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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: elliot harris <okekebenardine@gmail.com>
Reply-To: elliotharris.imf@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2015 22:27:27 +0100
Subject: Category 'A' Beneficiary



This is to acquaint you on the outcome of our 1 day meeting with the U.N
International Financial Investigation Unit and Association of Better
Business Bureau concerning the current issue bordering the entire world as
per the settlement of all outstanding payments such as contract funds,
inheritance / next of kin and lottery winnings that originated from Africa,
Europe, America, and the Middle East. Be informed that following our
verification exercise as mandated, startling observations were made as
indicated by abnormalities detected in initial payment processes embarked
upon in the past through the various payment approach.

However, a part payment of $10,500,000.00 (Ten million, five hundred
thousand United States Dollars) has been jointly approved to be uploaded
into a Platinum Card that can be accessible at any inter-switch cash
machine worldwide or via International Certified Bank Draft, a swift
telegraphic transfer can equally be made into your bank account depending
on your preferred choice of reception.

This development became necessary and relevant to checkmate incessant
claims being made by some fraudulent beneficiaries where record has it that
they have been paid over the last couple of years and up till date they are
still asking for their payment thus this has made the whole payment process
very frustrating.

Finally, for the purpose of proper verification of your identification
among other relevant information for the release of your funds, it is
imperative that you furnish this office with your direct telephone / fax
numbers and all necessary payment details for final reconciliation.

Prompt and committed response advised.

Cordially,


Elliott Harris.
elliotharris.imf@gmail.com
I.M.F Special Representative to the (UN).

Anti-fraud resources: