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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: "Williams Smith" <williams_smith004@yahoo.com.au> (may be fake)
Date: Tue, 3 May 2005 21:33:47 +0400
Subject: GREETINGS

Dear Friend,
In due respect I would Like to disclose a mutual transaction to you.
I am Mr.WILLIAMS SMITH Head Foreign Operation Unit of STALLION
SECURITY Safe and Vaultes company Services, .
We have a consignment in our custody valued at $5,000,000.00 USD (FiVE Million United States Dollars) which was deposited by one or
our customer from France. For the past six years it is been recorded in
our computer system that the beneficiary of the deposited consignment
is dead and up till date we have not received any signal from his
relatives forclaiming of the deposited consignment.
Further to the above, two of my colleagues and I, resolved to solicit
for your cooperation to move our this consignment to your destination
or to any of our sister's company in Europe for your collection, as
the beneficiary, we will be responsible for all the documentations that
will give your claim all legal backing needed.
However, as soon as I receive your favourable response then I will
update you on the mapped out procedures towards the successfull
shipment of this consignment to your destination.
I am looking forward for your kindly response.
Regards,
Williams Smith



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