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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: "Capt Rita Wendy" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <wendswartzz@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Jun 2019 11:57:43 -0700
Subject: GOOD NEWS

 
I am writing you this email in good faith but considering the content, I know you will be apprehensive and worried but I am assuring you that, it is made in good faith.
I am Capt Rita Wendy, female Army officer with the US military, currently in Baghdad with the Combat Support Squad, US Base Camp, Speicher - Baghdad, Iraq. I need you to help me receive some funds concealed in two (2) trunk boxes weighing 47.9kg and 46.7kg respectively.
Kindly review the below links as source of funds:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/feb/08/usa.iraq1
I do hope you are going to give me your trust in carrying out this venture for our mutual benefit. It's a 100% risk free project but details must be kept in confidence.
I will provide you with more details on how we'll realize the safe shipment/delivery of these boxes without the breach of the law upon receipt of your response. I'm not using this proposal to solicit for money from you  whatsoever, I do not need your money, rather, I will handle all the necessary shipment cost from here for a safe & secure door step delivery to your mailing/delivery address as would be nominated by you.
I look forward to read from you at your earliest convenience.
Capt Rita Wendy
Baghdad, Iraq.
 

Anti-fraud resources: