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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: "MRS.ANGELINA JOHN VAN" <angelinajohvan@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2018 17:02:17 +0000
Subject: HELLO DEAR GOOD FRIEND.


*Greetings My dear, This letter might be a surprise to you, But I believe
that you will be honest to fulfill my final wish. I bring peace and love to
you. It is by the grace of god, I had no choice than to do what is lawful
and right in the sight of God for eternal life and in the sight of man for
witness of gods mercy and glory upon my life. My dear, I sent this mail
praying it will found you in a good condition of health, since I myself are
in a very critical health condition in which I sleep every night without
knowing if I may be alive to see the next day. I am Angelina John Van, a
widow suffering from long time illness. I have some funds I inherited from
my late husband, the sum of ($11,000,000.00, Eleven Million Dollars) my
Doctor told me recently that I have serious sickness which is cancer
problem. What disturbs me most is my stroke sickness. Having known my
condition, I decided to donate this fund to a good person that will utilize
it the way i am going to instruct herein. I need a very honest and God
fearing person who can claim this money and use it for Charity works, for
orphanages and gives justice and help to the poor, needy and widows says
The Lord." Jeremiah 22:15-16.“ and also build schools for less privilege
that will be named after my late husband if possible and to promote the
word of god and the effort that the house of god is maintained. I do not
want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly manner. That's
why I'm taking this decision. I'm not afraid of death, so I know where I'm
going. I accept this decision because I do not have any child who will
inherit this money after I die. Please I want your sincerely and urgent
answer to know if you will be able to execute this project, and I will give
you more information on how the fund will be transferred to your bank
account. May the grace, peace, love and the truth in the Word of god be
with you and all those that you love and care for. I am waiting for your
reply. May God Bless you,Mrs. Angelina John Van.*

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