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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: Carlors Thomas <elisonbethnnpc@gmail.com>
Reply-To: carlorstom@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2017 13:11:37 +0100
Subject: D.H.S WASHINGTON D.C

--
DEAR BENEFICIARY

My name is Carlors Thomas,SA to the new acting secretary of U.S. Department
of Homeland security, appointed by President Donald Trump.

I am writing you due to your delayed payment in the tone of US$5,500,000.00
(Five Million, five hundred thousand United States Dollar) that was held by
IMF/FBI Benin Republic has been released because this is a new
administration.

Based on the new administration's debt settlement policy, we tendered your
fund release file for immediate release and shipment to your designated
address. In this case, you are expected to reconfirm your Full Name (as
stated on your government issued photo ID), shipping address, Nearest
Airport and your Direct Cell Phone number, for immediate delivery of the
consignment box containing your total fund to you without delay. These
details are needed for proper verification due to fraudulent activities
going on around the globe.


I look forward to hearing from you.

Carlors Thomas SA to
Elaine Costanzo Duke
Acting Secretary of
The U.S. Department of
Homeland Security,
Washington DC

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