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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. Elizabeth Edward" <elizabettward@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Apr 2021 21:59:29 -0700
Subject: REPLY ME URGENTLY


Greeting

Please forgive me for stressing you with my predicaments and I sorry to
approach you through this media it is because it serves the fastest means
of communication. I came across your E-mail from my personal search and I
decided to contact you believing you will be honest to fulfill my final
wish before I die.

I am Mrs. Elizabeth Edward, 63 years, from USA, I am childless and I am
suffering from a pro-long critical cancer, my doctors confirmed I may not
live beyond two months from now as my ill health has defiled all forms of
medical treatment.

Since my days are numbered, I’ve decided willingly to fulfill my long-time
promise to donate you the sum ($5.000.000.00) million dollars I inherited
from my late husband Mr. Edward Herbart, foreign bank account over years. I
need a very honest person who can assist in transfer of this money to his
or her account and use the funds for charities work of God while you use
50% for yourself. I want you to know there are no risk involved, it is 100%
hitch free & safe. If you will be interesting to assist in getting this
fund into your account for charity project to fulfill my promise before I
die please let me know immediately. I will appreciate your utmost
confidentiality as I wait for your reply.

Best Regards

Mrs. Elizabeth Edward

Anti-fraud resources: