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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: "aaron tutu" <aarontutu2012@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: tutu_aaron@yahoo.co.in
Date: Thu, 04 Aug 2005 17:52:22 +0000
Subject: URGENT AND CONFIDENTIAL

I am pleased to introduce myself to you.My name is Mr Aaron tutu. a native
of South Africa and a senior employee of mines and natural resources
department currently on a trainning course in Holland for few months.
I am writing this letter to request your assistance in order to redeem
an investment with the South African mining Corporation.The said
investment,now valued at ($15.5 million dollars) Fifteen million,five
hundred thousand dollars only was purchased by ( Lucio Harper ) and
contracted out to the South African Mining Corporation in 1977 now
recognised as mines and
natural resources department.This redeemable investment interest,has now
matured since March last year.Since MARCH last year, several attempts have
been made to contact Lucio Harper without success and there is no way to
contact any of his close relatives in whose favour the investment cash value
can be paid.
Since we have access to all Lucio Harper's information, we can claim
this money with the help of my partners with the South African Mines and
natural resources department.All we have to do is to file claim using you as
Lucio Harper's relative.I will like to assure you that there is absolutely
nothing to worry about,because it is perfectly safe with no risk
involved.Please ensure to keep this matter strictly confidential .My partner
will file a claim for this money on your behalf from the South African
mining
Corporation.When the claim is approved,you as the beneficiary will be paid
(30%) of the total amount .Since this money can be paid directly into any
bank account of
your choice,you have responsibility to ensure that my partner and I
receive(70%)of the total amount due to unforseen expenses in the cause of
transfering this money.
I will appreciate if you can give your assurance and guarantee that
our share will be well secured.
Truly yours,
Aaron Tutu


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