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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: "James Lucas" (may be fake)
Reply-To: < western-union09@w.cn>
Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:25:37 +0200
Subject: Payment has been made MTCN 325-148-9781 Call him +229 97552819



Hello ,

Suprise to hear from us this Message is from Federal Minitry of Finance Benin, This is to let you know that We have finally concluded with Bank of Africa Benin to release your payment outstanding ATM CARD $1.7 Million to you through Western Union New Branch Office which total payment going to be receive each day is $6,000.00 untill they send it Completed.

First Payment has been send : MTCN:325-148-9781 NOTE; this payment was directed to be made available in your name but you have to re-new your Payment file with $128.00 as to enable them purchasing of your transfer file to prevent illegal transfer before you pick it up..

I told him to keep sending you $6,000.00 daily until the payment of $1.7 Million is completed, again re-confirm your address to them which to avoid sending it to wrong person so that they will besure;

Your Full Name.......
Home Address..........
Telephone Number...................

Please,contact:Dr.Douf Harris to the below E-mail ( western-union09@w.cn) and make sure you call him.+229 97552819 to give you Sender Name & Question and Answer to pick up your money OK let me know when you confirm it all.

Regards
Hon Dr.James Lucas

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