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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: "steve brian" <brian_100@tiscali.co.uk>
Reply-To: mrbrian1@katamail.com
Date: Wed, 8 Jun 2005 13:02:29 +0200
Subject: Trust

Hello,
Do accept my sincere apologies if my mail does not meet your personal ethics.


I am, by introduction, a branch manager of one of the most reputable financial
institutions here in the United Kingdom and my name is Steve Brian.
One of our accounts at the headquarters with holding balance of 15,000,000(Fifteen
Million British Pounds) has been dormant and has not been operated for the
past 4 years. From my investigations and Confirmations, the owner of this
account a foreigner by name Austin Martin died in August 2000 and since then
nobody has done anything as regards the claiming of this money because he
has no family members who are aware of the existence of neither the account
nor the funds. Also information From the National Immigration states that
he was also single on entry into the UK.

I must tell you at this junction that i was intimated of this whole affair
by my bank chairman, board of directors who is a confidant and a close personal
friend. He has mandated me in confidence to look out for a reliable foreign
partner to deal with. We thus propose to do business with you, standing in
as the next of kin of these funds from the deceased and funds will then be
released to you after due processes have been followed. You will be required
to provide a bank account to receive these funds. We can use your existing
bank account or you may establish a fresh account for this purpose, even
an empty bank account will do. Only ensure it is an account that you have
full control over. I, as an insider, will guide you through all official
procedure till the final remittance of the total inheritance fund into your
nominated offshore account. Thereafter at the end of a successful transfer,
we (the chairman, you and my humble self) will share the funds at a ratio
to be discussed and agreed upon later. I am hoping that you will indeed prove
trustworthy and reliable, however I intend to transfer only 5 million pounds
first and when you have proved your capability in handling this, will then
transfer the balance of 10 million.

Note that this is legitimate as the funds does not originate from drug, money
laundry, terrorism or any other illegal act, all that is required here to
ensure success is commitment, sincerity and ability and willingness to handle
this with utmost confidentiality.

Admittedly, transactions of this magnitude will definitely incure some financial
expense, especially as the account has become dormant having been untouched
since August year 2000. I have actually done a feasibility study and i am
sure it will take something in the region of 35 to 50 thousand US dollars
to see it thru. This will include cost of international transfer (COT) all
legal charges, account reactivation fee and others. But this should not be
any worry for you as i will arrange to have all expenses covered so that
you do not have to spend any of your personal money upfront. All these will
depend greatly on your readiness and willingness to be straightforward, sincere
and reliable all through this transaction. I am hoping that you will not
disappoint me now or in the future. Note that at the end of a successful
transfer of the initial 5 million pounds, i will come over to your country
for my share. And also at the end of a successful transfer of the balance
10 million, i will also come over for our share and possible investment in
your country.
On receipt of this mail, reach me if you are willing to do this with me,
i will in turn give you further details on modalities to ensure a hitch-free
transfer. And if you think you do not want to spend any of your personal
money in financing this upfront, also let me know so that i will immediately
arrange to have money sent to you to cover expenses. Do include your private
phone numbers for more confidential discussions on your response. You may
also send me some form of concrete identification like the data page of your
international passport or driver?s license just to know you better. I wait
to hear from you soonest.
Best regards,
S. Brian.

DISCLAIMER: This message contains confidential information and is intended
only for the specified addressee. If you are not the named addressee, you
should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. The sender therefore
does not accept liability for any actions that may be visited upon an unauthorized
third party. Please note that we reserve the right to monitor and read any
emails sent and received under the Telecommunications (Lawful Business Practice)
(Interception of Communications) Regulations 2000 ONLY. You are therefore
strongly advised in your interest to completely delete if you are not the
intended addressee.



___________________________________________________________

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