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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: Western Union Money Transfer <western.ni113@msn.com>
Reply-To: <westernun.bn@w.cn>
Date: Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:01:22 +0000
Subject: Western Union Money Transfer




Western Union Money TransferOne Bishops Square Akpakpa E1 6AO, CotonouBenin RepublicWebsite: http://www.westernunion.com/info/selectCountry.asPPhone: +229 99433163E-mail: westernun.bn@w.cn
Attention: Beneficiary,
This to inform you that the federal ministry of finance Benin Republic has started releasing Scam victim compensation fund mandated by United Nation Organization through our office.
I am contacting you because our agent have sent you the first payment of $5,000 for your compensation funds total amount of $500 000 USD (Five hundred thousand united state dollar)
We need your urgent response so that we shall release your payment information to you.
You can call our hot-line for urgent response. ( +229 987 58 057 )
Our pleasure to be of your service.
Wishing You best success.

Sincerely,Dr.Frank L.JosephDirector Western Union MoneyBenin RepublicPhone: +229 99433163E-mail: westerun.bn@w.cn

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