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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: "John Kono" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <johnarmsstrong24@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Nov 2016 00:10:03 -0000
Subject: RE:REPLY/URGENTLY.

Good Day,
 
Pardon me to contact you in this manner but I have too, Let me introduce myself to you. I am Mr. John Kono the Account Officer in Branch ( Zenith) bank in Ghana. I am writing to request your assistance to transfer the sum of (Fifteen million, United States dollars) into your accounts.
 
The above sum belongs to our late deceased customer who died along with his
entire family in the Benin plane crash 2005 and since then the fund has been
in a suspense account.
 
After my further investigation, I discovered that our late client died with his next of kin and according to the laws and constitution guiding this banking institution, it states that after the expiration of (7) seven years, if no body or person comes for the claim as the next of kin, the fund will be transferred to national treasury as unclaimed fund. Because of the static of this transaction I want you to stand as the next of kin so that our bank will accord you the recognition and have the fund transferred to your account.
 
The total sum will be shared as follows: 60% for me, 40% for you and all incidental expenses that may occur during the transfer process will be
incurred by both of us. The transfer is risk free on both sides hence you will follow my instructions till the fund get to your account.  More detailed information’s with the official application form will be forwarded to you to explain more  comprehensively what is required of you. You are free to call me through my private telephone number. +233230364758
 
Below are the information's needed to process the Legal documents in your name as Next of Kin legitimately.
 
Your Full Name.......................... ...
Your Sex...................................
Your Age...................................
Your Country....................... ........
Your Occupation.................... ......
Your Personal Mobile Number......................
 
Thanks and God bless you
John Kono

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