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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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.

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

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Fraud email example:

From: "Family in need" <w6000y2k@netscape.net>
Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2004 04:24:54
Subject: Letter from Zimbabwe

Sir,
URGENT BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP

I was the chairman of contract review panel in my country before the problem of the land
reform program in my country Zimbabwe. Before the escalation of the
situation in Zimbabwe I recovered $16.8Million US dollars from over inflated contracts by
some government officials.

But I was a member of the opposition party the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change),
and the ruling Party, (ZANU PF) has been against us. So I had to flee
the country for a neighbouring African Country which I am currently residing.

Before the escalation of the situation in Zimbabwe I had not reported the recovery of my
findings to the panel. So this money was in my possession and I lodged it in
a security company here in Africa and currently this money has been moved to their security
branch in Europe. I have been trying to fly to Europe but it has been
difficult for me to get a visa from Africa.

So I want you to help me make claims of this fund($16m) in Europe as my beneficiary and
transfer the money to your account or any account of your choice before I
can get a visa to fly down. So that we can share this money.

I have agreed to give you 10%,which would be ($1.6Million dollars) of this Money for your
assistance, and 87% would be mine and the other 3% would be set
aside for any expenses that we may incure during the course of this transaction. And part of
my 87% would be invested in your country in any profitable business
propossed by you. While a large part of my share will be also be used to help the suffering
people of my country.

We have never met, but I want to trust you and please do not let me down when this fund
finally gets into your account. Please if you are interested, get to me
through my email address to enable me feed you with more details and all necessary
documentations.

Please treat this as confidential

Best regards.

NOTE: YOU CAN READ ABOUT PROBLEMS IN ZIMBABWE FROM THE LINKS BELOW

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/918781.stm>
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/715001.stm>
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/1063785.stm>

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam