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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: "Douglas H. King" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <douglasking1115@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2021 08:11:37 -0700
Subject: INTERPOL

No. 2 Knickerbockers Station
New York City, New York 10002-0804 USA.
 
The International Criminal Police Organization, Interpol, writes to
inform you that Mrs. Vernon Wallace have been arrested in JFK
International airport with your consignment box of funds, Five Million
Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$5.5M). Base on
interrogation, she was sent by a payment director from Africa for your
delivery. She is in detention right now and can only be release to
finalize your delivery as soon as investigation is concluded.
 
You are strongly advised to prove the legitimacy of your funds by
sending the award ownership certificate issued by the Senate president
before your funds will be delivered to you safely. However, should in
case you don't have it,Paul Davidson is the sender of the diplomat and
we advise that you contact him immediately for assistance.
 
His contact is
 
Name: Paul Davidson
Email: davidsonpaul738@yahoo.com
 
Note: You are given seven (7) working days to forward the certificate
for verification purpose and scrutiny.
 
Thanks for your understanding and co-operation.
 
Dr. Douglas H. King
International Criminal Police Organization, Interpol

Anti-fraud resources: