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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: "Lt. Col. Irving Smith" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <irvingsmith2066@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2017 17:14:58 -0700
Subject: Hello

Hello,

My name is Irving smith, I am a Canadian soldier, serving with the 3'rd Armored Division, Allied forces in Iraq. My superior and i just succeeded in moving $1,875,000 belonging to Hala Hussein (Saddam Hussein's favorite daughter) who gave it to us for sparing her life and also turning a blind eye to her stash of Money in one of her guest houses during our reconnaissance operations in Iraq.
Since we are still in active service, we cannot be seen as collecting bribes neither can we keep the proceeds there from in our immediate or extended possession without attracting undue attention.To this extent, we have decided to randomly look for someone that has the fear of GOD and trust worthiness to help us in the safe keeping and/or investment of the funds in your country on our behalf until further notice.

For the avoidance of doubts, Pls be advised that there is no risk involved whatsoever for your assistance, And for your troubles, you will be entitled to 12% of the money which may be withdrawn at source.

Pls indicate your interest asap by furnishing me with your contact details so that i can send you fuller details of this matter as time is of great essence right now. Finally, the need for absolute trust, secrecy and confidentiality cannot be over emphasized since i will be at your complete mercy in bringing this project to fruition.

Warmest regards.
Lt. Col. Irving Smith.

Anti-fraud resources: