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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: "James G. Keith" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <j147keith@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 21 Jul 2017 19:40:57 -0700
Subject: Good day

Dear Friend,
 
Top of the day to you I am James G. Keith,and I work in Chase Private Bank in the United Kingdom
The reason why you were contacted,is because one of my late client Mr. Nelson Gordon's funds that
has been lying unclaimed since his demise in 2013.I as the account officer to the late client has the responsibility
of looking for his next of kin or relative to inherit this fortune of $12,500,000.00 ( Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars).
 
I personally contacted you because your Names come as an exact match to the last Name in our system
so I would like you to assist me in transferring these funds to to your Country considering the fact that
you share the same last Name with the deceased.
 
Upon a successful completion of this deal, I will come down to meet with you for our own share of the money.
For your assistance in this mutual transaction,I and my colleague here in the Bank who work at the verification department
are willing to give you 30% of the total sum for your participation in this beneficial and once in a life transaction.
 
As the account officer to the late client, I am in a position to make this work within 7 Days.
In your response please remember to supply me with your age, your Location (City/Province)
your direct Tel/Cell Numbers, employment status, marital status
 
Your prompt response to this email will be highly appreciated
 
Warm Regards,
 
James G. Keith
+44 1133 204414

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