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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: John Williams <john_williams2100@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: john_williams2300@yahoo.com
Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 11:33:09 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: GOOD DAY


GOOD DAY

Dear Sir/Madam

I have a profiling amount of $5.8Million Dollars
deposited with a bank in the ABIDJAN COTE D'IVOIRE, I write to solicit for your partnership towards the transfer of the above quoted funds into your designated bank account for the purpose of investment in your country or any part of the globe.

This is a legitimate business. I will give you details upon the receipt
of your
response.

Write me back I look forward to it.
Regards,
john williams

Please Reply


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