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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: "Caroline Mikks" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <carolinemikks@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:00:29 +0100
Subject: Proposal ( Reply immediatly)

My Beloved Friend,
     
    I am Mrs. Caroline Mikks from  USA. I was married to Late Eng. David Mikks of blessed memory who was a CEO of a Gas Saver producing company in Fukushima Japan for 25 years. He died along with our two children on the 11Th March 2011. Tsunami flood disaster that flushed away our Home, Company and beautiful city Fukushima. Since his death I too have been battling with Cancer problems. When my late Husband was alive he deposited a substantial amount of money worth of $10,500,000USD Ten Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States dollars with a Bank abroad which I inherited after his death as his only wife.
 
    Recently, my doctor told me that I have few months to live due to my ailment. Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to either a charity/orphanage home through devoted God fearing individual that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct therein. I want this organization or individual to use this money in all sincerity to fund charity homes (Motherless homes), Orphanages, cancer victims, and Widows. I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and I feel helping the needy will be the best decision for me at this point in time.  I would  be happy if  this money will be used in a holy/reasonable manner, hence the reasons for this bold decision.
 
  As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you further directives on what to do and how to go about actualizing this project with help of my personal lawyer. I will also instruct my lawyer to file an application on your behalf to the bank where the funds were deposited for the transfer of the money to you for this purpose.
 
 
  Please kindly note that I shall only transfer this money to you through cash delivery transaction system with the help of my financial institution. I don't need any bank transfer in regards to this transaction because I don't want my husband relatives to know the location which I moved the money.
 
    Any delay in your reply will give room in sourcing for an organization or a devoted Individual for this same purpose. I need you to provide me with the following details below while responding to this email to enable me introduce you to my lawyer officially:
 
Full names:
Current address:
Country of origin:
Age:
Occupation:
Mobile:
 
Until I hear from you by email. My dreams will rest squarely on your shoulders.
 
Note: Due to my health problems my husband relatives have access to my business email which I am using to contact you I would advise you to send your reply through this my private email address: carolinemikks@yahoo.com.hk for more effective communications because I want to keep this transaction away from them, thanks for your great understandings.
 
May God be with you and your entire family as you. I want you to always pray for me.
 
Remain blessed.
 
Mrs. Caroline Mikks.

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