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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: "richard ezekiel" <info@african-leaders.com>
Reply-To: richardezekiel@ny.com
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 13:07:08 +0000
Subject: INVESTMENT INQUIRY

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
INTRODUCTION:

I am Mr.Richard Ezekiel, Chairman of the National Energy Committee under
the Ministry Of Lands, Mines and Energy in Liberia. First and foremost, I
apologized using this medium to reach you for a transaction/business
of this magnitude, but this is due to confidentiality and prompt access
reposed on this medium.

THE OBJECTIVE
An associate and I are interested in investing in any viable Industry
in your country. I would appreciate greatly if you can give me an
insight into business and possibility of nationalizing in country as we
intend
doing in the nearest future. The finance is affordable if only we can be
guaranteed of fair-play, equity, transparent and good partnership.

I wait in anticipation of your fullest co-operation. I am available
to entertain any questions concerning the clarity of this transaction.

Yours faithfully,



Mr. Richard Ezekiel


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