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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: "Mrs.Melisa Williams" <dianaresmcnair@gmail.com>
Reply-To: melisawilliams518@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 15:47:24 +0400
Subject: URGENT REPLY NEEDED I WANT TO INVEST

Dear friend
Good day to you, my full name is Mrs.Melisa Williams, with my only
Son, Ossey Williams, we are originally from Kenya.I am so sorry for
sending this unsolicited and unexpected mail. I am searching for a
reliable and experience business partner, am contacting you in respect
of investment assistance,I need your assistance in investing into a
very good and lucrative business in your country under your
guidance,Please let me know what you think about investing in your
country and how it will be profitable.
Please, kindly get back to me with your mobile number if you are
interested to assist me in this transaction.
waiting for your kind reply
Regards
Mrs.Melisa Williams

Anti-fraud resources: