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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Fraud email example:

From: t_allen01@tiscali.co.uk
Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2005 16:25:01 -0700
Subject: REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED

From: Thomas Allen
Email: thomas_allen01@yahoo.com

ATTN: Please,

I represent Grand Import and export; we export raw
materials like cocoa, palm kernel, oysters shells, etc
from Africa to Clients in America and Canada for
production of household products. We have our offices
in Asia and Africa with head office in Europe, we are
trying to expand to America, but we do not currently
have an office there, that's why we are searching for
companies or individuals who would serve as agents
that can work with us for the expansion of our
network.

We have Debtors presently in USA and Canada that owe
the firm, and because we do not have an office or
agent over there at present we are having difficulties
in clearing our money because they only pay through
checks as you know, and it is expensive to run that
way. What we need now is an agent that can help clear
such checks, to facilitate our expansion bid by
representing the company's interest and will be paid
commission for services rendered {cost of your
services is negotiable}. After you cash any payment
made by a client you deduct your commission and then
you will send the balance to our designated account.

If willing to help please send your full names and
mailing details and phone numbers via e-mail to us, so
that we can incorporate you as an accredited agent.

Your Sincerely,
Thomas Allen




___________________________________________________________

Book yourself something to look forward to in 2005.
Cheap flights - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/travel/flights/
Bargain holidays - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/travel/holidays/




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