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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "John Smith" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <vacancydepts@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2011 04:10:40 -0000
Subject: Re : ARE YOU AVAILABLE?

Hello Mystery Shopper,


We have a mystery shopping assignment in your area and we would like
you to participate. Secret Shopper® is accepting applications for qualified individuals to
become mystery shoppers. It's fun and rewarding, and you choose when
and where you want to shop. You are never obligated to accept an
assignment. There is no charge to become a shopper and you do not need
previous experience. After you sign up, you will have access to
training materials via e-mail, fax or postal mail.


ABOUT US

Secret Shopper® is the premier mystery shopping company, serving
clients across America and Canada with over 500,000 shoppers available
and ready to help businesses better serve their customers. Continual
investment in the latest internet and communication technologies
coupled with over 16 years of know-how means working with Secret
Shopper® is a satisfying and rewarding experience. Secret shopping as
seen on ABC NEWS, NBC NEWS, L.A.TIMES.
Stores and organizations such as The Gap, Walmart, Pizza Hut, and
Banks. One amongst many others pay for Secret Shoppers to shop in
their establishments and report their experiences. On top of being
paid for shopping you are also allowed to keep purchases for free.
Secret Shopper® NEVER charge fees to the shopper. Training, tips for
improvement, and shopping opportunities are provided free to
registered shoppers. Mystery shoppers are either paid a pre-arranged
fee for a particular shop, a reimbursement for a purchase or a
combination of both.Secret Shopper® has available for immediate
assignment an inspection of the customer service of any walmart in
your area. You are to shop secretly and invest just a token. This fee
will be paid upfront. During this shop you will visit the location and
make several observations as regards the customer service.
You will be required to interact with the shop clerk.
You may conduct the shop alone or as a couple.
The assignment will pay $200.00 per duty.
Kindly Fill Out the application form below and we will get back to you
shortly with the assignment:


PERSONAL INFORMATION:

First Name...........................................
Middle Name.............................................
Last Name............................................
Street Address.........................................
City, State, Zip Code............................................
Cell Phone Number .............................................
Home Phone Number .............................................
Age....................................................................
Current Occupation.................................................
Alternate Email Address ..............................................
AVAILABILITY:
Days/Hours Available
Monday ..X............................................
Tuesday ..X...........................................
Wednesday X.............................................
Thursday .X.............................................
Friday ...X..........................................
Saturday .X............................................
Sunday ............................................

Hours Available: from _ ______ to _____We await your urgent response.

Thank you for your help.
We look forward to working with you.Sincerely,

John Smith
Secret Shopper®

Anti-fraud resources: