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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: "Zodaw M.Botha" <zdwbh04@hotmail.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2005 11:03:53 +0200
Subject: why i write you!

ZODAW M.BOTHA
TEL; +27-76-223-9702
EMAIL: zdwbh04@hotmail.com

Dear Sir,

HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL

USD10.5MILLION-BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

I will begin by introducing myself to you as the Chief Accounting Officer,
Department of Energy and Mineral resources, Republic of South Africa I have
the privilege of having your name, courtesy of one of the International
Business Journals here, and I am writing to solicit your sincere
co-operation in order to redeem an investment interest currently being held
under TRUST with the DEPARTMENT of ENERGY and MINERAL RESOURCES.
The said investment, which is, now valued at USD10.5M was originally
purchased by MR.GARVIN MALUSI and leased in 1999 to LABROUTH INVESTMENTS
LIMITED.
At maturity of the contract in May 2000, several attempts have been made
without success, to contact Mr. GARVIN MALUSI or any of his relatives in
whose favour the cash value for the redeemed investment could be made.

As the Head of accounts in the Department, I have, with my Director General
(DG) carefully initiated the process of filing a claim for the money with
the hope of having the Fund Transferred abroad for investment on our behalf
and, we are hopeful you will agree with our intention to arrange payment of
the claim in your name.We require that you let us prepare and file the claim
for the money from this Department indicating your name as the appointed
beneficiary of the FUND. Upon approval of the payment of this claim, you
will Beeped, TEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS
(US$10.5 Million), and since the money will be paid directly into an bank
account to be nominated by you, you will have the responsibility to ensure
that we receive our share of the money which I and my colleague have decided
will be 70% while you will keep 25% as your personal commission, and 5% will
be set aside for expenses that might arise during the cause of transfer.

I have to assure you however, that we are to make the payment of the Fund
possible, provided you are ready to give us a very strong GUARANTEE that our
share of the fund will be secured in your Hands and that you would not
betray our trust in making the transfer of the Fund into your Bank account.

This is a very safe and risk-free involvement as it is not prone to any
Enquirer since we are all active partners and will not want to loose our
positions in Government and the Department.

Meanwhile I demand that you keep this transaction very Private and
confidential in view of our personal involvement. Full details of the
processes for the claim will be provided as soon as we receive your response
and acceptance to be part of this agreement.
I expect the immediate indication of your interest by calling my private
numbers above or alternatively by e-mail.

Kindly adopt and treat accordingly.

NB. Remember to include your private phone and fax number.
Best regards,

ZODAW M.BOTHA

_________________________________________________________________
Find a job, book a flight, search for a car - visit MSN South Africa!
http://www.msn.co.za/

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