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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: "Amstrong" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <w.sylvesterss0@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2017 01:44:10 -0400
Subject: DID YOU RECEIVE MY EMAIL?

Dear Sir/ Madam,
 
This is National Crime Investigation Center USA.In our investigations from banks on International and
National Funds Transfer (INFT) protocols in the past 10 years records from all banks worldwide. We
have come across your contact details and record with one of the Banks. In view of the carried
investigations, we have contacted you confidentially for vital information toward your transaction with
this bank.
However, all former bank officials who mishandled your transaction has been duly disolved and
dismissed from bank work and your funds deposited with The  America Clearing House. Upon our
investigation conclusion, we found out that your transaction was legitimate and for this reason and all
delays, a compensation amount 0f $3,150,567.00 (Three million one hundred and fifty thousand, five
hundred and sixty seven dollars) has been awarded to you for immediate payment through The Clearing
House.
 
Thanks.
Yours sincerely,
Sylvester Williams.

Anti-fraud resources: