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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: "Mr. Allan Wood" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <allan_wood01@e-mail.ua>
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 12:37:16 -0600
Subject: INVESTMENT IN YOUR COUNTRY, YOUR ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED

Dear Friend,
 
My urgent need for a foreign partner is the reason why i contacted you for this transaction I know that this message might meet you in utmost surprise.
 
 
However,I am very sure of your capability to champion this business opportunity with your position in your country.
 
I am a banker by profession here in London, United Kingdom ,And currently holding the post of Auditor general in our bank. i have the opportunity of transferring the left over funds ($10 Million Dollars) Ten Million United States Dollars Only of one of our clients who died along with his entire family by the Tsunami earthquake that stroke in Indonesia on 26 December 2004.
 
Hence,i contacted you because, you have the same last name as the deceased and he was from your country and for the fact that i know that you can handle this deal, I am inviting you for this business deal where this money will be shared between us in the ratio of 60/40% if you agree to my business proposal.
 
Further details of the transfer will be forwarded to you as soon as i receive your return email immediately you receive this letter.
 
Please indicate your willingness by getting back to me for more clarification.
 
I assure you that you will have access to the account online and also transfer the fund through international online bank transfer with your computer to any bank account of your choice.
 
You will be given the user name and password of the bank account to enable you view the money online through your computer so, you will not be required to travel to any other country rather, you will stay there in your country and complete this transaction.
 
 
Kindly get back to me with your details as stated below.
 
 
Full name
Mobile Phone Number
Country.
 
Hoping to hear from you as soon as possible.
Yours faithfully
Allan Wood

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