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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 Kivi Kangas <mrskivikangas24@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2015 14:18:41 +0200
Subject: Hello Dear,

*Hello Dear,I am writing this mail with tears and sorrow seeking your
assistance due to my medical situation here in London. I am Mrs Kivi
Kangas, citizen of Finland and 68 years old. I was an Orphan, adopted by my
late father, Engr. Grain Kangas, Chairman/CEO of Grainkangas Oil and Gas
Services. After the death of my father, I took over his company management
and also decided not to get married since I am his only Child.Since then, I
started suffering from Coronary heart disease which has cost me a lot and
also affected every part of my body and brain cells due to complications.
Just 5 days ago, the British doctors told me that I may die any time
because my condition has gotten to a critical and life threatening stage.
Having known my medical critical status, I therefore decided to seek for
your urgent assistance/ cooperation to use my inheritance $18.3 Million
USD, to Build Orphanage homes in memory of me when am gone.I took this bold
decision because I do not have husband, family or children that can inherit
these funds when am gone. If interested, you shall take 25% out of the
total money for your assistance, and also use the balance to build
Orphanage homes in memory of me. If interested, get back to me urgently
for more details and to proceed.Immediately I hearing from you through this
email( mrskivikangas24@gmail.com <mrskivikangas24@gmail.com> ), I shall
issue you AUTHORIZATION LETTER, to establish you as my legal beneficiary in
receiving the money on my behalf.I am waiting to hearing from you
urgently.Regards,Mrs Kivi Kangas*

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