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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: Michael Castro <mike_castro12@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2007 07:00:52 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: URGENT MESSAGE


Hello Ms Rushawna Mobiley,

I am Barrister Michael Castro from The Law Chamber, im writting you on behalf of my client Mr James Moore, he asked me to Issue a Payment Check of $3,300 in your name, i have to confirm before sending it , you gonna get it by Monday Morning via UPS but you have to get back to me for Payment Information: such as , Name, Address and Cell phone Number.

Looking forward to hear from you.

Barrister Michael Castro,
The Law Chamber
High Court,.
604-537-5377


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