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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: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: mrpatrickwang@hotmail.com
Date: Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:54:53 -1000
Subject: Hoping to hear from you

Mr. Patrick Wang
Address: 1002,No.42 Qing Chun Road
Hangzhou,Zhejiang.China

Dear Friend,

I am the above named person but now undergoing medical treatment in China.
I worked with Mac China Company Limited, for over a decade, I married for
fifteen years without a child. my wife died after a brief illness that
lasted for two weeks. I vow to use my wealth for the down trodden and the
less privileged in the society. Since the doctor had comfirmed my
situation that I will not live long I have decided to give out my money to
the poor. Deposited the sum of 120 Million (One Hundred and Twenty Million
Pounds sterling) with my Bank. Presently, this money is still there.
Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next 15 days due
to cancer problem. Though what disturbs me most is my stroke. Having known
my condition I decided to donate this fund to an individual or better
still a God fearing person who will utilize this money the way I am going
to instruct here in.

I want an individual that will use this to fund and provide succor to poor
and indigent persons, orphanages, and above all those affected in the
Tsunami in far Asia and the Hurricane Katrina Disasters. I understand that
blessed is the hand that giveth. I took this decision because I do not
have any child that will inherit this money and my relatives are not
inclined to helping poor persons and I do not want my hard earned money to
be misused or spent in the manner I will not like and I also do not want a
situation where this money will be used in an ungodly manner, hence the
reason for taking this bold decision. I am not afraid of death hence I
know where I am going.I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the
Almighty.I do not need any telephone communication in this regard because
of my health, and because of the presence of my relatives around me
always. I do not want them to know about this development.

with God all things are possible. As soon as I receive your reply I shall
give you the contact of the Bank. I will also issue them a letter of
authority and change of ownership certificate, that will empower you as
the original beneficiary of this fund, through my Lawyer. I want you to
always pray for me. My happiness is that I lived a life worthy of
emulation. Whosoever that wants to serve the Almighty must serve him with
all his heart and mind and soul and also in truth. Please always be
prayerful all through your life.Any delay in your reply will give me room
in sourcing for an individual for this same purpose. Please assure me that
you will act according to my specification herein. Hoping to hear from
you.

Thank you and may the Almighty bless you.

God Bless You.
Mr. Patrick Wang

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