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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: "Mr. Williams Bell" <williams.bell030@msn.com>
Reply-To: <williams.bell173@msn.com>
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:20:38 +0000
Subject: Urgent and Reply Me




Urgent and Reply Me
I write to request your co-operation in my desire to find a foreign partner who will assist me in the relocation and investment ofthe sum of twenty five million five hundred thousand pounds (25.5million pounds),which is presently available and in my possession.Presently,I am a serving government functionary in my Native Country.The money was realised from gratification/kickbacks which wasreceivedfrom foreign contractors who executed contracts for my country in thelast 2 years. I am unable to travell out now,so i shall be glad if you can stand as beneficiary to receive this money abroad,and also nominate a goodinvestment facility in your country where the fund will be placed,forprofits making.I am offering you 35% of total sum after the transfer.The entire plan and documents of this transaction will be forwarded toyou as soon as i receive your positive response. I also want toassure you that there is no risk attached to you in this business.
Mr.Willams Bell

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