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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: STEVE EDWARD <frankegobia777@gmail.com>
Reply-To: mrstevedward777@yahoo.co.jp
Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2021 01:25:35 +0100
Subject: Your Payment !!

Dear customer,

This mail is urgent and requires immediate attention.

I am Steve Edward, General manager treasury department, We have
received instructions / orders to release your long awaited
inheritance outstanding funds valued US$5,700,000.00 million dollars
in your favour. we are surprised the report that reach us here stated
that you're not ALIVE, that you died in the COVID-19 PANDEMIC DISEASE.
your associate MR ROBERT BERNHARDT who purported to be your cousin /
representative came to our office here in the bank to let us know that
you are DEAD, SUCH A SAD NEWS, and before your death, you authorized
him to be your next of kin, and also to make a CHANGE OF ACCOUNT for
the claim of your funds in his name in the tune of US$5,700,000.00
million dollars that was abandoned in your name with our bank.

This is a big problem to the bank, not knowing whom to transfer your
funds to, could you please confirm immediately, if you are Alive, and
your relationship with MR ROBERT BERNHARDT, did you authorize MR
ROBERT BERNHARDT to come for your claim?.

NOTE: If you're alive, urgently reply and re-confirm your full data's,
Your Name and Address , Your Direct Telephone Number, your personal
identification card via attachment for confirmation to us that you are
STILL ALIVE and you did not authorized any body to receive your fund,
for immediate release of your funds US$5,700,000.00 million dollars as
directed.

I wait in anticipation of your fullest co-operation.

Yours faithfully,

Steve Edward

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