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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: "United Nations (UN)" <ibrahimabubakar7978@gmail.com>
Reply-To: unationspayment001@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2021 09:16:45 +0100
Subject: How are you today?

*How are you today?Please bear with us for making this initial contact
through email, it is due to the urgency of this notification, since we are
unable to reach your telephone line and to officially bring to your notice
about your payment file in which you are listed as a beneficiary to the
United Nations Compensation Program, this Compensation Program is an
organized Season program for victims of war, disasters(earthquakes,
hurricane, storm, fire),internet scams and elderly one(s) and fund payment
delay in which your fund payment has been delayed by some unpatriotic
officers, scammers and fraudsters.However, I am Mr. Thomas Sims, the Team
Monitors at the United Nations Department Africa/Nigeria Compensation
Payment Unit. A total sum of $5.Million only has been approved to you as
your compensation payment which will be released to you via an ATM CARD to
avoid paying excess charges due to failures of some banks,
offices/organizations who could not fulfill this mission. I am a USA
Citizen and a Representative working with the United Nations in
Africa/Nigeria concerning victims of war, disaster,(earthquakes, hurricane,
storm, fire),internet scams and elderly one(s) also fund payment delay and
to monitor every Foreign payment procedures. You are strongly advised not
to go through anybody or offices for your fund payment but through this
organization/commission that has been given the authority and legal power
for your fund payment to you through an ATM CARD.Be informed that as soon
as the payment verification is being completed tracking number will be sent
to you to enable you know the exact time your ATM CARD Parcel including the
vital documents backing up your payment will be delivered to your
residential address.On this note, you are advised to re-confirm the
followings:1. Your Full Name.....2. Your Residential Address:..........3.
Occupation:...........4. Direct Telephone Number............5.
Age..............6. Nationality/Country...........Waiting to hear from
you.Best Regards.Mr. Thomas SimsTeam Monitors at United Nations Department
Africa/NigeriaCompensation Payment Unit.*

Anti-fraud resources: