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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: "mercy bugiba" <mercy.bugiba1@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:14:51 +0200
Subject: Hi Friend,


Hi Friend,
Hope this email finds u in good health, I come across your Profile In The
love Sit As I Have interest In u i deem it very necessary to get in touch
with u for a long-lasting relationship. beside My name is Mercy yrs old
female, has decent hobbies like reading and swimmimg and i desires to make
long-lasting friendship with you. Do u think age, colour or distance is any
bar to make such friendly relationship with you? If not, then stretch your
hand to me and accept mine. If you feel like we will be friends fine,then u
mail me back so that I will forward u my photos and Introduce myself to u
more, So from there we will get to know each other very well .just bear in
mind that there is only one happiness in life,to love and be loved.
I will always remain yours in love.
Big Kisess And Huggs !Mi
ss..Mercy

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