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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: Mrs Mary Morgan <mam.marymorgan@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 22:31:21 +0530
Subject: Possible Spam : My friend, can i trust you?

My Dear Friend,
 
I am very sure you can make a lot of difference by replying to my mail, become good friends in our Lord Jesus Christ and see that with greater power comes  greater responsibility. You can make a lot of changes in the life of others with this great offer from the Lord through me to you, most especially the poor at heart,
and the less privileged. Firstly, I think i would start all with a proper introduction of myself. I am Mrs. Mary Morgan, a widow to Late Engr Keith Howard Morgan. I am 61 years old, suffering from long time liver cancer. From all indications, my condition is really deteriorating and is quite obvious that I may not live more than two months according to my medical report, because the stage at which my cancer is (Level 3), it is so critical and also to a very severe stage.
I want to discuss something profitable with you. I want to be brief and go straight to the point. I have little time to leave on earth because of my sickness and now I want to use my funds for charity to the poor, motherless babies, widows, orphan, cancer patient and all that need help in your community. i have decide to give all my fund inheritance worth eighteen million US dollars and i need someone that i can trust to use this money for my wish here on earth. I did not decide to do this on my own, i got the message and revelation from our lord God early this year and its high time i do what God wants me to do before i leave this world. so i don't know if i can trust you with this charity mission and my funds?  I wish you will so that you can have a better life. I agree to give you 10% of my funds if you agree to run my charity mission in your country. Do get back to me on receipt of my plan.
 
Good Be With You,
Mary Morgan.

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