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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: walker <walkerbenson09@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 17 Oct 2021 17:59:39 -0700
Subject: Thanks in anticipation of your urgent response.


Hello Dear,

I am Mr, Walker Benson, executive office holder, General operation and
regional accountant of a Bank here in the United Kingdom, i believe it's
God's will for me to come across you today, also I hope that you will not
expose or betray this trust and confidence that I am about to impose on
you. I have been in search of someone with the same last name as yours, so
when I saw your name, I was pushed to contact you for our mutual benefit.

One of our customers from your country had a fixed deposit account with our
bank in 2004 that valued the Sum of £ 6,300,000.00 (Six million, Three
hundred thousand British pounds). The maturity date for this deposit was in
2007, unfortunately he was among the death victims of the May 26th, 2006
earthquake disaster in Jawa, Indonesia that killed about 5,782 people. He
was on a business trip in Indonesia during this disaster that ended his
life and entire family. And he did not state any next of kin Heir-apparent
when the account was opened, although as his account officer, he told me
that he will later forward one of his relative's name as his next of kin
Heir to the account which he did not fulfill before he met his death.

And since then, I have been looking for someone from your country with a
similar name. I was happy when I saw your name and I am now seeking your
cooperation to present you as the next of kin Heir to this account hence
you have a similar last name with the deceased. Do not be afraid, there is
no risk involved and every legitimate arrangement to perfect this deal has
been put in place. And for your involvement in this deal, you will receive
50% of the total amount after the money is transferred to you. Also for
confidentiality in this transaction I will like us to keep it via email for
now. Should you consider this offer interesting, kindly send me the below
information of yours completely.

Your complete name:
Your complete house address:
Your direct mobile phone number:
Your major occupation:
Your Age:

Thanks in anticipation of your urgent response.
Best Regards
Mr, Walker Benson

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