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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: From Ann Godwin <anngodwin101@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 11:15:04 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: DONATION FROM SISTER ANN GODWIN.


 Dearest in Christ,

With Due Respect and Humanity, I am Mrs. Ann Godwin from France, I am 59years old, I married to late Mr. Basil Godwin and we were married but without Any children.

I am now suffering from long time breast Cancer, from all indication my condition is really deterioration and it is quite obvious that i won't live more than 3 months according to my doctor, this is because the cancer stage has gotten to a very bad stage.

My late husband was a very wealthy and after his death, I inherited all his business and wealth, before his death he left over the sum of $3million in the bank and now i am willing to donate this sum of $3million to the less privileges and to contribute to development of church in Africa, America, Asia, and Europe.

Presently this money is still with the prime bank in Togo west Africa where he was working with a construction company and upon my instructions, the Bank will transfer the funds to your account for the noble Project.

I want a person that is sincere and trustworthy that will utilize this money to fund churches, orphanages and widows around the world and As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you details on how to receive the funds and start the good work of God.  Please assure me your humbleness and good heart that you will act accordingly as I stated herein. I wait to read from you.

Thanks and God bless you

Kind Regards,

Mrs. Ann Godwin

Anti-fraud resources: