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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: "Invest" <amasonda@live.com>
Reply-To: <amosmasonda@webmail.co.za>
Date: Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:02:25 +0400
Subject: Re Your Decision

I am a banker in South Africa, looking to invest a huge sum in any lucrative Investment
in your Country that can be closely monitored under your supervision. My reason of
contacting you is to cut out the middle man. Which is the accounting firm, which in
most cases will take up to 20 to 25% of such investment sum from the total amount that
I intend to invest. By so doing of cutting them out, it will safe me the cost of having
that percentage mapped out to you as your fraction.

The sum in question that I intend investing under your close supervision,
will be wired from a destination account in a bank base on your capability and commitment.

Your prompt response is highly anticipated should you concur to the above thanks.

Regards,

Mr. Amos Masonda
Email:amosmasonda@webmail.co.za
Tel +27 73 953 7714

Anti-fraud resources: