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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: "abiaabrahim26@cantv.net" <abiaabrahim26@cantv.net>
Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2010 10:50:58 -0430
Subject: Assalamualaikum warahmatullahiwabarakatuh!!!

Bismillah Al Rahman Raheem.
In the name of Allah the most Beneficent and Most Merciful, His Holy Prophets and the most respected of His Prophet-Prophet Mohammed (the Peace of Allah be with him).

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahiwabarakatuh!!! I do recognised the surprise this letter will bring to you, most especially as it comes from a stranger. I am Mrs. Abia Abrahim. I married to Mr.Abudallah Abrahim, We are from People's Republic of libya, but living in London, United Kingdom. He was into Oil & Gas merchant in Federal Republic of Russia for many years before he died in the year 2007. We were married for years without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only two weeks. Before his death we were both faithful Muslim.

Since his death I decided not to remarry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the holly Quaran is against. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of (£4.8Million British Pounds Sterling) with Citibank of London plc. Presently, the fund is still with the Bank. Recently, my Doctor told me that I have serious sickness which is cancer problem. Having known my condition I decided to donate this funds to you or any one that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein. I want you to use this fund for orphanages home, hospital, mosque, school and propagating the word of mighty Allah and to endeavour that the house of mighty Allah is maintained.

The holly Quaran made us to understand that Blessed is the hand that gives. I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and I don't want my husband's efforts to be used by unbelievers. I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly way. This is the reason why I am taking this 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 mighty Allah.

As stated in the holly Quaran (Surah xxxvi Yasin) Thou wariest only him who followeth the reminder and fearieth the beneficent in secret to him bear tiding of forgives and a rich reward. I don't need any telephone communication in this regard because of my health. With mighty Allah all things are possible. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Bank here in London. I want you and your family to always pray for me because the mighty Allah is my shepherd.

My happiness is that I lived a life of a worthy Muslim. Whoever that wants to serve the mighty Allah must serve him in spirit and Truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life. any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing another person for this same purpose. Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I Stated herein. Hoping to receive your reply.

as soon as you receive this message to enable me put you in contact with the Citibank before I will go for my operation as I do not know what will happen next
My regards to you and everyone in your family.
Your sister in Islam.
Mrs Abia Abrahim

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