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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: "Mail Enquiry" <jw41@marihuana.ro> (may be fake)
Date: Tue, 5 Apr 2005 02:57:36 +0100
Subject: Re: My request from you (In Confidence)

FROM: Mr. James Williams.
Email: jw41@marihuana.ro


Re: My request from you (In Confidence)

Dear Sir,

Forgive me for approaching you in this manner to discuss a matter, which is
very sensitive indeed. Had I another alternative, I would have jumped at
it. All I ask is that you take some time to hear me out.

I am presently representing an individual; Mr. Luigi Morgera who is Italian
and worked in the accounts department of Parmalat until the financial
scandal that rocked the company became common knowledge. His movements have
since been restricted, and he remains in Milan under house arrest until the
investigators can ascertain that he did not benefit directly from the loss
of money.

Before the news broke, most highly placed staff of the company knew what
was going to happen, and took steps to secure their futures. My client
moved millions of Euros to safety. Late last year, I was able to come under
direct control of this funds, and we have now agreed that we must look for
a party who will hold control and invest these funds until the case against
him is dropped. This is why I approached you. I must say that we will
appreciate it if you give my offer some thought. Naturally, you will be
well compensated for your role. I look forward to your response.

Best regards,

James Williams
Email: jw41@marihuana.ro

N/B: Pardon my contacting you in this manner, i hope you will have no objection.



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