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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: "Mark Anthony Blackstone" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <markblackst24@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2019 18:21:11 -0400
Subject: I NEED YOUR URGENT RESPONSE

FOR YOUR ATTENTION
 
CLIENT TRANSACTION REF: DV557-22S
I am reaching out to you in a matter of urgency, time is of the essence. One of my deceased client, who happens to share the same last name as yourself died intestacy. I need you to stand as the administrator or executor of her estate. I will explain all the necessary strategy and steps in full details and I am willing to supply you with full verifiable. Please note I do not intend to waste your time and I will appreciate if you do the same and notify me if we have a deal!
 
I honestly appreciate your attentiveness on this matter!
 
Kind regards
Mark Anthony Blackstone

Anti-fraud resources: