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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: "Dr Steve Mapo" <iib_info@yahoo.com> (may be fake)
Reply-To: stevemapo@yahoo.it
Date: Mon, 30 May 2005 18:00:35 +0100
Subject: Investment

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am Dr. Steve Mapo member of the Tenders Committee, Department Minerals and Energy, Republic of South Africa.
I want you to assist us in the transfer of US$17.1m for investment in properties in your country. You will be required to: -
(1) Assist in the transfer of the said sum.
(2) Advise on lucrative areas for investment.
(3) Assist us in purchase of properties.
Should you be willing to assist us, your share of the sum will be 27% of the US$17.1M, 67% for us and 6% for miscellaneous expenses.
I will appreciate you Indicate your interest by including your confidential phone and fax numbers in your positive responses to my email:stevemapo@yahoo.it this will enable us furnish you with further information on the procedures and modalities on how funds will be transferred or made available to you.
I can only receive your email and Telephone calls with the info below.
Direct Tel: +871 762 919750
Direct Fax: +871 762 919751
Email address: stevemapo@yahoo.it
I await your immediate response.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steve Mapo



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