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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: "US Homeland Security" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <dhsdevice@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2022 21:01:09 -0700
Subject: Important Information!

Attn: beneficiary,

I write to officially inform you that a total sum of US$15.5 Million (Fifteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollar) is in your name. Some years back, it was Held by the authorities at the airport for Investigation because a clear account wasn't given as to the purpose of the Fund. The airport authorities intercepted the fund because such funds without a clear record could be used for illegal financial activities. We have run a private background check on you and you are clear and have not been part of any criminal/illegal activity, either by support or financing.

You have all the lawful right to claim the fund.

Kindly get back to us so we can give you further details on how to receive your fund.

Thanks for your cooperation as I expect your urgent response.



Yours Faithfully,
Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
Department of Homeland Security
Washington DC.
Phone: +1 (202) 524-9139

____________________________ ______________________________ _____________
NOTICE: This electronic mail message and any attached files are confidential. The information is exclusively for the use of the individual or entity intended as the recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, copying, printing, reviewing, retention, disclosure, distribution or forwarding of the message or any attached file is not authorized and is strictly prohibited. If you have received this electronic mail message in error, please advise the sender by reply to electronic mail immediately and permanently delete the original transmission, any attachments and any copies of this message from your computer system. Thank you.

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Anti-fraud resources: