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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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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Queen Ige" <queen_ige11@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: queen_ige01@mayway.com
Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 05:17:06 -0600
Subject: Call of help for the sake of God.

Dear Friend in Christ.
I am mrs Queen from Ghana but residing in Nigeria.I am married to Late mr owusu Ige of blessed memory who is was an  oil explorer in Nigeria and Kuwait for twelve years
before he died in the year 2001.We were married for twelve years without a child.He died after abrief illness that lasted for only four days.Before his death we were both devoted Christian's.Since his death I too have been battling with both Cancer and fibroid problems. When my late Husband was alive he deposited the sum of $8.5million (eight Million, Five Hundred thousand U.S Dollars) with a bank. Recently,my doctor told me that I have only sixmonths to live due to cancer problem.
 
Though what disturbs me most is my stroke sickness.Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to  either a Christian's organization or devoted Muslim individual that will utilize this money the way I am going to instructs herein.I want this Christian's organization or individual to use this money in all sincerity to fund church, orphanages, widows, and also propagating the word of God and to ensure that the society upholds the views and belief of the Holy Bible. The Holy Bible emphasizes so much on Gods benevolence andthis has encourage me to take the bold step.I took this decision because Idon't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relativesare Full evils doers  and I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an Unholy manner.Hence the reasons for this bold decision. I know that after death I will be with God the most beneficent and the most merciful. I don't need any telephone communication in this regard because of my  health, because of the presence of my husband'srelatives around me always. It will be of interest that you can kindly send your contact information which include your Telephone numbers , Occupation, Age, Sex,and Country so that i will add it in the letter i will send to the security company for the release of this money on your behalf
 
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 youthe contact information of the bank  and  where the money was deposited. I will also issue a letter of authority to the bank  authorizingthem that the said fund Have being willed to you and a copy of suchauthorization will be forwarded to you. I want you and the christian community where you reside to always pray for me. My happiness is that I lived a true devoted christian worthy of emulation. Whoever that wants to serve God must serve him in truth and in fairness. Please always be prayerful all through your life.Any  delay in your reply will give room in sourcing for a christian organization or a devoted christian for this same purpose. Until I hear from you, my dreamswill rest squarely on your shoulders.May the Almighty God continue to guideand protect you.
Best Regards,
Mrs QueenN Ige

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