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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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Fraud email example:

From: "Mr Ambrose Eric" <ericeric@xasamail.com>
Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2005 03:50:24 +0100
Subject: FROM SADDAM HUSSEIN'S PALACE THE TREASURE

FROM SADDAM HUSSEIN'S PALACE THE TREASURE
REPLY TO:ambrose_eric@jumpy.it
Dear Friend,

I got your contact from the World Trade Organisation
directory of the US, Canada & European Union and I am very
sorry to interrupt your peace since you are not expecting
to receive any mail from me.

However, I was obliged to do so due to the importance and
urgency of the message. I crave your indulgence, and want
to reassure you that I mean well and that it is only for
our mutual good. So please do not be embarrassed.

My name is Dr.Ambrose Eric; I am a social worker with an
international- governmental/Voluntary organization based in
Switzerland. I am the ccounts/ Project Director in-charge
of the Middle East regional resentation. Our organization,
through local NGO'S and other Agencies and in partnership
with the United Nations High Commission for refugees,
UNHCR, UNESCO, etc works and sponsors development projects
and social services in some third world/ developing
countries, assistance and re-settlement of victims of
natural disaster, civil wars and Refugees,
displaced/oppressed children and minority people around the
world.

I am just back from Iraq where in the cause of performing
our duties we found a huge amount of cash in an abandoned
Palace, I reached an agreement with the members of my team
whom are UN officials and we agreed to keep this money to
ourselves and then moved the box out of Iraq to Europe
(with their immunity as UN officials they are not searched
at borders or airports). Now, I am in need of a reliable
and trustworthy person or company overseas whom I can
confidently work with since my work does not permit me to
own a foreign bank account or any personal business until
retirement, I have the honor to confide this information in
you and to request for your pleasure to assist to receive
and secure the money in your account, pending our
retirement from service.

Please understand that my approach to you is based only on
my positive reasoning and on the belief that you will not
disappoint or betray me at last. The amount is fairly huge
and we have agreed that on completion of the deal, you will
retain some reasonable percentage of the (20%) as a
compensation for your assistance. the amount of the money
is TWENTY EIGHT MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS To consider
our official positions, reputation and integrity,
especially,the opportunities in the business itself, it is
very necessary that all due care be taken so that we do not
miss the opportunity due to carelessness.

You are therefore expected and advised to display high
degree of maturity,responsibility and understanding in
handling this information. I will give you all the details
in my next mail when you have indicated your interest and
commitment to work with me. Always remember that this is
the highest confidence and trust any person can repose on
the other, especially when it is considered that we did not
know ourselves before.I hope you will honor me too. We can
come over to join you for sharing and to guarantee that we
have unlimited access to you before and when the funds hit
your account. Moreso for an effective and easy communiation
I will advice that you furnish me with your telephone, cell
and I eagerly await your positive response.

Please kindly send your response to my alternative e-mail
address:(ambrose_eric@jumpy.it)

Best regards,
Dr Ambrose Eric.

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