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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: "United Nations" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <unccom@qq.com>
Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2015 09:15:31 -0800
Subject: VITAL UPDATE CONCERNING YOUR FUND

Attention:
 
I am Prof. Dr. Michael Pryles United Nations Commissioner for Compensation Commission Europe/America/Asia and Africa Region.
 
My office has been mandated with the obligation of ensuring that all outstanding beneficiary are paid their long due benefits after going through statutory Verification Process. This decision was reached after due consideration of the rigorous/difficult process engaged by Banks/financial home and delivery agents/Courier companies in paying beneficiaries.
 
You are hereby advised to put a stop to every communication you have with either of the above mentioned bodies as a circular/instruction to quit will be issued to them concerning your payment, this is to ensure you focus with the processing of your payment with this office without being interrupted and have your benefit released to you without further delay.
In order to conclude the verification Process on time you are required to reconfirm the following information as listed below.
 
A) Full Name: Surname/Middle Name/ First Name, B) Address:, C) Date of Birth:  Month / Day/ Year, D) Occupation:, E) Telephone/Mobile Numbers:
 
Finally understand that we do not intend to delay this process in anyway as we have been mandated to release all benefits to beneficiaries and your compliance will facilitate the quick release of benefits to you.
Prof. Dr. Michael Pryles
Commissioner,
United Nations Compensation Commission
 
Note: Please do not respond to this INQUIRY if you have no idea about the above specified subject.

Anti-fraud resources: