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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: "Francisco Mauricio Valles" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <valles-franciscomauricio@mail.ua>
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 06:22:14 -0800
Subject: Dear Friend

     Dear Prospective Partner,
 
I am a consultant and my name is Francisco Mauricio Valles,I have a client who made a fixed deposit of fund valued at USD$8,500,000.00. with a deposit  firm, here in Europe and unfortunately, He lost his life in the Libyan Civil War. Due to his death was untimely and he was young of age, He died intestate
 
I as his representative have some vital documents related to the deposit still in my possession. Recently, the Depositing firm contacted me, asking for the next of kin to the funds/deposit or the amount will be declared as unclaimed. Upon a clear and legitimate agreement with you, I seek your consent to present you as the next of kin,
 
Please reply if this email if you are interested in my proposal and I will send you more details as regards the process and what it entails.
 
Thank you for your anticipated response.
 
Francisco Mauricio Valles
Email; franciscomauricio-valles@mail.ua

Anti-fraud resources: