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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: "Capt.Wendy Swartz" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <wendyswartz101@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Thu, 15 May 2014 04:45:02 -0700
Subject: Greetings

Greetings
 
My Name is Capt. Wendy Schwartz i am a member of the U.S ARMY USARPAC medical team, which was deployed to Iraq at the beginning of the war in Iraq. But you and i know that the war has ended But i am still in Iraq because i have some funds in a consignment deposited with a security company, for me to proved this to you, see the site below for more information
 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm
 
I got your contact from your email chambers of commerce Directory,from your country who told me how reliable you are and am contacting you based on the fact that you are relaible, you are going to give me your trust in carrying out this project which will be of benefit for both of us, i will give you 40% of the Total sum as your share after the transaction has been completed.
 
I will need you to assist me to received This funds in a consignment.
 
As soon as i hear from you i will give you details.
 
Regards,
Capt. Wendy Schwartz.

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