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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: "Mr Peter O'Brien" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <barr.peterobrien@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2017 15:20:33 -0800
Subject: Urgent Goodnews

Dear Friend,
 
I am Barr.Peter O'Brien, an attorney at law. A deceased client of mine that Shares  the same last name with you, died with his  family as a result of a heart-related Condition after auto crash in May 25th 2009.Leaving behind a deposit valued at  GBP19.7 million . His heart condition was due to the death of all the members of his Family in the auto crashed.
 
I want you to assist in distributing the money left behind by my client before It is confiscated or declared unserviceable by the bank.
 
The bank has issued me a notice to contact the next of kin. My proposition to You is to seek your consent to present you as the next-of-kin and beneficiary Of my late client. This will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that Will protect you from any breach of the law, and you will share 40% of the Total sum for your assistance.
 
You are advised to contact me urgently on my private
Email: barr.peterobrien1960@outlook.com
 
Also do send the following information for further process
1). Your Full Name
2). Your Address
3). Your Telephone numbers/Mobile
4). Your Age and Occupation/Origin
I will be waiting urgently for your reply.
 
Best Regards,
Barr.Peter O'Brien
Email: barr.peterobrien1960@outlook.com
This communication links contained herein, is for the sole use of the intended Recipient and may contain information that is confidential or legally protected
 

Anti-fraud resources: