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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: (sent from abused email account)
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:52:18 +0000
Subject: I Need Your Honest Help


Attn : Please

I am Mrs. Augusta Madu, my father is Former Minister of Transport in
Liberia, Late Mr.Solomon Madu. I have an INVESTMENT PROPOSAL worth of
US$19.3Million.

This fund was deposited in private security company in Lome Togo. I need
your assistance in transferring this fund out of Lome Togo and if possible
also, in investing the fund in your country. I am prepared to split 60% for
me and 40% for you, provided that my (60%) will be intact under your trust.
Please get back to me via email as a matter

of urgency if you are ready for the transaction and also give me your
private phone number so that I can call you for further discussion.

I am looking forward to your reply.

Mrs. Augusta Madu.

Anti-fraud resources: