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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: "Dr. Albert Missbichler" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <irdi33@maktoob.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:27:36 +0100
Subject: Profitable Venture

 
I am Dr. Albert Missbichler of the Yukos Oil Corporation (Russian Largest Oil Corporation) with branch offices worldwide.
 
Due to the current political and economic down turn in Russia, I am seeking for a private business partner who has good investment projects in your country.
 
You will be required to:
 
1. Seek viable investment opportunities with an annual ROI of at least between 5 to 10%.
2. Receive the Investment funds into a business/private bank account.
3. Invest and manage the said funds for a minimum of five (5) years in a specified areas of investment.
 
Absolute confidentiality and professionalism is required in the handling of these funds and subsequent investments.
 
I look forward to your swift response after which more details would be communicated to you..
 
Sincerely Yours.
--
 
Dr. Albert Missbichler
Moscow Russia.
 

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