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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: "zhao jin" <zhaojin@shenzhenworld.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 19:30:27 +0000
Subject: {Spam?}

MR. ZHAO JIN
BOC, SHENZHEN.

To whom it may concern:
This is an independent private proposal which has become necessary based on
the quest to finish-off a pending transaction in private banking department
of our organization. This is sequel to investigations authorized by the
board for which reports have been submitted but the case is yet to be
closed.
The subject in questions was a client with my bank and until his demise had
an investment in millions, which has since reached its maturity. The subject
maintained a discrete relationship with us and never nominated a successor
to his investment. At the time of his demise he was yet to sign the mandate
card or nominate a legatee to his holdings with my bank, hence it has been
impossible to reach any relative even at his forwarding address.

On further investigation, I found out that he died intestate and all
attempts to any blood relation were fruitless. All investigations conducted
reveal that he did not declare any kin or relations in all his official
documents, including his Bank Deposit paperwork in my Bank. The deposited
sum is still available in a sundry account in my Bank and no one will ever
come forward to claim it.

Now, according to Laws of People Republic of China, It is ethical that his
investment with us be confiscated by government and to be reverted to
treasury but not quite, 'it would be diverted and embezzled by insincere
government executives if nobody applies to claim the funds i.e. at the end
of this financial quarter chances of conducting proposed transaction becomes
50-50. Consequently, my proposal is that I will like you as a foreigner to
stand in as the benefactor in other for us to be able to save the fruits of
this old man's labor from the hands of some corrupt government officials.

In other for us to do this, I will like you to provide immediately your full
names and address so that an attorney here will prepare the necessary
documents and affidavits that will enable you in place as the legatee. We
shall employ the services of an attorney for drafting and notarization of
the WILL and to obtain the necessary documents and letter of
probate/administration in your favor for the transfer. Afterward, we shall
apply legitimately for the money and transfer in your favor as the
beneficiary/legatee. The money will be paid into any nominated account for
us to share in the ratio that will be determined by both of us.

The risk involved here is very minimal and all the paperwork for this
transaction will be done by the attorney and my position as the Branch
Manager guarantees the successful execution of this transaction. If you are
interested; I request you kindly reply instantly to via this medium and upon
your response, I shall then provide you with more details and relevant
documents that will help you understand better this transaction.
My English is not perfect, but if you prefer to discuss first please send me
a private telephone so we schedule best time to talk. I hope you do not find
this message absurd as you can be rest assured that this would be most
profitable venture for both of us. I wait to hear from you whether positive
or not.

Yours Sincerely,
Zhao Jin.

z_jin@asiamail.com
zhaoj@asiamail.com

ATTENTION


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