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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: "Crown Office Chambers" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <sir.roybeldam@yandex.ru>
Date: Sat, 31 May 2014 12:00:50 +0100
Subject: Urgent Invitation..

CROWN OFFICE CHAMBERS.
Office Address: 2 Crown Office Row, Temple ,London,EC4Y 7HJ
TEL/FAX: +44-704-207-8539.

Hello,
It is with heartfelt, that I write to seek your co-operation and assistance in the context stated below. I am Sir Roy Beldam,a personal attorney to Mr. Neal Walker, An American, who was a businessman.

On the 31st of Oct 1999, my client lost his life in a plane crash and my client deposited as family belongings in the sum of $6.5 Million USD here in London with the hope of transferring it ,to his country as soon as his contract expires. But since his death I have made several enquiries to his embassy to locate any of my clients extended relatives, but this attempt, so far ,has been unsuccessful. After these several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to look for a foreigner ,who is willing to help claim this fund, hence I contacted you. And my intention right now is for you to stand as the Next of Kin of my deceased client.

This becomes imperative as the Bank has just given me a deadline to provide one, or the money will be declared dormant in accordance with the bank's policy. I will provide all legal documents to back up your claim as the beneficiary to this fund and your help will be appreciated with 30% of the total sum.

All I require is your honest co-operation. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law. Please accept my apologies,and  keep my confidence and disregard this email, if you do not appreciate this proposition I have offered you,but it will we executed in ten working days,
However, if you wish to help me actualize this, do get back to me ,as soon as possible,both e-mail & Telephone +44-704-207-8539. ,So I will let you know what is required of you.

Best Regards,
Sir Roy Beldam (ESQ).
Crown Office Chambers.
Tel: +44-704-207-8539.

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