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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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Fraud email example:

From: "rama idris" <ramaidris@expressnet.org>
Reply-To: ramairdis@netscape.net
Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2005 05:42:38 -0500
Subject: WORTHY CHRISTAIN.

FROM: MRS RAMA IDRIS

In Lordship. I am the above named person from Tunisia
but now undergoing medical treatment.
I was married to Dr.Roberts IDRIS who worked with Malaysia embassy in
ABIDJAN for nine years, before he died in the year 2002. We were both
married for eleven years without children.
He died after a brief illness that lasted for only
four days. Before his death we were both very close as husband and wife and
since his death Idecided not to re-marry.
When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of USD15,500,000.00
(Fifteen Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) with a African
Devlopment bankI will send you details assoon as you indicate your interest.
Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not last forthe next Six months due
to my cancer illness. Having known my condition and believing the doctor I
have decided to donate this funds to avoid total loss to Less privilege,or
better still an individual that will utilize these money the way I am going
to instruct herein.
I want interested firm,or individual that will receive and use this money to
help,orphanages ,widows and propagating the word of God and to
ensure that the houseof God is maintained.
Please do not fail to spread the funds across the globe especially AFRICA as
soon as you receive the money.
it is more blessed to give than to receive. I took this decision because I
don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives
are fighting over the properties and I don't want my husband's hard earned
money to be misused by their greedy attitude. I don't want a situation where
this money will be used in an UNGODLY manner, hence the reason for taking
this bold decision. I am not afraid of death since I am a good person.
I shall hold my peace. I don't need any telephone communication in
this regard because of my health, and because of the presence of my
husband's relatives around me always. I don't want them to know about this
development. With God all things are possible. As soon as I receive your
reply I shall give you the contact information of the bank
and other details that will enable you claim the funds.please i want you to
be aware that according to my attorney there are some important document
that will be required by the bank for the transfer this is where i will need
your little assistance before the fund can be transfer with the help of my
attorney.
I will also issue you a letter of authority/Power of Attorney that will make
you the beneficiary of this funds. I want you to always pray for me
because the lord is my shepherd. My happiness is that I lived a life of a
worthy Christian. Whoever that wants to serve GOD must
serve him in spirit and in truth. Please always be prayerful all through
your life.

please note that 20% as been allocated to you for your expenses and for
your assistance you will incured in the curse of carry out this charity
work.

I sent you this mail under severe pains. Any delay in your reply will be
detrimental. Please assure me that you will act accordingly.
Hoping to hear from you immediately.

Remain blessed in the name of the Lord.
Yours in Christ,
Mrs. Rama idris.


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