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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: Kirstin Herbert <departmenta97@gmail.com>
Date:
Subject:

My Dear Friend,

Please forgive me for stressing you with my predicaments and am sorry
to approach you through this media, it is because it serves the
fastest means of communication. I came across your Email from my
personal search and I decided to contact you believing you will be
honest to fulfill my final wish before I die.

I am Mrs. Kirstin Herbert, 63 years old, from Scotland, UK. I am
childless and I am suffering from a prolonged critical cancer, my
doctors confirmed I may not live beyond two months from now as my ill
health has defiled all forms of medical treatment.

Since my days are numbered, I’ve decided, willingly, to fulfill my
long-time promise to donate you the sum ($5.000.000.00) five million
united states dollars Inherited from my late husband Mr. Edward
Herbert, foreign bank account over years.

I need a very honest person who can assist in the transfer of this
money to his or her account and use the funds for the charity work of
God while you use 50% for yourself. I want you to know there are no
risks involved; it is 100% hitch free & safe. If you would be
interested in assisting in getting this fund into your account for a
charity project to fulfill my promise before I die, please let me know
immediately.

I will appreciate your utmost confidentiality as I wait for your reply
@ redacted@domain.name

Best Regards,

Mrs. Kirstin Herbert.

Anti-fraud resources: