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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: "William" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <willtao922@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2017 22:59:53 +0800
Subject: RE: INVESTMENT PROPOSAL

Hi,

I am contacting you on behalf of Mr. Chen Shui-bian the former President of Taiwan. Mr. Chen Shui-bian has presented a subtle offer which will need the help of a partner like you to complete successfully. Mr. Chen Shui-bian is in a difficult situation and he must immediately relocate certain sums of money. Your role will be to:

[1]. Act as the Beneficiary of the funds.
[2]. Invest/Manage the funds.
[3]. Value of funds: (US) $49 Million.

Should you prefer I re-contact you with more express facts, kindly indicate your interest.

Sincerely,
William

Anti-fraud resources: