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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: "Robert Mayland" <robertmayl6280@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 19:32:16 +0000
Subject: I AM STRANDED, PLEASE ASSIST ME.

Hello Dear,

I am Mr. Robert Mayland I am based in Nigeria, a British Citizen. My wife, 2
kids and me are stranded here in Nigeria want to relocate to London to start
a new Live with my family. I have no money to sponsor my movement to London,
as I have nothing left with me, since I was sacked from work due to the
problem between me and some of the board of directors and I have decided not
to work here any longer due to their bad system. A Friend of mine introduced
me to an investor who is based in the USA. He is willing to give me a loan
of $9000.00 in a check. I seek for your assistance to help me cash the
money and send to me through western union money transfer.

If you would be willing to help me out of this, out of the total money, keep
20%, which is $1800 for your help and kindness, and use part of my own money
to send the rest of $7200.00. This is due to the fact that I cannot cash the
money over here.

If you are willing and be honest, Reply back to me with your FULL NAME,
HOUSE ADDRESS WHERE THE CHECK WOULD BE MADE OUT TO AND YOUR TELEPHONE
NUMBER. If I get your respond, I will tell you what next.

Regards,
Mr. Robert Mayland.



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