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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: "Sherry Gregory" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrsgregory201@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2018 17:32:07 +0100
Subject: BUSINESS PROPOSAL !

Hello Beloved

''Sorry for intruding upon your privacy. My name is Sherry Gregory From Ireland Married to Gregory Bitz. I am currently ill with cancer disease and I wish to donate my inheritance that my late husband left with a financial institution ($45M). Recently, My doctor told me that I might not live for more than Three months from now due to my cancer illness. I want you to utilize it to establish business investments that will create job opportunities for the jobless population and less privileged. I will give you more details only if you are willing and ready to handle this project.
Regards.
Mrs Sherry Gregory

Anti-fraud resources: