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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: "MONICA MAXWEL" <monicamax_j@sympatico.ca>
Reply-To: monicamaxm@excite.com
Date: Thu, 02 Mar 2006 00:10:55 +0000
Subject: BLESSING TO YOU

Dear Friend,
I am Mrs. Monica Maxwell from Libya. I am married to Late Jamil
Maxwell of blessed memory who is an oil explorer in Libya and Kuwait for
twelve years; before he died in the year 2001. We were married for twelve
years
without a child. My husband died after a brief illness that lasted for
only four nights. Since his death I too have been battling with both
Cancer and fibroid problems. When my late Husband was alive he
deposited a substantial amount of money in millions of dollars with a
Finance Firm oversea.
Recently, my doctor told me that I have only six months to live in this
world 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 charity/orphanage home or devoted God fearing
individual/company that will utilize this money the way I am going to
instruct herein. I want this organization or individual to use this
money in all sincerity to fund charity homes (motherless homes),
orphanages, and widows.
Although, I took this decision because I don't have any child that will
inherit this money and my husband relatives are into radical
organization and I don't want a situation where this money will be
used in an unholy manner. Hence the reasons for this bold decision.
Please, pray for me to recover as your prayers will go a long way in
uplifting my spirit. I don't need any telephone communication in this
regard, because of the presence of my husband's relatives around
me always and my doctor has advised me not to speak on phone
because of my health.
I don't want them to know about this development. As soon as I
receive your reply I shall give you further directives on what to do
and
how to go about actualizing this project. I will also issue a letter of
authorization to the Finance Company authorizing them that the said
fund has being willed to you and a copy of such authorization will be
forwarded to you. I want you to always pray for me. However, any
delay in your reply will give room in sourcing for an organization or a
devoted Individual for this same purpose.
Until I hear from you by email; in my dreams will rest squarely on your
shoulders.
Please reply to:monicamaxcare@netscape.net

Remain Blessed.
Mrs. Monica Maxwell


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