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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: "Staff Sergeant Williams" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <infodavs@citromail.hu>
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2022 05:23:50 +0100
Subject: Hello my Good Friend

Hello Friend,
 
Happy New Year,
My name is Staff Sergeant Williams Ronald Lance. 82nd Airborne Division United States Army, I deployed from Afghanistan to Syria on 28th June 2021. I want your assistance to receive two boxes containing money. I will explain the source of the Money. So if you are willing to assist me reply back and I will go ahead and send the boxes to you for safe keeping till my coming back home.
 
I wait your reply as to proceed immediately
 
God bless you and America.
 
Best Regards,
Staff Sergeant Williams Ronald Lance.
U.S ARMY

Anti-fraud resources: