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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: MARIE SMITH <martinzdempesy1@gmail.com>
Reply-To: mariesmith19700@gmail.com
Date: Sun, 5 Jun 2022 22:52:00 +0100
Subject: From Mrs.Marie Smith

Good day ,

Please excuse me if I have invaded your privacy, this may be strange but I
have no option but cry out having gone through your profile. I am convinced
you are the right fellow to confide this to,I am Mrs.Marie Smith from
USA,but I have lived in Malaysia for many years now.

I am married to Mr.Eric Smith who worked with the Gold Company here in
Malaysia, for many years before he died in the year 2018.We were married,
but had no children. My beloved late Husband died after a brief illness
that lasted for only two weeks.

When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of ($12.6 Million
Dollars) with a bank, Presently, the fund is still with the bank.Recently,
my Doctor told me that I would not last for the period of seven months due
to cancer problem.The one that disturbs me most is my stroke
sickness.Having known my condition I decided to give this money to care for
the disadvantaged, this money will be used the way I am going to instruct
herein.

I want you to take 40 Percent of the total money for your personal use
While 60% of the money will go to charity, people on the street and help
the orphanage.I grew up as an orphan and have no one as a member of my
family, only to end in favor of the house of God is maintained because I
have suffered both these diseases.

I want you to always pray for me because the Almighty God is my shepherd. I
am waiting for your Urgent reply to inform you how you will receive this
Fund, any delay in your reply will give me room in searching for another
person or company for this same purpose. Please assure me that you will act
accordingly as I Stated herein. Hoping to receive your urgent reply.

Thank you.
Mrs.Marie Smith

Anti-fraud resources: