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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: "Mary Qattara" <m_r_t160@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 2015 08:02:23 +0300
Subject: Request For Assistance




From: Miss Mary Qattara.
How are you and your family.
I am Miss Mary Qattara, 19 years old the only daughter to my late parents.
I am writing because i need your help to transfer the money my late father
deposited in a bank for me before he met his death, and i will explain
more when you reply on how you can be my guardian in the management of a
sum $8.5 million u.s dollars. Please I am ever ready to offer you 30% for
your help.
May our Almighty God be with you.
Your sincerely
Miss Mary Qattara.

Anti-fraud resources: