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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: "Mrs. Barbara Bruno" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <barbrabrun@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 09:08:43 -0600
Subject: Hello

From: Mrs. Barbara Bruno.

Dear Friend,

I am the above named person but now undergoing medical treatment. I am married to Dr. William Bruno (Jnr) who worked with British Judicial Commission in Chelsea England for over a decade before he died on 5th of July in the year 2003. We were married for fifteen years without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for two weeks.

When my late husband was alive he deposited a Huge sum of money with one Finance/Security Company now a Bank in London (United Kingdom). Presently, this money is still with the Bank. Recently, My Doctor told me that I would not last for the next 150 days due to cancer problem. Though what disturbs me most is my stroke. So, you know my predicament, I have decided to donate this fund to an individual or better still a God fearing person who will utilize this fund the way I am going to instruct here in. I want an individual that would provide succor to poor donate to orphanages, widows, and propagating peace in the universe.

I took this decision because I don’t have a Kin that would inherit the funds, My Late husband's relatives are not inclined to helping the less privileged and I do not want my late husband’s Estate misused. Thus, the reason for taking this bold decision, I’m 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.

As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the My late husband's Lawyer In London he would assist in re covering the funds from the Finance/Security Company . I would also issue you a letter of authority that will empower you as the original Benefactor of this fund. I want you to always pray for me. Please assure me that you will act according to my specification herein, Write back soon.

Thank you and May the Almighty bless you.

Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Barbara Bruno.
barbrabrun@aol.com

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