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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: "Dr. Martins Umeh" <martins_attn@yahoo.fr> (may be fake)
Date: Thu, 21 Jul 2005 15:05:52 +0100
Subject: FINANCIAL TRANSACTION

Dr Martins Umeh
Please Reply: martins_attn@yahoo.fr
Tel.Phone:234-804-343-0997


REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE IN A FINANCIAL TRANSACTION

I write to seek your cooperation as my foreign partner and your assistance to enable me to own various properties and invest in the stable economy of your country. Suggestion on any profitable venture in your Country will be appreciated. We really need your assistance in developing and implementing a solid investment plan in your Country.

I apologise if this mail does not suit your personal or business ethics.
My names are Dr. Martins Umeh, I am making this venture proposal to you in strict confidence. The money we want to invest was acquired from an over invoiced contract proceed the amount in question is $25.500,000.00 Million US dollars. If you will like to assist me as a foreign partner, then indicate your interest after which we shall both discuss on the modalities.

All other information to facilitate the remittance of the funds will be revealed to you in due course. For your assistance, you shall receive 20% of the fund to be transferred and 10% will be set aside for all expenses incurred by both parties.

I will like my proposal to be kept confidential because of what I explained above and you can reach me urgently on my Telephone Number:234-804-343-0997.

Please indicate your direct telephone and fax number when replying this business proposal. Looking forward to speaking with you.

Best regards,

Dr. Martins Umeh
NB. A swift acknowledgement on the reciept of this mail will be appreciated.



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