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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: "williamethan" <williamethan@latinmail.com>
Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2006 10:54:54 -0100
Subject: HELLO

Vault Section

I want your assistance to move out a trunk box containing
the sum of defaced $20m (twenty million dollars) removed
from the vault of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and deposited
with a private safe box services company in order that the
money could not be traced. There is a perfect plan to move
this box to your country for safe-keeping and subsequent
investment in any viable venture. You will get 30% of the
total sum if you can assist with the fund movement.
I plan to settle down in your country with my family and
start a new lease of life therafter. Respond urgently if you
are a serious minded person. Include your phone number so as
to reach you for further discussion.
William
Ethan


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