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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: "Godwin Wallace." <padams1132@gmail.com>
Reply-To: godwinwallace56@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2021 06:27:29 -0500
Subject: URGENT RESPOND NEEDED .

--
Hello.

This is a personal email directed to you for your consideration alone.

I request that it remain and be treated as such only.

My name is Godwin Wallace. I'm a Belgian/British Citizen and Attorney.
I have an interesting business proposal for you that will be of
immense benefit to both of us, although this may be hard for you to
believe, we stand to gain 9.7 Million Dollars between us in a matter
of weeks. This is fully legal and 100% genuine. I need you to signify
your interest by replying to my email. Most importantly, I need you to
keep whatever information between us confidential even if you decide
not to go along
with me. I will make more details available to you on receipt of your
positive response.

Regards,

Godwin Wallace.

Anti-fraud resources: