with Anybody / Office regarding your claim at the moment. Our office is now fully responsible for the settlement of your claim. Your urgent response to this mail will be highly appreciated to ensure prompt resolution of your payment matter.
Sincerely yours,
Mr Hans Mueller
Director, Foreign Payment Matters
International Monetory Fund

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