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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: Fund <kanoe_toa@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: Fund <officefile01@safe-mail.net>
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 21:51:19 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Hello Dear!!!


Hello Dear!!!
 
I Am Mrs.Linda Cole, secretary to Dr.Timothy Hanson,Director. I'm writing to let you know about your $13.5 Million USA Dollars that my boss issued on your name before he travel out for his business purpose. Before he traveled out he instructed me to send you the total money through Money Gram because it will be less expensive and reliable for you to be receiving your daily $10,000 dollar until you receive your total money completely.
 
Meanwhile, the manager stated yesterday that, the director administrator trust funds have already signed and approved your payment, which you will be receiving your payment $10,000.00 Us Dollars immediately you sent them their Activation charge of $185 and it will serve as reconfirmation of your file Payment from the office in charge. So you are to contact them on below information,
 
Vital Finance Bank Money Gram Department.
Director: Mr Fredrick Musa
Address; Plot 1261, Adeola Hopewell Street CO/B/REP,
 
Be advise that the $185 is a compulsory as they told me that is only money you will pay until you receive your payment completely .So reconfirm your details to avoid any hitches in receiving your full payments.
 
Your Full Name......
Address.......
Direct Telephone number.....
 
Also do let me know immediately they have started sending you your money, but try to comply with them to enable them serve you better.
 
Thank,
Secretary,
Mrs.Linda Cole.

Anti-fraud resources: