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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: "Shirin raha Ghaffari" (may be fake)
Date: Sun, 4 Sep 2011 16:33:10 -0700
Subject: Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,


Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,

I have the believe as i promise you right now saying Bismillah (In the Name of Allah) that this communication will later be a testimony in our life though we just known each other through internet which is now an unsecured means of communication since some people of wicked mind without conscience comes here to tell lies and put others into trouble but please read my message very well though it may be the least of what you expects from me since we are just new friends. It is my wish and desire now to tell you all about myself due to my happiness from knowing you. My names are Shirin Raha Ghaffari, born and raised up into a Muslim family that cherish the principle of good moral child up bring in Islamic Republic of Iran. I decided to let you know everything about me because i have faith it was Masha Allah (Allah's will) that lead me to know you after fasting with offering prayers to Him. My birthday is 18-11-1984 in ancient city of Bam in Karmen province. My father, Abbasi Hassani Ghaffari of the blessed memor

I am alive giving account of my life experiences saying Bismillahir Rahmani Raheem (In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful) who made it possible that i was in Senegal studying during the period of Earthquake that took place in Bam citadel of the early morning time on Friday the 26Th of December, 2003 that caused the instant death of my younger brother with other relatives though my father survived with serious multiple injuries. My father sent for me through our family lawyer of which i arrived Iran from Senegal and met him receiving treatment in a hospital bed in Tehran. My father gave me a file containing some documents and told me that our family lawyer is also with some money which he will be sending to me if i have need in my studies and other things things until he recovers from his injuries without sensing that death is already at the corner. On Tuesday the 30Th of December which is exactly five days after the earthquake, my father gave up the ghost and after his burial according to Islami

The bank requested me to appoint a representative on my behalf as trustee giving them YOUR:
Full Name:
Nationality/Address:
Occupation/Work:
Age:
Tel:

As soon as you send me the information above I will write a nomination latter to the bank, then the bank will communicate with you directly like they requested. I have already developed confidence with you since i believe knowing you was through divine intervention but please promise and assure me that you will always stand by me even after receiving the money in your account if you are willing to help me. My Persian name in Farsi language of Iran while Raha means Free so i am with the wish and desire that my freedom and liberty will come through your help and in all i proclaim Subhana Allah (Glory Be To Allah) for guiding me to know someone like you as i expect to see your reply soonest.

Your new friend, Shirin.
With love and care.

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