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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: "Ms. Aisha Hafeez" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <aishaishafeez@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 15 Oct 2016 12:42:49 -0700
Subject: See How Syria Is Destroyed. A Cry !

Greetings,
 
I apologize if the contents of my mail is contrary to your moral ethics. I can't withhold my worries anymore, please tolerate this mail with absolute humanity and condolence.
 
I pray my message meet you in good health as you join me to Pray for the Peace and stability of the Syrian people. I am Aisha Hafeez and am 18 years of age, am the only surviving daughter of Dr. Hafeez in Aleppo Syria.
 
My family was assassinated in Syria due to the ongoing political war in Syria, i managed to sneak out of Syria into a refugee camp. I need your help to collect my family belongings and valuables and help to relocate me to your country to live and continue my education.
 
I ran out of Syria because of the assassination of my family and the war. I will tell you more when i hear from you. Thank you for your consideration and help.
 
Sincerely,
Aisha Hafeez.

Anti-fraud resources: