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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 Miriam El Mobasher" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <libyaadc1@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 11 Aug 2011 03:13:48 +0700
Subject: Happy Ramadan From Mrs Miriam El Mobasher

After my official inquiry from the foreign trade office of the chambers of commerce & industry here, I decided to contact you but I did not disclose the intention to anyone else because of the delicate nature of the project. I found your profile very interesting and decided to reach you directly to solicit for your assistance. Please, I must plead for your confidence in this transaction. I am a trained nurse official working with the President of Libya (Col. Muammar Gaddafi). My husband was serving as the President's Aid - De - Camp (ADC), am currently in need of an experienced silent foreign partner whom I can trust to push some of the funds he deposited in my name in various financial firms in some countries he has business with.
Actually, I am a sudanese married to one of  Col. Muammar Gaddafi's ADC (Major Ismail El Mobasher) who was killed in one of the Nato bombing in a command building in central Tripoli. I want your assistance to move some of these funds to your country as you know that our leader is already facing  serious problems with NATO and rebel advance to Tripoli. I will allow you to invest it in your business or in any good business in your home country.
All necessary documents will be made available for prove in needed time. I plead with you on one issue, whether you are interested or not, kindly do not expose this information to any one else. I confirm that the transaction is legitimate and without any risk either to me or yourself. Please, give me your response immediately by returning this mail through my email address.
Yours Faithfully.
Miriam El Mobasher (Mrs)

Anti-fraud resources: